Catalogue description 570TH LIGHT ANTI-AIRCRAFT REGIMENT, FORMERLY 35TH SEARCHLIGHT REGIMENT AND 21ST LONDON REGIMENT (1ST SURREY RIFLES)

This unit was formed 1859 as the 1st Surrey Rifle Volunteers. In 1880, it was redesignated the 1st (South London) Corps. In 1882, it became linked to the East Surrey Regiment. In 1908, it was redesignated 21st (County of London) Battalion, the London Regiment.

In 1914, two additional battalions, the 2/21st and 3/21st, were created, and the original battalion renumbered 1/21st. The 1/21st served on the Western Front throughout World War I. After the War, it was renamed 21st London Regiment (First Surrey Rifles). In 1935, it was converted to an Anti Aircraft Regiment, and became 35th (First Surrey Rifles) Anti Aircraft Battalion, Royal Engineers. During World War II, it became a searchlight unit, and was redesignated 35th Searchlight Regiment, RA (First Surrey Rifles). In 1945, it became the 129th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RA (First Surrey Rifles). In 1947, it was renamed 570th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RA (First Surrey Rifles). In 1955, it became the 570th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RA, along with 622 HAA Regiment (formerly 7th Battalion, The Queen's Royal Regiment).