collection - City of Hamilton Military Records fonds

During the First and Second World Wars, the City of Hamilton and its various departments contributed to the military operations by purchasing Victory Bonds, which helped the Canadian government finance the war efforts without having to raise taxes on citizens. The City of Hamilton also kept records of casualties, both killed and wounded, as well as created Honour Rolls for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The city also kept insurance records of soldiers who had purchased insurance policies on behalf of their dependents in case of death overseas. Realizing that many soldiers could not afford this luxury, the city made an effort to financially insure the lives of the local enlisted men with the help of insurance companies and money from the city departments. City Council created the Soldiers Benefit Fund Committee to administer the money and determine who was eligible to receive assistance. By 1920, 551 residents were receiving payments to lessen the hardships faced by the dependents of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.