The 48th Highlanders of Canada was founded in 1891, when the Toronto Scottish community succeeded in their efforts to have a Highland regiment in their young city. The Regiment has remained a Militia (Reserve) infantry regiment located in downtown Toronto ever since. A tartan, The Old Davidson, and a falcon’s head for the regimental crest honour the first Commanding Officer, John Irvine Davidson. The original full dress Scarlet uniform is still worn today. Reserve soldiers train to the combat-ready status of the full-time soldier. At home they create a strong link with the local community. Today’s Highlanders reflect the diversity and youth of Toronto, just as they did in 1891. Colourful uniforms, pipers, honoured traditions and a proud record of achievement including 50 Battle Honours build a commitment that they call “Dileas”, from the Regimental motto, Dileas gu brath, Gaelic for “Faithful Forever.” 

South Africa (1899-1900)

First World War

The outbreak of the First World War in August 1914 saw a rapid and fervent response across Canada, and the 48th Highlanders of Canada were quick to answer the call. The Regiment contributed a full battalion, the 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders of Canada), to the First Canadian Contingent, which departed for overseas service in October 1914. Notably, the soldiers were equipped in their distinctive uniforms, a testament to regimental pride and financial independence, as these were paid for by the Regiment itself. Beyond the initial contingent, the 48th Highlanders’ commitment to the war effort was profound, as they recruited and mobilized two additional reinforcement battalions, the 92nd and the 134th, ensuring a continuous flow of dedicated men to the front lines.

The 15th Battalion’s baptism of fire came in one of the most terrifying and pivotal moments of the war: the Second Battle of Ypres. On April 24, 1915, just a couple of months after arriving in Belgium, they faced the brutal reality of modern warfare when they were subjected to the first large-scale chlorine gas attack. Amidst the chaos and devastation, the 48th Highlanders were given a stark order: to hold their ground to the last man. They held steadfastly, displaying immense courage and unwavering resolve in the face of this unprecedented horror. The cost was staggering; in that single engagement, the battalion suffered a catastrophic 664 casualties, including those killed, wounded, or taken prisoner, a profound loss that underscored their sacrifice and steadfastness.

Despite these immense losses, the 15th Battalion persevered through the grinding attrition of the Western Front until the very end of the war. Their service continued across the most infamous and brutal battlefields of the conflict, including the harrowing Somme offensive, the mud-soaked hell of Passchendaele, and the defining Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge. Their consistent bravery and tactical prowess earned the Regiment an impressive 21 Battle Honours, recognizing their exceptional contributions to key engagements. By the armistice, the 15th Battalion had borne a tremendous burden, with 1,625 Highlanders making the ultimate sacrifice, killed in action, a somber testament to their enduring legacy of courage and dedication.

Second World War

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 as a vital component of the inaugural Canadian contingent. Their rigorous training in England, a crucial period for adapting to wartime realities, was unexpectedly cut short in June 1940. Just two weeks after the harrowing Dunkirk evacuation, the Battalion was thrust into a daring and deep thrust over 300 kilometers into France, a testament to their readiness and the urgent need for seasoned troops amidst the rapidly unfolding events on the continent. Furthermore, the Regiment’s commitment extended to the home front in Toronto, where they actively recruited a second battalion, which served as a crucial source of dedicated reinforcements throughout the arduous years of conflict.

The arduous Italian campaign began for the 48th Highlanders on July 10, 1943, as they landed at Pachino, Sicily, marking the start of a gruelling, sustained offensive. From the sun-baked landscapes of Sicily, the Battalion relentlessly fought its way northward, navigating the rugged terrain and fierce Axis resistance of the Italian peninsula. Their path was marked by some of the most vicious battles of the war, including the brutal engagements to outflank Ortona, a town that earned the grim moniker “Little Stalingrad.” A particular highlight of their tenacity was their unassisted breaching of the formidable Hitler Line defences, a heavily fortified German defensive belt located south of Rome, a testament to their extraordinary courage and tactical prowess.

The unrelenting advance up Italy continued until early 1945, when the 48th Highlanders were transferred to the vital Western Front to participate in the liberation of the Netherlands. Here, the Battalion played a pivotal role in freeing Dutch towns and cities from occupation, including the significant action to liberate Apeldoorn. On April 17, 1945, amidst jubilant crowds, the Highlanders marched into Apeldoorn, bringing an end to years of oppression and cementing a lasting bond of friendship with the Dutch people. 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.

Afghanistan

During Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, from 2001 to 2014, the 48th Highlanders played a significant and sustained roleearning the Regiment its 50th battle honour. As a Reserve unit, their contribution was largely driven by dedicated reservists who volunteered individually or in small groups to augment Regular Force units. These Reservists seamlessly integrated into combat, security, training, and support roles, often comprising up to 20% of the total Canadian Armed Forces deployed at any given time. Their service underscored the vital and expansive contribution of the Canadian Army Reserve to modern overseas operations, with these citizen-soldiers facing the same inherent dangers and making profound sacrifices alongside their Regular Force comrades.