Regimental Timeline

The Second or The Queen's Royal Regiment

1881: Cardwell's Second Reforms

 

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 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.

1881
	The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment
	Regiment redesignated as The Royal West Surrey Regiment (The Queen’s) (2nd Foot).
	1st Battalion
	Colchester.
October 1883	Tralee, Ireland.
	2nd Battalion
	Peshawar, India.
March 1882	Sabathu.
	Militia
1st July	2nd Royal Surrey Militia allocated to the Regiment as 3rd (Militia) Battalion.
1882	Colours presented.
	Volunteers
	2nd Surrey RVs join Regiment.
	5th Surrey RVs join Regiment as 2nd VB.
	6th Surrey RVs join Regiment.
	8th Surrey RVs join Regiment.
	Depot
	48th Sub-District becomes 2nd Regimental District.

 

« 1880 Back to list 1884-1885 »