Officer's waist-belt locket, Officers' swords, Officer's sash, Officer's and Other Rank's helmet

Major changes took place throughout the Army in the 1870s and 80s, driven by the Secretary of War, Edward Cardwell. He abolished the purchasing of commissions and altered terms of service for both officers and soldiers. There were major changes for the Infantry and the future relationship with the County of Surrey developed. Cardwell divided the United Kingdom into sixty-six brigade sub-districts, each of which had a depot and two battalions, one of which would be abroad. In addition, various committees worked on strengthening territorial relationships. The Queen’s (Second) Royal Regiment of Foot had already formed a 2nd Battalion in 1857 and in 1881 they became the 1st and 2nd Battalions of The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment. Also, in 1881 The 31st (Huntingdonshire) Regiment and The 70th (Surrey) Regiment became the 1st and 2nd Battalions of The East Surrey Regiment.

1881