The Bank & the World Wars

Few events have played a more important role in the culture of Australian life and that of its near neighbour, New Zealand, than the two world wars of the 20th century. The legends of the ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) have grown out of these wars, and in each, the Bank of NSW and its future partner, The Commercial Bank of Australia(CBA), had a proud role to play.

When Australians fought in World War I, the Government relied on volunteers to serve their country and from the first, the staff of both banks eagerly answered the call. Of the Bank of NSW's 1,950 male staff, 793 enlisted, resulting in a loss of 130 lives. Of the 319 men who enlisted from the smaller Commercial Bank of Australia, 51 were killed.

During World War II enlistment amongst bank staff was again high. From the Bank of NSW 3,330 men (some 71% of male staff ) joined up and of those, 284 lost their lives. From the CBA some 980 staff enlisted with the loss of 53 lives.

The Bank, in recognition of their fighting spirit and concern for the welfare of its staff, paid supplementary wages to all serving in the armed forces and pensions were paid to the widows and families of those who did not return.