RAF Club: History In The Making

128, The Story of the Royal AIr Force Club

The Club History book launch took place on 6 October 2004. It was indeed an 'historic' occasion attended by some 65 invited guests all of whom had contributed in various ways to the book's content with some memories stretching as far back as 1938.

The book itself in hardback tells the fascinating story behind the excellent Club of today and is beautifully illustrated with portraits of key Club personalities and a number of reproductions of its fine art collection. It is obtainable at the Club, or from our Online Shop, or by post. £1 from every copy sold is to be donated to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

The History of the Club

On 31 October 1918 the first Lord Cowdray made a gift to provide a permanent building to house the Royal Air Force Club; and by the middle of 1919 the buildings which make up the present Club were acquired.

The Piccadilly frontage was originally the Ladies Lyceum Club and was built in the 1800s, whilst the rear half, facing Old Park Lane, was stables. Between 1919 and 1921 extensive reconstruction took place, largely financed by Lord Cowdray.

On 17 December 1921 the Royal Flying Corps Club premises in Bruton Street, London W 1, were formally closed. Existing Members were invited to make use of the Stratford Club in Stratford Place, in conjunction with the bedrooms (but not the public rooms) of the new RAF Club.

On 2nd January 1922 the Club was fully opened to Members although it was not officially opened by HRH The Duke of York until 24th February 1922. On 12th March 1922 the Club was visited by Their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary. This association with the Royal Family continues to this day, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II being the Club's Patron.

The Club operated very successfully during the 1920s and 1930s with about 2,000 Members. With the outbreak of the Second World War Membership rose to approximately 4,000; a figure it maintained until the late 1950s.

However, by 1960 Membership had fallen to 3,000 - and with that came severe financial problems, in the then economic climate. A working party of serving RAF Officers was established and they designed a plan which substantially increased Membership during the 1960s.

After many previously unsuccessful attempts, the Club managed to acquire the Freehold of 128 Piccadilly and 6 Old Park Lane in 1985. Development and refurbishment has continued. In the 1980s the basement area was converted into the "Running Horse Tavern", named after the public house that stood on the site in the 18th century.

On 27 September 1990 a 13-bedroom extension was officially opened by Air Chief Marshal Sir Lewis Hodges, currently the Vice-Patron. A five-year refurbishment programme was established in 1991 in which the original 83 bedrooms were refurbished, together with the Ballroom and Cowdray Room. Full air-conditioning is also installed.

Club Membership is open to all persons who hold, or have held, a Commission in the Royal Air Force, Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service, The Reserves, The Auxiliaries and in Commonwealth and friendly Air Forces.

Spouses of Full Members can also enjoy Associate Membership and make full use of the Club's facilities.