NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) was officially established by the British Government on 9th December 1920.
The organisation was formed through the merge of the Expeditionary Force Canteens (EFC) and the Navy and Army Canteen Board (NACB). Our initial mission was clear: to manage and operate essential recreational facilities and provide goods for Armed Forces personnel and their families.
Over the next 18 years, NAAFI rapidly expanded its operations, becoming a vital support system for military bases and deployments across the globe. From Bermuda and Jamaica to Singapore and China, NAAFI consistently provided a vital link to home for serving personnel.
Formation, initial expansions and the interwar years
Mass expansion to support the Armed Forces during the Second World War
Rescaling global operations after World War II
NAAFI has a long and distinguished history of Royal association, beginning with King George VI, who granted his patronage in 1946. Following the accession to the throne in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II proudly continued his patronage.
Beyond Royal patronage, NAAFI also had the honour of providing services at Buckingham Palace for a number of years, and even on-board the iconic Royal Yacht Britannia.
We remain immensely proud of our relationship with the Royal Family, particularly our patron, His Majesty King Charles III. Our new Royal patronage was officially granted in May 2024, continuing the legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
We will be celebrating our 105th anniversary on 9th December 2025 and we want you to join us! Share your memories or tag us in your photos using @naafisocial.
