33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) was born out of the Royal Engineers’ Bomb Disposal companies formed during the Second World War, to deal with the mounting problem of German unexploded bombs. After the war these clearance companies were disbanded and responsibility for UK EOD was shared between the Territorial Army (now the Army Reserve) and the Regular Army, predominantly HQ (BD
) Unit UK Royal Engineers. Formed in 1973, 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) took over responsibility for UK EOD and is now one of two specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal and specialist Advanced Search Regiments for the Corps of Royal Engineers. As such the Regiment is heavily committed to enduring operations in Afghanistan where its primary role is the finding and clearing of IED’s (Improvised Explosive Devices). The Regiment also maintains a significant commitment to UK Military Aid to the Civil Power (UK MACP) and has the responsibility for Explosive Ordnance Clearance (EOC) both in the UK via the EOC Group and overseas.
33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) is a Hybrid unit, meaning that it contains both Reserve and Regular Army components. The Regiment comprises of the following sub-units:
58 Field Squadron (EOD)
821 Field Squadron (EOD)
217 Field Squadron (EOD)
350 (Sherwood Foresters) Field Squadron (EOD)
EOC Group
The Regiment is predominantly based at Carver Barracks, Saffron Walden with their sister Regiment 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (EOD). Our two reserve units are 217 Fd Sqn (EOD), and 350 (Sherwood Foresters) Fd Sqn (EOD). Both units are fully integrated with their regular colleagues deploying on training exercises both nationally and abroad as well as regularly providing augmentees on operations. Despite its many tasks the Regiment is committed to providing an active sports and adventure training program for all its soldiers. The Regiment also maintains a pool of Parachute, Commando and Dive trained personnel to enable EOD and Search support to all areas of the Armed Forces.
33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) forms part of 29 EOD and Search Group along with 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (EOD), 11 EOD Regiment RLC and 1 Military Working Dogs Regiment. If you are interested in joining the Regiment as part of the Army Reserve, please contact the ROSO on 01223 203608.
