Christopher Wellbelove DL

HRH The Earl of Wessex (now Duke of Edinburgh) was welcomed by Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth to the Union Jack Club in Waterloo to formally open the new entrance and reception area and to celebrate the refurbished flagship event space, the Gascoigne Room. 

Formed in 1907, by Royal Red Cross nurse, Ethel McCaul, the Union Jack Club is a members’ club for non-commissioned serving and veteran military personnel, and their families close to Waterloo Station. 

It has 261 bedrooms, and other public rooms, supporting its 69,000 members, providing a ‘home from home’ in London.  Around 35%, of its veteran members are over 65 years of age.  

Many members carry the after-effects of military service, some combat-related but also for reasons of age and infirmity. It is very popular with members, busy at 73,000 bed nights per annum, and employs 110 permanent staff, and 50 part-time, about 20% living in Lambeth and more on the doorstep in Southwark and Westminster.

It is not a hotel; it is a registered charity, a not-for-profit organisation, and is not open to the public.  

Union Jack Club contributes to the local community.  During lockdown, the Club supported St Thomas’ Hospital medical staff with food and accommodation and was the base for military personnel deployed in support of the Hospital.  Serving personnel from the blue light emergency services are welcome and eligible for membership.