Post War

The 15^th Battalion was demobilized in May 1919 and following the 1920 Militia re-designations the now 48^th Regiment (Highlanders) assumed the perpetuation of the three CEF battalions – 15^th, 92^nd, 134^th – it had raised for service in the Great War. Although the majority of the men who served in the 15^th Battalion during the war returned to civilian life, many veterans, especially those from the Toronto area, remained in the Militia serving with the 48^th throughout the 1920s and 30s and some even served again in World War 2.

Many of those experienced, veteran Officers and NCOs of the 15^th Battalion rose to leadership positions as Commanding Officers, RSMs, Company Commanders and CSMs in the postwar period.

But whether they were serving or former serving members of the 15^th Battalion, the bonds of their wartime service were strong and the Regiment nurtured and maintained those bonds through annual regimental events such as Church parades, Remembrance Day services, reunions and veterans associations. On November 11^th 1923, in a moving service attended by thousands, The Regiment dedicated a memorial to its Great War Fallen at Queen’s Park in Toronto. The memorial was designed by architect Eric Haldenby who had been an Officer in the 15^th Battalion.

In 1927, The Regiment hosted a large three day reunion in Toronto attended by thousands of veterans of the 15^th Battalion.

In 1928, His Majesty the King awarded the 48^th Highlanders 21 Battle Honours that had been won by the 15^th Battalion in The Great War and 10 of the newly awarded Battle Honours chosen for emblazonment on The Colours were engraved on the Regimental memorial.

Program from 15th Battalion Association 1st
Annual Dinner, Carls-Rite Hotel, Toronto, 25 Feb 1924. — **63.** Program from 15th Battalion Association 1st Annual Dinner, Carls-Rite Hotel, Toronto, 25 Feb 1924.
*Hendrie scrapbook - City of Hamilton archives.*

Then CSM former Sgt Harold Ashling (captured at 2nd
Ypres; Gottingen POW 1915-1918) competing at Connaught ranges Ottawa 1931.Wins G-G medal as Best shot in
Canada. — **63b.** Then CSM former Sgt Harold Ashling (captured at 2nd Ypres; Gottingen POW 1915-1918) competing at Connaught ranges Ottawa 1931.Wins G-G medal as Best shot in Canada.
*Ashling collection.*

Sgt William Andrew Hawkins. Post WWI, location unknown.
Sgt Hawkins was a famous DCRA and Bisley
team member before and after the war winning the King’s Prize at Bisley in
1913. He developed the prone firing firing position known as the ‘Hawkins
position' which was banned from competition following 1913 but taught to the present day to military
snipers. Served with the pre-war 48th
Regiment, then 134th Bn before transfer to the 15th Bn. — **63f.** Sgt William Andrew Hawkins. Post WWI, location unknown. Sgt Hawkins was a famous DCRA and Bisley team member before and after the war winning the King’s Prize at Bisley in 1913. He developed the prone firing firing position known as the ‘Hawkins position' which was banned from competition following 1913 but taught to the present day to military snipers. Served with the pre-war 48th Regiment, then 134th Bn before transfer to the 15th Bn.
*Dominion of Canada Rifle Association website*

Officers of the Veteran’s Lodge AF and AM. John Girvan
seated front left, Alec Sinclair seated front right.
1921. — **63g.** Officers of the Veteran’s Lodge AF and AM. John Girvan seated front left, Alec Sinclair seated front right. 1921.
*Internet*

Pipe Major AR Keith post war summer camp. Undated and location
unknown (Niagara?) — **63h.** Pipe Major AR Keith post war summer camp. Undated and location unknown (Niagara?)
*PM Keith Collection.*

63i. Unveiling and dedication of the regimental memorial at Queen’s Park, Toronto 1923. Note no Battle Honours on memorial as WWI Honours not awarded until 1928.

Regimental museum.

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