Branches and study circles

Files concerning the administration and activities of Casualties Union study circles and branches. The first series concerns general administration of the study circle system. The second series concerns the administration and activities of specific study circles and branches and the third series concerns study circles and branches that had closed by the late 1980s.

In 1946 Casualties Union introduced study circles, a form of correspondence course between study circle leaders and probationers. The course covered, in order of importance: acting; staging; planning; and make up. At the end of the course, probationers underwent a proficiency test assessed by three medical observers. Once successful, probationers could apply to become full Casualties Union members.

Study circles were international, with the first group of circles established by 1947 including Rhondda, Romford and Cape Town.

Members of a study circle could go on to train as instructors. Once one member had been awarded instructorship, a study circle could be upgraded, either individually or in groups, to a branch.

The LOTUS Trophy was given to Casualties Union by its Dutch sister organisation. It was awarded annually to the branch or group contributing most to the development of Casualties Union.