Exhibits
The Corporate Archives curates physical and digital exhibits from our collections to tell BMO’s story over the years. Our aim is to provide a better understanding of the defining moments in our history.
Honouring service, inspiring the future
BMO’s longstanding connection with the Canadian Defence Community (CDC) is woven into the history of the organization and the nation. During the Second World War, young men and women left BMO branches to serve their nation, with many enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Some flew dangerous missions over Europe. Others strengthened the force at home. Some earned distinction for acts of bravery and some, tragically, never returned.
Through our partnership with the RCAF Foundation, BMO is proud to provide scholarships to young Canadians pursuing careers that will shape the future of flight, innovation and national resilience. Six of these scholarships have been named in honour of BMO employees who served in the RCAF during the Second World War.
We congratulate the Canadian students who earned these scholarships and honour those who came before. To celebrate this initiative, our Corporate Archives has curated capsules with historic photographs and documents that highlight BMO’s enduring commitment to the CDC. Explore each capsule to discover BMO’s legacy of supporting those who served and those who continue to answer the call of duty. Congratulation winners!
Supporting the RCAF on the homefront
Supporting the RCAF abroad
When BMO employees answered the call
The homefront effort
Welcoming our veterans home
Serving the Allied cause
Thank for your service
BMO is proud of the contributions made by our staff past and present.
(Transcribed from Field of Honour: The Second World War 1939-1945, published by Bank of Montreal)
Pilot Officer Joseph Frederic Chevalier
“Born in Montreal, on February 21st, 1921, he received his education at Selwyn House School, Montreal and at Ampleforth College, Yorkshire, England. Entering the bank in August, 1938, he was first attached to Beatty & Verdun Avenues branch, Verdun, Que. and later served at Montreal branches and in Valleyfield, Que., before he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force from the latter office in November, 1940. He was a keen participant in sports, especially skiing, hockey, tennis and motorcycling and on entering the Air Force displayed the same enthusiasm in his new duties. After training at Regina, Sask., Debert, N.S., Macdonald and Rivers, Man., he received his Observer’s “Wing” at the latter centre in July, 1941, and his commission in August, shortly before proceeding to England. There he was attached to 61 Squadron, Royal Air Force, operating from North Luffenham, Rutlandshire, and with that unit took part in many raids against the enemy. During this time he became a member of the famous “Caterpillar Club”, the membership of which was restricted to those who had had to leave their aircraft by parachute. Following a mine-laying operation of Terschelling Island, near the coast of Belgium, on the night of March 29th, 1942, his aircraft failed to return and he was posted as missing. He is now officially reported as “Presumed dead” as a result of that operation.”
Flying Officer Nelson Leslie Gordon
“Born at Bay Roberts, Newfoundland, on July 10th, 1924, he completed his education at Canso High School, Canso, N.S., where he took an active part in the production of the school newspaper. On leaving school he entered the Bank at North End branch, Halifax, in July, 1941, and served there until June of the following year, when he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He received his “Wings” at Camp Borden, Ont. in July, I943, and was promoted to the rank of Pilot Officer before going overseas shortly after. He took part in many operations and was a pilot in a Typhoon squadron that helped provide air cover during the first landings in Normandy in June of 1944. A month before his death his squadron made a train strafing sortie over Germany, successfully attacking three trains near Wesel before turning for home – he with his ammunition exhausted and another aircraft badly damaged by flak. The pilot of the latter, unable to keep up with the rest of the squadron, reported by radio that he would follow alone, but F/O Gordon, although incapable of firing a shot, insisted on accompanying him, thereby foregoing the protection of the guns of his squadron. As the damaged Typhoon struggled on from Wesel to the River Maas it was subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire. Despite his silenced guns, F/O Gordon dived at the gun posts as if attacking and by his tactics diverted attention from the other plane which escaped the fire. His promotion to the rank of Flying Officer took effect as from January 31st, 1945, one day before he was killed in action against the enemy.”
Flight Lieutenant Jack Griffin Lee
“Born at Ingersoll, Ont. on September 19th, 1914, he attended Woodstock Public School, St. Thomas Collegiate Institute and the University of Western Ontario, before entering the Bank at Market Square branch, London, Ont. in July, 1933. He served at several branches in Ontario and was attached to Queen’s Park branch, Toronto, when he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in February, 1941. On completion of his training as an Observer he was granted a commission and posted as a Navigation Instructor to No. 3 Air Observers School at Regina, Sask. and subsequently served at Pennfield Ridge, N.B., Pearce, AIta. and other Canadian stations before proceeding Overseas in November, 1942. There he saw extensive service in Africa, Italy, England and over Europe and after completing many successful missions as a Navigator was assigned the duties of Squadron Navigation Leader of 424 Squadron – a post generally of non-flying nature. He was anxious to fly, however, and seized an early opportunity to take part in a sortie over the Kattegat, between Denmark and Sweden. From that operation, which took place on the night of October 15th, 1944, he failed to return and he and his crew were listed as missing. Months later information was received that his Halifax aircraft had been intercepted and shot down near Holstebro in Denmark.”
AWARDED:
The Distinguished Flying Cross (London Gazette, 13th October, 1944)
The citation reads:
“For great gallantry in performance of his duty while serving with No. 424 Squadron, R.C.A.F. This officer has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.”
Flight Lieutenant Edward Lapage Robinson
“Born in Vancouver on April 17th, 1910, he received his education at the Lord Roberts and King George High Schools, and at the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver. There he began his banking career at Cordova Street East branch in June, 1928, later serving at several other branches in British Columbia. At school he played English Rugby but after graduation golf, tennis and badminton became his chief interests. He attained prominence at 16th Avenue & Cambie Streets branch in Vancouver when, with the manager, he thwarted a hold-up by opening fire on two armed bandits who, as a result, retreated empty handed. He was employed at Marine Building branch when, in April, 1941, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. On completion of training in Canada he was granted a commission and awarded his “Wings” and was then posted to 145 (BR) Squadron stationed at Torbay, Nfld. On October 30th, 1942, while on a dawn patrol some 350 miles out at sea, he sighted an enemy submarine which he immediately attacked with depth charges and machine gun fire. Three charges dropped from a height of less than 50 feet blasted the U-boat out of the water into which it then sank amidst an oil slick and myriad bubbles. For this skilful and daring operation Flight Lieutenant Robinson was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After engaging in many other patrols he met his death while making an instrument take-off on October, 2nd, 1943, when for reasons unknown, the aircraft burst into flames and exploded, instantly killing the entire crew.”
POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED
The Distinguished Flying Cross
(Canada Gazette, 26th November, 1943)
The citation reads:
“This officer has carried out numerous operational sorties during the past year and shown himself to be a most capable and skillful pilot. While on an operational sweep recently he sighted an enemy submarine which was surfacing. Flying Officer Robinson manoeuvered into position and was able to carry out a perfect attack which, it is believed, destroyed the submarine. His excellent work has inspired confidence in his crew.”