Lest We Forget

To remember those from The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) and its merged companies for their war efforts in the Great War, 1914-1918 (World War I) and World War II, 1939-1945, please visit the Those Who Served page and view the names of the individuals who enlisted.

The Great War, 1914-1918

From every corner of the Dominion, from Newfoundland, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the United States, staff of the Bank answered the call to arms. With so many men enlisting to serve, the need to replace them, (either in the branches or at General Office) was met with the hiring of women. A significant number of women were added to the payroll registers of the Bank during this time of sacrifice and difficulties.

The Bank of Nova Scotia:
By the time the war had ended, 612 staff members had enlisted for military service. 81 made the supreme sacrifice, 91 were wounded, and 3 reported missing.

The Bank of Ottawa:
288 staff members had enlisted for military service. 21 made the supreme sacrifice, 17 wounded, and 2 reported missing.

National Trust Company:
54 staff members had enlisted for military service. 10 made the supreme sacrifice.

The National Trust war plaque, for the Great War, 1914-1918.

World War II, 1939-1945

The call to arms was responded to with great numbers, and women once again filled the void left by the men who enlisted. During World War II, female staff members also met the call to enlist. When war broke out, there were 487 women on staff and by 1945 there were 1,837. Staff not being able to serve overseas also added to the war effort by the selling of Victory bonds within the branches.

The Bank of Nova Scotia:
A total of 950 men and women enlisted to serve their country. 81 made the supreme sacrifice.

National Trust Company:
Total number enlisted is unknown, but 9 made the supreme sacrifice.

The British Mortgage & Trust Company:
One staff member enlisted and safely returned.

The Book of Remembrance

The Book of Remembrance was created to remember the officers of The Bank of Nova Scotia, who gave their lives in both World Wars. We have provided the first three pages of this illuminated book.