Uniform insignia in the 48th Highlanders of Canada reflect a rich heritage and the regiment’s unique identity within the Canadian Army. The most prominent emblem is the regimental cap badge, depicting the falcon’s head of Clan Davidson set within a buckled belt inscribed with the motto Dileas Gu Brath (“Faithful Forever”). This badge is worn on the Glengarry, Balmoral, and feather bonnet, and clearly marks the wearer as a 48th Highlander.
Rank badges are worn on shoulder straps or sleeves, depending on the era and type of uniform. Officers traditionally display metal or embroidered pips and crowns indicating their rank, while non-commissioned members wear chevrons or warrant badges. For example, sergeants wear three chevrons, and warrant officers wear distinctive badges including the royal coat of arms for a Warrant Officer Class I. The appointment of Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) is denoted by the large Royal Arms badge worn on the lower sleeve.
Shoulder titles further identify the regiment. Early examples were brass curved titles reading “48 HIGHLANDERS,” while later patterns adopted cloth slip-ons with “48 H” or “48 HIGHRS.” During the World Wars, soldiers wore formation patches to denote their brigade and division—such as the red patch of the 1st Canadian Division in the First World War—and brass shoulder titles.
Buttons have also been distinctive: brass buttons bearing the regimental device and motto adorned service dress and dress tunics. In full dress, gilt buttons complement scarlet doublets.
Other insignia include tartan flashes worn behind the cap badge, often in the regiment’s Old Davidson tartan, and distinctive sporran cantles and badges on dirk scabbards in ceremonial dress.
Together, these elements not only distinguish the 48th Highlanders from other regiments but also symbolize the regiment’s traditions, honours, and connection to both Scottish heritage and Canadian military history.
