At the begining of WWII the 48th and a number of other Canadian regiments were required to change the design of their badge. The government decreed that the offending badges include the Royal Garter in their design. The 48th contended that it was a Highland Chieftan's buckler. The 48th were required to adopt a badge with five losenges (or diamonds if you prefer) across the bottom of the badge.
The buckle badge became a much prized possession for men in the 48th as they were allowed to wear them if they had one. The new badge was nickel plated at first but as the war went on another badge unplated was issued in order to conserve nickle. So that makes three different badges the 48th wore during WWII.

The embroidered shoulder flash although it appears to have a black background in pictures actually has a dark blue background. Printed canvas shoulder flashes were issued in Italy mainly for use with Bush Dress.

Davidson Tartan was used on the Tam O' Shanter for badge backing. The pipers wore Stewart of Fingask.