51 (Devon) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA (TA) was converted from 56 Army Field Brigade, in November 1938. The Regiment served with the BEF in France in November 1939. On return from France they were re-equipped and served with Home Forces. In January 1941 they were attached to 6 Armoured Division and served with them in North Africa and Italy. 51 (Devon) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA (TA) was placed in suspended animation in January 1947. The personnel were formed into a war formed unit and re-designated 83 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA and the TA Regiment re-constituted as 256 (Devon)(Mixed) Light Anti-Aircraft/Searchlight Regiment RA (TA) in early 1947.
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.
| Nov 38 | Formed from 56 Army Field Brigade | UK | |
| Nov 39 | GHQ, 2 Anti-Aircraft Brigade | France | |
| Jun 40 | Home Forces | RAF Tangmere, Sussex, UK | |
| Jan 41 |  |
6 Armoured Division | UK |
| Nov 42 | |
6 Armoured Division | N Africa |
| Mar 44 | |
6 Armoured Division | Italy |
| Nov 44 |  |
8 Army | Italy |
Batteries
| Nov 38 | 151, 152, 153 |
Equipment
| 1939 | Bofors 40 mm, Morris CDSW LAA Tractor |