Relaxing

The Soldiers Comic March Song

Written by one of Canada's most successful composers of popular music, this sing was first sung by Little Mildred Manley, "Phenomenal Child Vocalist" - and the composer's daughter.

What the deuce.pdf (39.77 MB)

National anthems of the Allies

This medley of national songs was introduced at Toronto's Canadian National Exhibition in 1915.

To the horsemen of Mississauga

This song, with lyrics by the noted poet Jean Blewett, was dedicated to the 9th Mississauga Horse, a Toronto-area militia unit.

Soldiers far from home

Adorned with an image of a smiling soldier from the 21st Battalion, this song reflected on the homesickness of the soldier serving overseas.

The Empire's bond

Dedicated to the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire, the piece was privately published before Canadian troops left for the battlefields of Europe.

Stand by.pdf (33.19 MB)

From returned soldiers to prospective soldiers

This song was intended to be sold by returned soldiers, both as a source of income and to encourage other young men to follow in their footsetps.

Rally Boys.pdf (33.09 MB)

A waltz by a soldier

Toronto shoemaker Henry Hancock enlisted with the 83rd Battalion in 1915, was wounded in the Somme offensive in 1916 while serving with the 2nd Battalion, and turned to musical composition after the war.

Privett Waltz.pdf (46.9 MB)

"They are gladly dying just to keep the old flag flying"

MacNutt and Kelly were among the more successful song-writing duos of the First World War - this was an attempt to follow up on their hugely popular "We'll Never Let the Old Flag Fall."

By order.pdf (37.88 MB)

"Hail Country, Flag and King"

Although it was published early in the Second World War, this song would not have been out of place during the First World War.

My flag.pdf (37.82 MB)

From bank clerk to soldier

Not long after writing this song, Toronto bank clerk Gordon Dagger enlisted in the 257th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force.