The United Services Mess was founded at its present address, Westminster Chambers, Wharton Street Cardiff in 1909.

The Mess was founded by Senior NCOs from Maindy Barracks but included in their number, it is pleasing to note, was one T.D. Lucas, a Naval gunnery instructor. The Royal Flying Corps, the Royal Naval Service and the Royal Air Force did not exist at this time. They were admitted later, as was the Merchant Navy.

The object of the founder members was to take the concept of a Services Mess outside the confines of a military base and preserve its unique qualities for themselves and future members. Today service in the Armed Forces is not a prerequisite for membership. Service Mess etiquette, comradeship and entertainment are reflected in U.S.M.

Some items of historical interest of which we are justly proud. Our first President in 1909 was Lord Tredegar who took part in the famous charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava during the Crimean War. On 5th February 1927, the Mess was visited by HRH The Prince of Wales. Seemingly he visited the Mess on several occasions when he came to Cardiff to attend Rugby Internationals at The Arms Park. On 23rd March 1994 a Memorial Tablet to Members who gave their lives in two World Wars and subsequent conflicts, was dedicated in St. Johns the Baptist's Church by the then Mess Chaplain, The Reverend Canon Malcolm Ellis O St J, in the presence of HRH Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew visited the Mess after the service of lunch and spent time talking to Mess Members and in 2005 the Prince was the Guest Of Honour at the 90th Annual Dinner of the Mess at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff. He visited the Mess afterwards.

In 1951 a letter was written by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, soliciting a visit by King George VI indicated that there were in excess of 900 members who had given military service and among that number were fourteen holders of the Victoria Cross.