Regimental Timeline
The East Surrey Regiment
1881: Cardwell’s Second Reforms
The
Effect Of The Cardwell Reforms 1881
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.
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The East Surrey Regiment |
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1st July |
31st (Huntingdonshire) and 70th (Surrey) Regiments joined to form The East Surrey Regiment (31st and 70th). |
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1st Battalion |
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Dover, England. |
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October |
Buttevant, Ireland. |
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August 1882 |
Gibraltar. |
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May 1883 |
Aldershot. |
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2nd Battalion |
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October 1880 |
Dinapore, India. |
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Militia |
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1st July |
1st and 3rd Surrey Militia affiliated to the Regiment as 3rd and 4th (Militia) Battalions. |
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Volunteers |
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1st, 3rd and 6th and 7th Surrey RVs join Regiment as Volunteer battalions. |
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Depot |
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47th Sub-District becomes 31st Regimental District. |
This piece of silver was commissioned by the officers of the 31st (Huntingdonshire) Regiment to mark the end of the numbering system of Regiments.
Presented to The East Surrey Regiment it is still in use today by the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment.
