Pte Langridge, John Edgar

B_135232 John Edgar Langridge was recruited through the depot run by the home battalion of the 48th Highlanders and wore the 48th uniform until he was assigned to a unit. He went overseas on 9 April 43. In the UK he was assigned to 5CIRU (Canadian Infantry Reserve Unit) awaiting assignment to a battalion. He […]

Lieutenant Colonel RA (Ron) Alkema CD

Commanding Officer, 48th Highlanders of Canada – 2018-2021 Regimental Sergeant Major  – 2002-2006 Lieutenant Colonel Ron Alkema joined the Canadian Army as a private in 1980. He served as a 48th Highlander in every rank from Private to Lieutenant Colonel. He is the only 48th Highlander to serve as both Regimental Sergeant Major and Commanding […]

Pte Corbet GT

George Thomas Corbet was born in Guernsey.  Before 1914 he came from Kapuskasing, Ontario and joined the 48th Highlanders.  He served in the Military Band of the 48th Highlander of Canada under Captain John Slatter.  In 1916 he was mobilized with the 134th Battalion (48th Highlanders) for service with the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) overseas. […]

Pte BLACKBURN, Robert Glyn

Born Oct 19, 1893, Burton-On-Trent, Staffordshire/Derbyshire to Robert Neale Blackburn and Elizabeth Ann Nicholas. Immigrated to Canada in 1910. Married Olive Edwards September 28, 1921. Graduated from University of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering in 1923.

PTE. THOMPSON, WILLIAM JAMES

Known as Big Bill, Pte Thompson was a drummer in the pipe band and a stretcher bearer. He was killed in an ambush at a crossroads between Assoro and Nissoria NOK: Son of James Patric and Beatrice Thompson; husband of Helen E. Thompson, of Toronto, Ontario.

PTE. HILEY, John Arthur Gordon

John Arthur Hiley, having served with the Irish regiment from 15 Mar 33 to 29 Sep 33, enlisted in the 48th Highlanders of Canada on 2 Oct 1933 and remained with the reserve battalion until 6 Nov 1935, then again from 3 May 37 to 1939. He attested with the 1st Battalion on 6 Sept […]

Pipe Major (WO1) Archie Dewar, CD

Pipe Major 48th Highlanders of Canada 1952-1965 Pipe Major 1st Battalion 48th Highlanders (CASF) 1945   Archie Dewar emigrated to Ontario in 1926 as a boy of 16. “I became friends with some people in The Toronto Scottish Regiment.  Of course, they had a pipe band, just as they do now.” Archie, with his brother Peter, […]

Cpl Baker George J

Pte George Baker was the bass drummer of the 48th Highlanders Pipes and Drums before the Second World War. In September 1943 he volunteered for service with the 1st Battalion 48th Highlanders (CASF).  As a member of the Pipes and Drums he served as a stretcher bearer through Sicily, Italy and into Northwest Europe.  Returning […]