History of Europe

How much were British soldiers paid during this first world war?

The pay of British soldiers during World War I varied depending on their rank and length of service. Here are some examples of the daily pay rates for certain ranks:

- Private: 1 shilling and 3 pence (approximately 10 cents in today's value).

- Corporal: 1 shilling and 9 pence.

- Sergeant: 2 shillings and 6 pence.

- Lieutenant: 7 shillings and 6 pence.

- Captain: 12 shillings and 6 pence.

- Major: 1 pound, 5 shillings, and 6 pence.

- Colonel: 1 pound, 15 shillings, and 6 pence.

In addition to their daily pay, soldiers also received a separation allowance for their dependents. The amount of the allowance varied based on the number of dependents and the soldier's rank.

It's worth noting that the cost of living during World War I was significantly higher than it had been before the war, so the purchasing power of these salaries was lower than they would be in today's economy.