The band was the descendant of the old Albion Mines (Stellarton) Band, established in the ’40’s of the last century, and having a continuous history of nearly three-quarters of a century to date. It was for years the regimental band of the 78th Pictou Highlanders. Lieut.-Colonel Borden, commanding the 85th, asked Lieut. Dan. Mooney, bandmaster of the Stellarton or 78th Band, to organize a band for the 85th. The original personnel of the 85th Band, the personnel which went Overseas with the Battalion, was: Lieut. Dan. Mooney, Bandmaster; Sergt. J. C. Profitt, Corpls. W. D. MacLeod and Alex. Myers, Ptes. A. H. MacDougall, R. H. Roy, Ronald MacDougall, E. B. Mitchell (did not sail), R. Y. Geddes, C. A. MacDonald, A. J. Fraser, T. R. Roy, J. W. Henderson, T. B. Davidson (died in France), C. W. Appleton, H. P. Barnes, F. T. Freeman, J. J. Gray, T. Mason, C. A. (“Chud”) MacDonald, A. R. MacDonald, A. A. MacDougall, J. R. Munro, H. H. Murray, C. E. Purves, G. A. Rackham, W. D. Jamieson, F. A. Ryan, W. P. Cameron, Joseph Smith, James Roy, D. W. Cameron, W. E. Gallagher, F. D. Mooney, A. F. Gallant, W. Dunn (did not sail, died later), Sergt. J. D. Logan.

This band was distinguished in musicianship by versatility, virtuosity and brilliancy. It had acquired a notable reputation for these qualities in Canada, and when Overseas, in England, where it was in demand by towns near Camp Witley, for social functions of a semi-military or war-propaganda nature. The Director of Musical Services, who came to Camp Witley, to hear and conduct the band at rehearsal said of it, in writing: “It is the best band that has come Overseas from Canada,” and remarked specially on its precision in attack, its unanimity, its dynamic qualities and nuancing, and its brilliancy.

Now, bands in camp and rest quarters are regarded as good for the morale of Units, but generally were considered as impedimenta (or superfluous baggage) with a Unit active in the Field. But the officers and men of the 85th were insistent in their outspoken demand—“We want our band.” The problem was how to keep the band from being broken up, and how to get the bandsmen, with their instruments, into France. It was achieved by the characteristic resourcefulness of the Commanding Officer and officers. When the 85th crossed to France the band was not on the establishment. The bandsmen, however, were brought over on the strength as fighting men, and the instruments came along too, somehow mysteriously, as part of the Quartermaster’s stores (Capt. Robert Donaldson was Quartermaster—and a kinder and more resourceful Quartermaster there was not in the Canadian Corps). The bandsmen and their instruments being in France, their fixed place on the establishment of the Battalion was finally adjusted by the authorities.

The fame of this band soon spread throughout the 4th Division and the Canadian Corps, and into England; and it became a matter of perpetual demand for the 85th Band to be present and to play at concert parties and at parades and other functions of the Division and Brigade. This was due more particularly to the versatility of the band in soloists and a group of entertainers amongst the personnel, who formed a concert party by themselves. It is without question that Thomas Roy, euphonium soloist; Percival Barnes, piccolo and flute soloist; R. MacDougall and D. W. Cameron, cornet soloists; J. C. Profitt and Alex. Myers, clarinet soloists; Alex. (“Attell”) MacDougall, trombone soloist, and the trombone quartet (A. MacDougall, J. J. Gray, C. E. Purves, and James Roy) were as expert instrumentalists as the trained ear could wish to hear. They earned for the band its name for virtuosity and brilliancy. The group of entertainers comprised H. H. Murray, George Rackham, Frank (“Hunk”) A. Ryan, C. W. Appleton and Ronald MacDougall. Murray was vocal soloist, with band accompaniment, having a rounded cantabile baritone. He was also “the lead” in the theatrical entertainment, sketches and vaudeville, with Rackham as foil. Ryan, Appleton and R. MacDougall were step dancers, and Ryan was noted for his eccentric dancing specialties. The group, assisted by the other members of the band, also produced “The Old Homestead,” in costume, at the Front.

On the day of the Great March of Triumph through London, May 3, 1919, the 85th Band made a distinct popular “hit” with the Londoners. The Director of Musical Services, noted the fact in the following official communication:

“Argyll House,

“London, W.I.,

“May 5th, 1919.

“To—

”Lt.-Col. G. S. Harrington,