Cost Of Dying
489365 Private Thomas Mercer
What price is placed on a human life? During World War I, the Government of Canada paid soldiers such as Private Thomas Mercer, the lowest rank within the army, the sum of $1.00 per day. If the soldier was on active duty in the field, he was paid an extra ten cents. Below are two documents, one showing his rate of pay, cash advances, etc. The second one shows that after his death, no War Service Gratuity was paid to his family as he was not eligible.
