Postcard of The Australian Natives' Association ANZAC Buffet, London
c. 1916Real photo postcard (R.P.P.C.) showing the interior of the Australian Nartives' Association ANZAC Buffet in Horseferry Road, London.
The card is in greyscale with the words 'The A.N.A. ANZAC Buffet, London' printed in white ink on the lower right hand side.
The photo shows a large number of soldiers in uniform sitting in groups of four around light coloured tables featuring a central floral arrangement. At the back of the room are standing the female volunteer helpers, while on either side, there are some well dressed civilian men and women, some seated and others standing.
The postcard is unused postally, but has a description of the photograph on ghe front of the card.
According to the Australian War Memorial, the Anzac Buffet was established by the London branch of the Australian Natives' Association - an organisation of ex-patriot Australians - and opened in late 1915 to provide free meals and entertainment to Australian and New Zealand servicemen in London.
At that time the bulk of the Australian forces were still in Egypt and Gallipoli and the Buffet would have catered more towards convalescing soldiers from the Gallipoli campaign, and a small number of Australians attached to units in France.
The Anzac Buffet was originally located at 70 Victoria Street, then within two months moved to 130 Horseferry Road. In September 1916, it was relocated to 94 Victoria Street. Ostensibly this was because the original premises were required by military headquarters. However it was felt by some that the military did not want any competition for their newly opened Australian Soldiers' Club located nearby. The Club charged for meals and other comforts, while the Buffet continued to provide free meals and entertainment throughout the war.
The Buffet was open seven days a week and the staff generally fed and entertained 1000 Australian servicemen a day. In addition to serving meals, the Anzac Buffet had billiard, reading and writing, and music rooms as well as a smoking lounge.
The Buffet finally closed its doors for good on the 29th November 1919.
This postcard was produced between late 1915 and September 1916 when the Buffet was located at 130 Horseferry Road.
Details
Details
On front of card:
"THE A.N.A. ANZAC BUFFET, LONDON."
On reverse of card:
"THE ANZAC BUFFET at the Australian Military Offices, 130,
Horseferry Road, established by rthe Australian Natives Association for
the Entertainment of Australian and new Zealand soldiers in London."
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