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Corporal Dave Argo was a WW1 soldier trained at Sarcee Camp here in SW Calgary. His letters that he sent to his wife Mae during the war, were donated to the Museum of the Regiments. I had the great privilage of archiving these the letters for future generations. As a result of this experience I wrote two songs, one called Tillymaud and this one called My Dear Mae which is based on his words and the events he writes about on the pages of his letters. This is Dave and Mae's song.
Where there’s love there’s victory,
In every story there’s a purpose
Sometimes the answers don’t come clearly,
But were there’s love there’s victory
My Dear Mae
This was a better trip over the sea as a soldier
Than when I came from Scotland years ago
The captain zig-zaged to avoid being torpedoed
Cause we’re loaded with ammunition down below
Here we are in Southern England at Camp Brampshot
Some days it’s like a lovely resort
But when it rains for weeks on end, its muddy, cold and damp
And the boys all prefer to be, back in Calgary, at Sarcee Camp
Lloyds is betting 1000 to one,
That this great war will soon be done
Mae Dear, I hope that they are correct,
But I for one won’t take that bet
How’s Dorothy & Archie doing
Do they ask where Daddy’s gone
I hope you’re feeling better now Mae
Remember me to everyone
music
I’m tired of the training, long days and exams
But I’m trying to get my second stripe, at least that’s my plan
Meanwhile illness has become one of our greatest enemies
Quarantine and vaccinations seem to be routine
All leaves were cancelled because Royalty came
Everyone in uniform is impressive, and it takes some space
Our Fourth Division reviewed by the King and Queen
It was one of the loveliest sights ever you could see
The Germans have captured Verdun in France
Which gives them a foothold at Paris and a better chance
But they’ve lost an awful lot of men
We’ll soon be headed for the front, but I don’t know when
How’s the furnace working? Do you have enough coal?
I can’t understand why the potatoes froze.
I love to hear from you and see your handwriting
Write often, Your’s affectionately Dave
CHORUS
I helped get a draft ready for the front line
Hunted up equipment and rifles, they even took mine
Tell Percy and Wadlow it’s all right about the team
Wishing I were with you, hope it will be soon
We’re here in France but where I can’t tell you
All our mail will be censored now too
Our whole division is on the move
But it is beautiful countryside to walk through
Tommy Woods got a bomb proof job
Like a few more we’ve got here
His nerves got him first, truth be told
One or two of his toes are a little cold
Listen Mae there is no truth to much of the news
Don’t believe it unless it’s confirmed and official
I don’t want you to unnecessarily worry
Good night dearest, your loving Dave
CHORD INTER
We’re in the trenches and sad to say
We lost our senior captain on the very first day
The waiting and fatigue wears every man down
But I got my second stripe – its Sergeant from now on
Chorus
Sergeant Dave Argo was killed in action November 18, 1916
And although the war wouldn’t end for two more years
Dave died victorious
Where there’s love there’s victory
In every story there’s a purpose
Sometimes the answers don’t come clearly
But were there’s love there’s victory (X2)
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