As in the case of the Crusader Club/Sandwirth Hotel, the historical photo above is a still taken from a British Army recruitment film for Northern Ireland and Eire, entitled “Irishmen in Austria”, that was filmed in Carinthia in 1946.
Requisitioned by NAAFI just days after the British entered Carinthia in May 1945, Café Schiberth was converted into a canteen and social club for British troops. Located in the heart of Klagenfurt’s old town, the café had been a well‑established restaurant and bar before the war. Under British control, it operated for nearly nine years, making it one of the last requisitioned properties to be returned to civilian use (see Die Neue Zeit of 5 May 1954).
Initially known informally as “Jimmy’s Tavern,” after the EFI sergeant in charge, the venue retained much of its pre‑war character. The Hungarian orchestra and Austrian waitresses who had worked there before were invited to stay on, and requested — successfully — to wear their original uniforms, including frilled headbands and aprons. These were later replaced by standard NAAFI “sugar‑bag blue” overalls as the café transitioned into the formal Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Club.
The club officially reopened in its new role on 3 August 1945, following the opening of the Crusader Club. It offered meals, drinks, music, and recreational facilities including a library, reading room, radio room, and games rooms. Dancing was held twice weekly, with accompanied Austrian civilian guests admitted. For much of the occupation period, it served as a central welfare and leisure venue for senior NCOs stationed in Klagenfurt.
The Carinthian, No. 3, 26 October 1946
Sources
Captain John W Morris. NAAFI/EFI. The Welfare Review Austria, No. 16, 5 July 1947
Lt-Col. Howard N Cole. NAAFI in Uniform. The Forces Press (NAAFI), 1982
Abbreviations
- EFI — Expeditionary Force Institutes
- NAAFI — Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes
- NCO’s — Non-Commissioned Officers
- SGT’s — Sergeants
- WO’s — Warrant Officers