Castaways' Club


The Castaways' Club is a dining club for retired warfare officers of the Royal Navy who left the service while still junior officers, typically with the rank of lieutenant or lieutenant commander. The club has no permanent rooms but meets once a year for dinner to which members invite guests who must be serving or retired warfare officers.

History

The Castaways' Club was founded in 1895 "for the purpose of promoting social intercourse between gentlemen who had resigned their commissions as Executive Officers of Her Majesty’s Navy and who were desirous of keeping in touch with their former Service". The Club has a considerable collection of mess silver which has been donated by guests and members since the Club was founded. This includes a silver cup presented to the club in 1908 by George V who was a frequent guest when Prince of Wales.
Today, the Castaways' Club annual dinner remains very popular in naval circles and the Club has maintained its original purpose. Membership elections are held once a year. Membership is limited to 120 and there is a considerable and undisclosed waiting list.

Notable members and former members