WYNBERG MILITARY BASE AND THE ARMY OFFICERS' CLUB

Abstract

Wynberg Military Base is, with the exception of the Castle, the oldest military establishment in South Africa. Its history has long been neglected. This paper presents a short discussion of some of the highlights in the camp's history which spans almost two hundred years. Unfortunately, the original buildings constructed at the base between 1797 and 1807 have been demolished; a few of those built in the latter half of the nineteenth century still remain scattered in between the more modern architecture. One building of note is the Victorian style Garrison Officers' Mess (now called the Army Officers' Club) which was declared a National Monument in 1969 and celebrated its centenary on 21st November 1988.