Naval and Military Club, Piccadilly

4 November 1940

By Alyssa McQuirns

The Naval and Military Club, Piccadilly W1 was founded by officers from the Royal East Kent Regiment ('The Buffs') and first opened its doors to new members in 1862. The Club moved three times before relocating in 1866 to Cambridge House, 94 Piccadilly. Cambridge House (1763) was the former home of Viscount Palmerston (Foreign Secretary, 1830-1834, 1835-1841, 1846-1851, Prime Minister 1885-1858, 1859-1865). The Club soon became known as the "In and Out" after the prominent signs placed on its carriage entrance and exit.

At around 7.40pm on 4 November 1940 the Club's west wing and Half Moon Street alongside were hit by a stick of three high explosive bombs. Two floors and the western facade of Cambridge House were destroyed. Two people were seriously injured and trapped. They were taken out of the debris but later died. Amid the damage a single light shone out from the building, breaking the blackout until smashed by a stone thrown by a rescue worker. 

The In and Out's clubhouse at 42 Half Moon Street (built in 1921-1922) was also damaged by the bombing. At 8.06pm a City of Westminster ARP message received by the Control Centre requested ambulances, a rescue team and stretcher parties. Half Moon Street was roped off. Two people were found trapped but were rescued and taken out by 10pm.

The In and Out (Naval and Military Club) continued to use Cambridge House until February 1999, after which it moved to its current location at 4 St. James's Square. Cambridge House has stood vacant since 2009 after a failed property redevelopment venture.