Music

The King and Queen remain

The decision of the Royal Family to remain in London in spite of the German bombing offensive against Britain was enormously popular throughout the Allied world. This song, introduced to Canada by The Happy Gang, included a poem by Edna Jaques in honour of Queen Elizabeth.

Still in London.pdf (36.05 MB)

Marching to victory

This patriotic marching song featured an advertisement from General Motors of Canada which highlighted its manufacture of trucks for the war effort.

On to Victory.pdf (35.57 MB)

"Thumbs up in true British spirit!"

The lyrics make no direct reference to the Battle of Britain that was fought in the summer and fall of 1940, but the image of the jaunty pilot would have reminded people of The Few, the small group of Allied fighter pilots who defended Britain against German air attacks.

Thumbs Up.pdf (1.7 MB)

Waiting for a soldier sweetheart

Dedicated to "the Brave Boys of our Fighting Forces," Bussell's song was one of many that looked forward to the return of Canada's men in uniform.

Soldier Boy.pdf (26.55 MB)

Canada's future imagined

Part patriotic anthem, part hymn, Webster's work reflected enormous optimism at a time when Canada had just entered its second world war in a generation.

My Country.pdf (19.92 MB)

"Sail on to Victory"

This popular song, by the composers of "There'll Always Be An England," put the Second World War Royal Navy in the context of great naval heroes of the past: Drake, Nelson, Beatty, and Fisher.

Navy's Here.pdf (2.15 MB)

Message from a prisoner of war

Elmer McKnight of the Winnipeg Grenadiers was one of three brothers captured by the Japanese in Hong Kong in December 1941. Later, they formed a band in captivity and their rendition of this song was played during a Japanese propaganda radio broadcast. It was heard in Canada, where Gordon Thompson eventually published it, with all proceeds going into a trust fund for the McKnight brothers when they returned to Winnipeg after the war.

The Spirit of Freedom

Sadly, nothing is known about this piece of music or the woman who registered it in Canada for copyright purposes in 1941.

"The Navy's sturdy arm"

This jaunty song paid tribute to the sailors of the Royal Navy, whose constant protection meant that "Canada has never had to fear war's alarm."

Keep Watch.pdf (39.63 MB)

Allies united in song

This arrangement expressed the unity of the Allied nations by combining the national songs of Ireland, France, Scotland, Russia, Italy, Wales, Belgium, Canada, and Britain

Allies Patrol.pdf (2.38 MB)