Union Jack Club

The Union Jack Club is an Armed Forces Club in central London for members and veterans of the British Armed Services (and their families), including serving members of the Volunteer Reserve Forces, below commissioned rank. Located near Waterloo station, the club has over 290 rooms for accommodation (single, twin, double and flats), a restaurant, bar, small library and function rooms.

The club's main entrance is now in Sandell Street off Waterloo Road, opposite Waterloo station. There are views of London from the upper floors, where many of the accommodation rooms are located.

The idea in creating the club came from Ethel McCaul, a Royal Red Cross nurse who was served in field hospitals during the South African War at the start of the 20th century. While officers had the benefit of memberships at the various gentlemen's clubs in London, non-commissioned personnel had no accommodations in the area and used public houses and inns of varying repute. The idea of a club was endorsed by such notables as Major-General Laurence Oliphant and Sir Edward Ward.

The initial sum of £60,000 was raised at various galas and functions. Any donor giving £100 could name a room. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle took the opportunity to endow the "Lady Conan Doyle Room" with his contribution. Members of the royal family attended a benefit concert at the Royal Albert Hall

The Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone of the club in July 1904 and later as King Edward VII with Queen Alexandra officially opened the club in July 1907. The original Edwardian building was located at 91 Waterloo Road and was completed at the end of 1904.

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