diff --git a/Strategic/Strategic Merc Handler.cpp b/Strategic/Strategic Merc Handler.cpp
index 328fa3bf1..aa568a168 100644
--- a/Strategic/Strategic Merc Handler.cpp	
+++ b/Strategic/Strategic Merc Handler.cpp	
@@ -80,6 +80,12 @@ void StrategicHandlePlayerTeamMercDeath( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier )
 	//if the soldier HAS a profile
 	if( pSoldier->ubProfile != NO_PROFILE )
 	{
+		//shadooow: moved here so the "merc is dead" message appears before "history log changed" which is what happens in tactical
+		if (guiCurrentScreen != GAME_SCREEN || !pSoldier->bInSector)
+		{
+			ScreenMsg(FONT_RED, MSG_INTERFACE, pMercDeadString[0], pSoldier->name);
+		}
+
 		//add to the history log the fact that the merc died and the circumstances
 		if( pSoldier->ubAttackerID != NOBODY )
 		{
@@ -109,11 +115,6 @@ void StrategicHandlePlayerTeamMercDeath( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier )
 		}
 	}
 
-	if ( guiCurrentScreen != GAME_SCREEN )
-	{
-		ScreenMsg( FONT_RED, MSG_INTERFACE, pMercDeadString[ 0 ], pSoldier->name );
-	}
-
 	// robot and EPCs don't count against death rate - the mercs back home don't particularly give a damn about locals & machines!
 	if ( !AM_AN_EPC( pSoldier ) && !AM_A_ROBOT( pSoldier ) )
 	{
diff --git a/Strategic/strategic.cpp b/Strategic/strategic.cpp
index 10b947868..717d49f6f 100644
--- a/Strategic/strategic.cpp
+++ b/Strategic/strategic.cpp
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ BOOLEAN HandleStrategicDeath( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier )
 	}
 
 	// if not in mapscreen
-	if ( !(guiTacticalInterfaceFlags & INTERFACE_MAPSCREEN ) )
+	if ( !(guiTacticalInterfaceFlags & INTERFACE_MAPSCREEN ) && pSoldier->bInSector)
 	{
 		// ATE; At least make them dead!
 		if( ( pSoldier->bAssignment != ASSIGNMENT_DEAD ) )