33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) 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 were shared between the Territorial Army (TA) 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 it's primary role is the finding and clearing of IEDs. The Regiment is hybrid, meaning it contains both regular and Territorial Army components.

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.

The Regiment is comprised of the following Sub-units:

• 49 Field Squadron (EOD)
• 58 Field Squadron (EOD)
• 61 Field Squadron (EOD)
• EOC Group
• 217 Field Squadron (EOD)(V)

The Regiment is predominantly based at Carver Barracks, Saffron Walden, in Essex, but 61 Field Squadron (EOD) are co-located with 23 Engineer Regiment at Rock Barracks, Woodbridge, near Ipswich in Suffolk and 217 Field Squadron (EOD)(V) are based in Ilford, North East London, with satellite troops in Southend-On-Sea and White City, central London.