The outbreak of the Second World War saw a resolute Canada declare war on Germany on September 10, 1939, just days after Britain and France. True to their tradition of frontline service, the 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders of Canada, were among the first to answer the call, embarking for overseas deployment in December 1939 with the first Canadian contingent. Rigorous training in England was unexpectedly cut short in June 1940, just two weeks after the harrowing but successful evacuation of Allied troops at Dunkirk. The Battalion made a brief but daring thrust over 300 kilometers into France, a testament to their readiness. The Regiment’s commitment extended to the home front in Toronto, where they recruited a second battalion, enlisting and training a crucial source of dedicated reinforcements throughout the war
Their storied service throughout these pivotal campaigns earned the Regiment an impressive 27 Battle Honours, a testament to their sustained excellence and sacrifice. However, these victories came at a profound cost; 317 brave Highlanders made the ultimate sacrifice, killed in action, their names forever etched into the Regiment’s distinguished and solemn history.