Jana Richards: World War II
Researching World War Two
One of my WIPs is set mostly in World War Two. I needed to find information on the Normandy Invasion and D-Day, but I also needed information about what life was like for American soldiers in
I started in my favourite place; with a book. I checked out “Voices of D-Day” (edited by Ronald J. Drez) from my public library, but it is also available from Google books at this link. This book recounts the events leading up to D-Day and the invasion itself, told by the people who were there. I also found a book called “Ten Days to D-Day” at Powell’s Book Store when I was in
From these books I learned that soldiers of the1st Battalion of the 116th Infantry of the 29th Division were some of the first to land on the beaches of
First, I thought I’d start by learning of some of the history of D-Day. There are many websites and books dedicated to the Normandy Invasion. Here are a couple that I checked out: http://www.dday.co.uk/ and http://www.britannica.com/dday
Then I got into more detail. I checked out the official website of the 29th division and got a feel for that group of people. Even better, I found the name of the official historian for the 29th division and contacted him. I’ve spoken to him once so far, and he’s been an excellent source of information.
Using one of the links I discovered after taking Eliza Knight’s Historical Research On-Line Class, I checked out this website to get some info on medicine in the 1940s. My hero is injured in a training accident and I wanted to know how he might be treated.
I wanted to check out some of the fashions of 40s and found this site that gives me a feel for what woman’s clothes looked like in that era. My characters meet at a dance put on to entertain soldiers. I’ve heard some 40s music and I’m aware that big bands like Glenn Miller’s band were wildly popular. But I wanted to immerse myself in the sound of the forties. This site helps with that. I can listen to several selections of music from the era, such as “Lili Marlene”, and I can also hear what an air raid siren and bombs dropping sound like! Talk about getting into my work! A word of warning; I had to install Real Player software to listen to these pieces, but I like that they take me right into the 40s.
I still have a lot of research to do. I know I need to find out more about
I used a variety of methods to do my research for this story. Each method – books, websites, and even the on-line class – has something to offer. But there is no substitute for being able to speak to an expert and ask questions. The historian I talked to answered my questions, but he also told me things I hadn’t thought to ask. Whenever possible seek out a real live person to talk to!
If anyone knows some really good history of medicine sites, or a site giving information about medicine in the military, I’d love to hear about them. Happy researching!
Please visit Jana’s website where you can read details about her current blog tour and contests. Her novella “Burning Love” will be released by The Wild Rose Press 
***Weeeeell, I'd say you can go as far back as Galen with the history of medicine, but that would be overkill! And you'd hate me. But I do love the evolution of anything, including medicine.
It looks like you took the research of your Division as far as I did with my research of Highland regiments. Isn't it cool how much we can learn from writing historicals? And Powells sounds mighty familiar. Methinks I found a used copy of an out-of-print book there! One I used for all that Highland regiment research...
Those historical re-enactment groups are worth their weight in gold. I've seen everything from Vikings, to Renaissance, to Civil War & calvary--all with websites. That title, BURNING LOVE, sounds intriguing... Firefighters! Can't wait for it to be released. ~Skhye
Great resources, Jana! I also write about this era Check out this site, too http://www.homeofheroes.com/wings/index.html Be sure to read about Jack and Mark Mathis, both from my hometown area. It'll break your heart! There was a bombadier training school in my hometown where my father was stationed when he first enlisted. I'll keep my eye open for WW II medical sites for you, too! Skhye, thanks for sharing Jana's always-interesting info!
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Hi Judy,
I'll have to check out the website you mentioned when I get home from work (shh! Don't tell anyone I'm checking blogs at work!) Speaking of training facilities in WW2, Canada was home to the British Commonwealth Air Traininng Program during the war (I live in Canada btw). Because new pilots and crews had couldn't train in England at the time - much too dangerous - bases were set up all across Canada to train airman from all the Commonwealth countries, including England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India. It was a massive undertaking, and there are a lot of great stories that came out of that experience as well. I've been reading up on the BCATP and I'm sure it will find it's way into one of my stories soon!
Thanks for stopping by Judy.
Jana
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Research can be such fun. I love the details that show how people really lived and how different it was. I still have the ration coupons for 'butter' from my mother. It was lard with a pellet of yellow coloring that was mixed in.
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Hi Barbara,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, research can be fun. And a little addicting. I find the WW2 era quite fascinating so I really enjoy delving into the research and immersing myself in the time period. But honestly, I don't think I would have wanted to live through that time! Especially when I think of yellow-coloured lard. Yech!
Cheers,
Jana
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I think I would feel overwhelmed researching this topic. There is so much information out there on it. I was overwhelmed writing about Storm Troopers in high school and that was before the internet!
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Hi Emma,
Yes, there is a ton of information about WW2 in books and on the Internet. I think you have to start your research by having an idea what you're looking for. Are you looking at the Normandy Invasion? American troops? The 116th Infantry? Narrow it down some.
Once you know what part of the war and what group you are researching, then you have to decide exactly what you're looking for. I'm actually concentrating more on the 116th's time in England before the invasion. So I'm looking for info on what they might have done during their off duty times, and how they trained.
Along the way I've found new information that has taken my story in different directions. You need to have a plan in your research, but you always have to be prepared to be flexible.
Jana
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Wow, I knew you were doing research, Jana, but this is amazing. Your story will be so much stronger and believable with all this information you'll weave through. And even the stuff you don't use will be felt in the tone and texture of your characters' point of view. Good job - can't wait to read it
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Hi Janet,
Thanks for following me over here!
I'm hoping that my story will have the "feel" of the forties in it. I didn't mention it in my post, but I also visited the Costume Museum of Canada here in Winnipeg (www.costumemuseum.com) I didn't put the link in the post because they don't have pictures of their clothing collections on line. I was able to peruse through their collection of books on fashion. I couldn't take any of the books home but they let me make photocopies. I feel fortunate to have this resource in my city. It's another way to feel the past.
Unfortunately, you're going to have to wait a while for Twice in a Lifetime. It'll take me a while to finish it. But hopefully not forever. lol
Jana
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I wish my dumb library had some books. They have nothing but a couple of shelves, the rest is computers and CD's and DVD's to rent.
***Mary, didn't I tell you about inter-library loan before? Ask at the desk next time. I betcha they can get you a few books! ~Skhye
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Hi Mary,
I can't imagine a library without books. How depressing!
Skhye is right about inter-library loans. When I lived in rural Saskatchewan, in a town of about 6000, we had a fairly small library. There were still lots of books, but if you wanted something that wasn't there, you could usually order it in. Our library was part of a library system and had access to a bunch of books in other cities. Maybe yours does too.
Jana
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Skhye, thank you for having me today. And thank you to everyone who stopped by. All the best.
Jana
***You're welcome. And thanks so much for sharing your day with us. ~Skhye
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Hi Jana,
A bit late I'm afraid. Saturday morning in Australia. Sounds like you have gone to a lot of trouble with your research. I love the WW2 era also. My TWRP novel, The Trouble With Playboys is set during that era also. But the war sections are in Singapore and Malaya, where my late father served, and I was lucky to have had access to all the letters he wrote to my mother at the time (she was his finacee). I was able to quizz my mother and Aunties about what they wore during the war years and what they did for entertainment etc.Card evenings wsere popular. Do you have some elderly relatives you could chat to, they are a wonderful source of information.
Good luck, I hope you finish your WIP soon.
Best wishes
Margaret
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Jana,
Good luck with your WIP and the research. We are loosing them daily, but you have live resources to interview for your work. A real person and their experience is worth much. Agree with Skhye. The re-enactment groups for all eras are a wealth of good information.
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