PRESIDENTS’ PEN
ANZAC Day – 25 April 2015 – is probably Australia's most important national occasion. It marks the 100th anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
Anzac Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day on which we remember Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The spirit of Anzac, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity.
We also remember the sacrifices made by Bank staff (Bank of Australasia, Union Bank of Australia, English Scottish & Australian Bank, Bank of Adelaide and later ANZ Bank) particularly during the First and Second World Wars but also the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
During the First World War, nearly 40% of our male staff were volunteers and joined the various armed services. The Bank supported those who joined the armed services and made up the pay difference of men who enlisted to equal the salary that the men enjoyed in the Bank. With the loss of male staff, the Bank had to adjust to the novel experience of women bank clerks. Over time women joined the Bank to replace those who had gone to war, but women were not allowed custody of cash and were kept away from direct contact with customers.
During the Second World War, the Bank of Australasia, Union Bank of Australia, English Scottish and Australian Bank, and Commonwealth Bank (as well as four other banks) relocated their London head office to shared premises at Sandroyd School, at Cobham Surrey. Only a skeleton staff remained in London. Many bank staff again rose to the occasion. In Australia and New Zealand, bank staff enlisted or after 1941 were conscripted and replaced by women. By 1943 over 60% of pre-war male staff were in the services. A truly noble sacrifice.
At this time we remember those who have served in all wars and conflicts. Our April meeting will recognise those who served and also those who have made the supreme sacrifice. In the main banking chamber of 388 Collins Street, are Rolls of Honour that list those Australian Bank staff of Bank of Australasia, Union Bank and ES & A Bank who served in the First World Wars. If you are in the city, take the time to view and remember our fallen Bank colleagues. (Photos of the Rolls of Honour are also on our website).
Details of our April ANZAC meeting are in this newsletter. Please consider coming to this special meeting.
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