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The Origin and History of
this Regiment and a short account of the Highland Regiments from time to
time stationed in Canada.
Preface
In writing the history of
a regiment formed not more than nine years ago, the advantage lies in
the abundance of the material at hand. Brief the period may be, and
uneventful the record, but the whole story is still fresh in the memory,
and no fact of interest or importance need be overlooked. On the other
hand, it is a matter of constant regret with respect to some of the old
regiments, particularly some of the old Highland regiments that so
little is definitely known of the details of their organization, and
much would be given if the neglect of the time long ago could be
repaired. I entering upon the last year of its first decade as its
military organization the time seems opportune to place on permanent
record in a worthy and befitting form the interesting story of the
origin and growth of a regiment occupying so conspicuous a place in
Active Militia of Canada as does the 48th Highlanders of Toronto.
Though one of the latest
battalions added to the Canadian Militia, it is one of the most
distinguished, efficient and popular of them all. Wearing the Highland
uniform, and headed by a band of pipers. it is a gallant corps, of which
members of all nationalities, but especially those of Scottish
connection, are justly proud. It has attracted to its ranks all body of
men, who have at all times taken a part in maintaining the honour of the
regiment worthily, and a morale of the very highest character. This was
to have been expected from the history of Highland regiments in the
past, when, under all circumstances, duty and discipline have ever been
the watchword and motto of the Highland soldier, and the gallant 48th
has shown itself to be mindful of the glorious traditions of its
predecessors.
While this work is
essentially a history of the 48th Highlanders, it is but natural to
suppose that the idea such a Corps represents is wider and touches
interests beyond the regiment itself which are dear to the Scotchman the
world over, and are appreciated wherever the true military spirit
exists. The martial ardour of the Gael, his aptitude for soldiering, and
his services in the held have been the subject of fitting. though
necessarily brief, reference in these pages. The association of Highland
regiments of the regular army with Canada has been also briefly noticed,
and an unbroken Connection from Quebec to the present duty traced
between the highland soldier and the Dominion.
The official documents
from which the information was drawn were placed in the hands of Mr.
Alexander Fraser, the well-known journalist and Scottish author, who was
Secretary of the Citizens Committee which carried the movement for the
establishment of the 48th Highlanders to a successful issue. He is
thoroughly conversant with all the details of the formation of the
regiment from inception of the movement, and with the record of the
corps up to the present. He received all necessary assistance from the
officers of the regiment, so that this work may be taken as accurate and
complete. [The Publisher.]
Contents
Part I
Part II
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