Cap Badge - The 48th Highlanders of Canada Attached is an electronic copy of the 48th Highlanders History, circa 1900 Badge adopted in 1904 but not recorded in the 1907 Dress Regulations. It was this badge that the Regiment wished to maintain after the First World War and through the argument over the 'Garter' belt. NDHQ approved the design that had been taken into use in the intervening years and published General Order 71 of 1922 which now described the badge as: Gilt. Within a circular riband inscribed "Dileas Gu Brath" the numerals "48" above which, on a bar, is a falcon's head: Below the numerals is a semi-circular scroll, inscribed "Highlanders". It is surprising that NDHQ approved this design as it was contrary to Militia Order 208 of 1906 which had already raised the issue of the improper use of the Garter and which was quoted in the March 1929 letter. Regrettably, a number of documents are missing from the archival files but it is known that in May 1929 the Adjutant of the 48th Highlanders wrote to NDHQ (via the Military District No..2 Adjutant) that a drawing showing their badge was incorrect. The author infers that the drawing provided by NDHQ was instigated by a policy change for badges in the Canadian Militia that required all badges featuring the Belt of the Order of the Garter to be replaced. By policy, any buckled belt was seen as an infringement of this 'honourable and ancient' design. The use, or permission to use, was solely a Royal prerogative. The policy saw a number of Militia regiments forced to change their badges; however, the cost of such change was to be borne by NDHQ and not on the individual regiments. It was immediately obvious that the 48th Highlanders were not pleased with the proposed change and the Adjutant drafted a letter, on 6 May 1929, complaining about the drawing, stating: