Union Jack Club (Proposal for its Establishment and Appeal for Funds)

Not dated but between 1902, when the second Boer War ended, and 1904, when the foundation stone for the Union Jack Club was laid by the then Prince of Wales. 4pp folded leaflet, a little browned and lightly bumped at edges, one small tear, c. 1 cm, on for edge. Approximately 21cm by 27cm, opened out. Sets out a proposal to establish “in London a Social and Residential Club for Sailors, Soldiers and Marines, to be called Union Jack Club’ as mark of appreciation and gratitude for the splendid work done by them during the late wars in Africa and China, and as a National Memorial to those who died during those campaigns”, with details of how subscribers might donate to the cause and full membership of Executive, Working and General Committees responsible for establishing the club. One of the prime movers in the campaign to establish a club was Ethel McCaul, a Red Cross Nurse who served in field hospitals during the South African (Boer) War – she is listed as a member of each of the Committees; the Chairman is stated as Sir Edward Ward who, after a military career, was Permanent Under-Secretary of State for War. The Union Jack Club still flourishes in London, close to Waterloo Station, serving its original purpose.