Dear Old Pal of Mine by Harold Robe and Gitz Rice, music 1918 Music and Media/Art External Source First page of music from Dear Old Pal of Mine, words by Harold Robe, music by Gitz Rice. "Dear old pal of mine” was Rice's greatest hit and describes a soldier lamenting his absence from his girlfriend. This song was popularized by the singer John McCormack, who adapted it as his signature tune. (from Moogk, Edward B. “Rice, Gitz (Ingraham).” Encyclopedia of Music in Canada. 2nd Edition. 1992.) Listen to Canadian historical sound recordings online at the above link (via Library and Archives Canada's Virtual Gramophone)