The 48th Highlanders’ first commanding officer, LCol Davidson, believing that Highlanders, as infantry soldiers, must be physically fit, skilled in combat roles such as rifle shooting, bayonet fighting, grenade throwing, and quick to respond to orders on the battlefield, made sports, military skills contests and drill the regiment’s priorities. Beyond these, traditional cultural events such as Highland Games played an essential role, celebrating heritage and embodying a level of comradery between soldiers. These priorities have remained constant in the 48th Highlanders from 1891 to this day.
Trophies and medallions were awarded to winning teams and individual soldiers. Competitions during peacetime were held between companies within the regiment, tournaments between regiments across Ontario and Canada plus international army-wide competitions such as the Bisley competition, held to recognize the best across the British Empire and then the Commonwealth. The City of Toronto and others gave official scrolls to individuals and regiments in recognition. During war, the priorities and competitions remained, not only honing soldiers’ combat skills but creating a comradery and experiences essential to offset the physical and mental rigours of war.
See case 21/22 for trophies and medallions.