Veronica Foster

a.k.a. "Ronnie the Bren Gun Girl"

Born to parents Daniel Leo Foster and Catherine Frances Alphonine (nee Empey) on January 2 1922 in Canada.

WW II

Canadian weapons manufacturer, John Inglis Company Ltd., was producing the Bren Light Machine Gun during this time. See this 1941 photo as example.

With the men off to war, who would work in the factory? This company, like many others, hired women into their work force. Veronica Foster was selected by the company to represent them as their model, and would be seen posing next to the Bren Machine Gun.

Her a.k.a. was created "Ronnie the Bren Gun Girl,"' "Canada's World War II Poster Icon."

Referred to as the equivalent of America's "Rosie the Riveter," it is important to note Veronica came first and was an actual person. Often seen smoking a cigarette, for a sexier effect, Veronica never smoked tobacco. This confirmed by her daughter Laura.

After the war, Veronica was employed as a professional model and also became a vocalist in the "Mart Kenny and his Western Gentlemen" Band. Veronica met and married George Guerrette, an accomplished trombone player. The couple had five children together, not seven as commonly reported.

Veronica died in the year 2000 in Ontario, Canada.