Cpl Hugh Mercer - Seaforth Highlanders Of Canada

I'm looking for ideas, any info on Cpl. Hugh Mercer. He served with the Seaforth Highlanders Of Canada. I've done a search through the Veterans Affairs Canada, which led me to the grave that he is buried in, in Italy, however I have no other info on where he might have served, how he might have died, etc...If there are any Canadian members, or people that know the system in Canada with requesting Military service, will it provide me with just the basics, or anything more?

 

Here is the link to where his service file is located in Ottawa as well as information on how to access it:

Item Display - Second World War Service Files: Canadian Armed Forces War Dead - Library and Archives Canada

 

I swear Canadian Government web sites are the worst laid out EVER! I hadn't found that page before, thanks!

 

This is one time they don't get the blame. They had been trying for years to get this online to save people one part of the application process and despite a whole rash of I/T problems got it online in February 2008.

They will send you (current waiting time is 4-6 months) 25 pages selected from his service file. They refer to it as the "genie package". Good thing is that it's free, bad thing is you really have no say in what you get. I pay the 40 cents a page photocopying fees and request specific pages.

Nonetheless, whatever you get will tell you a lot more than is known now.

If you live near Ottawa it's worth going in and personally examining the entire file. They now allow digital cameras in the reading rooms.

 

Thats good to know, thanks! I have a friend in Ottawa, so since it's free, I assume anyone can go in with the proper information on the person they want to search and have at it?

 

Hi Greg,

Have you friend read all the information here:

Preparing for a Visit - The Public - Library and Archives Canada

He will have to register to get a reader's card (they don't let you in the building without it - but it can now be done online)

But he can order the box that this service file will be in in advance which is also explained in the link above. So, ideally, he shows up when the place opens, gets the card in the lobby, proceeds up to the reading room and the box should be waiting.

In the box it will not just be Mercer's file. They put, on average, 10 KIA files in one box so make sure your friend has the right Mercer before he starts filming.