Special Forces Club
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| Motto | Spirit of Resistance |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1945 |
| Founder | Major-General Sir Colin Gubbins KCMG DSO MC |
| Type | Private members club |
| Purpose | Established for former personnel of the Special Operations Executive and associated special forces groups |
| Location |
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Key people
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Anne, Princess Royal (Patron) |
| Website | sfclub.org |
The Special Forces Club (SFC) is a private members club located in Knightsbridge, London. Initially established in 1945 for former personnel of the Special Operations Executive, members of wartime resistance organisations, the Special Air Service, Special Boat Service and First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, its membership now includes those who had served, or were serving, in organisations and units closely associated with special operations and the intelligence community.
The SFC was founded in 1945 on the initiative of Major-General Sir Colin Gubbins, the last Chief of the Special Operations Executive (SOE).
The club was intended by its founders to be a meeting place for both those who had served in the SOE and for members of kindred organisations. This tradition has continued, with the club maintaining a close relationship with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS); like-minded groups in Australia, Canada and New Zealand; along with the successors of European and other resistance organisations.
Unlike many other clubs that were open only to men and officers, the SFC has always welcomed all ranks and men and women, reflecting the membership and spirit of the SOE. John Singlaub is the club's honorary vice president.
The club's membership is drawn primarily from the intelligence and security communities, both military and civilian, and Special Forces along with other organisations and individuals whose work reflects the ethos of the club such as high threat bomb disposal experts. Great stress is placed on the personal qualities of applicants along with their technical qualifications to ensure that the club maintains its reputation as one of the most discreet locations in London. Current membership includes a number of holders of the Victoria Cross and George Cross.
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Wikipedia