48th Highlanders of Canada
Canadian regiment
The 48th Highlanders of Canada is a Canadian Forces Primary Reserve infantry regiment based in Toronto, Ontario, parading out of Moss Park Armoury. The regiment is part of 4th Canadian Division's 32 Canadian Brigade Group.
The regiment was formed in 1891, and a battalion using the 48th's badges and tartan fought in France and Flanders in the First World War. The regiment fielded an overseas battalion for the Second World War that fought in Sicily, Italy and northwestern Europe.
Regimental Badge
Description
On a torteau the number 48 Argent above a scroll Azure edged and inscribed "Highlanders" in capital letters Argent, all encircled by a belt Azure edged buckled and inscribed "dileas gu brath" in capital letters Argent, overall in chief on a wreath Argent and Gules a falcon's head couped Argent.
Symbolism
The falcon's head is adopted from the crest of the Clan Davidson, the regiment's first commanding officer being Lieutenant-Colonel John Irvine Davidson, and the predominant colours of red and blue are from the Davidson tartan that the regiment wears. The number "48" and the word "Highlanders" are a form of the regimental title and "dileas gu brath" is the motto of the regiment.
Lineage
48th Highlanders of Canada
Originated on 16 October 1891, in Toronto, Ontario, as the 48th Battalion Highlanders
Redesignated on 8 May 1900, as the 48th Regiment Highlanders
Redesignated on 15 May 1920, as The 48th Regiment (Highlanders)
Redesignated on 1 August 1930, as the 48th Highlanders of Canada
Redesignated on 7 November 1940, as the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, 48th Highlanders of Canada
Redesignated on 31 December 1945, as the 48th Highlanders of Canada
Lineage chart
Perpetuations
The 48th Highlanders of Canada perpetuate the 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders of Canada), CEF, the 92nd Battalion (48th Highlanders), CEF, and the 134th Battalion (48th Highlanders), CEF.
Operational history
South African War
The 48 Highlanders contributed individual volunteers for the Canadian contingents to South Africa, mainly the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry.
First World War
During World War I, the 15th Battalion, CEF, was authorized on 1 September 1914 and embarked for Britain on 26 September 1914 and arrived in France on 15 February 1915. The battalion fought as part of the 3rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Division in France and Flanders throughout the war.
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