Regimental Timeline

The 70th Regiment

1880

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 2^nd Battalion in 1857 and in 1881 they became the 1^st and 2^nd Battalions of The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment. Also, in 1881 The 31^st (Huntingdonshire) Regiment and The 70^th (Surrey) Regiment became the 1^st and 2^nd Battalions of The East Surrey Regiment.

Officers' collar badges of the 4th Volunteer Battalion.

	The 70th Regiment	Sergeants pouch belt badge 7th Surrey Volunteer Rifles.
	India. Ambala and Dinapore.
1st July	31st (Huntingdonshire) and 70th (Surrey) Regiments joined to form The East Surrey Regiment.
	4th Surrey Rifle Volunteers
13th April	1st Ad Bn consolidated and redesignated.
	3rd Surrey RVs
3rd September	4th Surrey renumbered as 3rd.
	6th Surrey RVs
3rd September	2nd Adm Bn consolidated and redesignated.
	7th Surrey RVs
March	Absorb 26th Corps and consolidated.

   

 

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