542 Coast Regiment RA was formed as 2 Coast Artillery Group RA at Aberdeen with 243 Battery, in October 1940. It was re-designated 542 Coast Regiment RA in June 1941. RHQ and 305 Battery were disbanded in April 1944 with 241 Battery placed in suspended animation and 304 Battery joining 4 Coast Regiment RA (disbanding in June 1945).
Illustrations of the formation badges under which a unit served or supported are given. This is no guarantee that the unit used this formations badge.
| Oct 40 | Formed as 2 Coast Artillery Group | Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, UK | |
| Oct 40 |  |
Scottish Command | Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, UK |
| Jun 41 | Became 542 Coast Regiment | Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, UK | |
| Apr 44 | Disbanded |
Batteries
| Oct 40 | 243 |
| Jun 41 | 243, 306 |
| Mar 42 | 243, 304 (Nigg) |
| Sep 42 | 241 (North Sutor), 304, 305 |