The mess was founded in Cardiff in January 1909 by senior officers from Maindy Barracks, who wanted to have a place where members of the various armed forces could meet outside of the barracks
The first president was Godfrey, Viscount Tredegar, who took part in the famous charge into the “Valley of Death” of the Light Brigade at Balaclava during the Crimean War. His nephew, Courtney, succeeded to the title and the presidency, he joined the RNVR during World War 1 going to sea in his own yacht.
His portrait is on display together with many other paintings, photographs, letters and other memorabilia collected over the years.
These include a photograph of the then Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII, on the 5th February 1927 when he came to attend a Rugby International at the Cardiff Arms Park. This photograph is also significant in that it includes 12 members of the Mess who had been awarded the Victoria Cross. Two others were awarded in World War 2 to Major Tasker Watkins, later Deputy Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, and Corporal Edward T Chapman. A total of 14 out of the 24 VC’s presented to those linked to Wales were members of the Mess.
A board listing their names is one of the treasures, having been unveiled by Sir Tasker in 1993 stands in the members bar.
The premises comprise: A members bar, dining room, kitchen, billiard room, skittle alley and other reception rooms including one dedicated to HMS Cardiff. Opening hours are limited but the Mess is available to other organisations, particularly The Royal British Legion, Regimental and Old Comrades Associations and similar, who may organise their own meeting and meals.
On the 23rd March 1994 a memorial Tablet to those members who gave their lives in the Boer, First and Second World Wars and other conflicts, was dedicate in the near by St John the Baptist Church whose Vicar, Rev. Canon Malcom Ellis was also a Mess Chaplain. The Mess has a close affinity with the church holding special services from time to time. On this occasion the service was attended by HRH The Duke of York who later visited the Mess for lunch and talked to many members.
The Mess was further honoured by the Duke when he attended the 90th Annual Mess dinner at the Angel Hotel Cardiff on the 11th November 2005 and again visited the Mess afterwards speaking with many Mess members and their guests.
The Guest of Honour is always an officer of at least Two Star rank or a distinguished Merchant Marine Captain or Director, taking it in turns amongst the four services. The Annual Dinner is held on the Friday preceding Remembrance Day, and the programme includes tribute to the fallen.
