Hello everyone! This is really just a random question I've been meaning to ask for quite sometime. I'm 17 years old, and still in High school, I would be totally shocked if I wasn't the youngest one here. Interest in history for my age group is slim, I only know of about 4 other people my age who share the same interest level in history as I do. For most of us, and definitely me, my interest in history started when I was very young, probably about 5. I started primarily with WW2 aviation (which is to this day my most studied and favorite topic), then I naturally wanted to learn more about WW2, and then WW1. Then 5 years ago I started to study the Korean War, and Vietnam, and most recently the Gulf War's, Civil War, and the Russian-Afghan war in the 80's. WW2 is, and always will be my main subject of study. Growing up, very few children my age shared the same, or even anywhere near the same interest as I did, true friends were hard to come by. Now, thankfully, I have a great group of friends of all interests who don't care about my "nerdiness". So any other younger forumers out there? -Wilson
You are probably one the youngest and quite probably the youngest currently active. We've had a good many in the past that were 13, 14, 15 or so. Most don't hang long as the discussion is more esoteric than most that age like to be involved in. We did have a 15 yo about 8 or so years ago that was very active for a longer period of time. I have since forgotten his name-old age is hard on us. Feel free to talk all you want, I want you to be able learn and enjoy it while you do.
Well I'm glad there have been some younger than me, good to know there are a few my age who care. I've already learned so much on this forum, and it hasn't even been a week! I thought this would provide me some info, well I have been blown away by everyone's expertise, professionalism, and kindness. I plan on being here for the long haul, and hopefully I can contribute and bring some knowledge to others as well.
Welcome here and I think it wonderful that you have this interest. I never would have guessed it. I am 77 and greatly enjoy the views of others regardless of age, even when I disagree. Please stay around..........Gaines.
I believe I was 15 or 16 when I first joined the forum. You should be able to get a pretty good idea how old I am now by looking at my join date.
I would never have guessed your age. You are quite knowledgeable. That said, I agree with Jeff (Slipdigit). Read other views and be open to learning new things. There are plenty of experts here, so enjoy yourself.
Thanks lou! I already have learned quite a bit from you guys, and I really have enjoyed myself on here so far.
JJ, you should read this book, " Hands to Action Stations - Memoirs of a very young Naval Officer (1939 - 1945)" Peter Poland Peter Poland graduated from an accelerated program at The British Naval Academy and was standing on the bridge of HMS Rodney when the Bismark first came into view on her final day. ......at 17 years of age. An aid to the Captain .What an experience. He provides a very lucid account. You should be able to relate far better than I but I spend hours imagining what it must have been like. One of the premier actions of WW2.....to me. The British Navy has a very long history of having young men at sea and in combat I read it on Kindle but I believe Amazon has it in paper as well. but could be wrong.. I am off to reread it. Gaines
Thank you Gaines, I appreciate any and all book suggestions! That does sound like quite the interesting read, seeing the Bismarck as a Royal Navy sailor would be truly terrifying, wounded or not. I'll have to add it to my ever increasing "read list"