Welcome to the WWII Forums! Log in or Sign up to interact with the community.

How My Interest in WW2 has Evolved

Discussion in 'WWII Today' started by JJWilson, Oct 21, 2017.

  1. JJWilson

    JJWilson Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2017
    Messages:
    1,411
    Likes Received:
    456
    Location:
    Arizona U.S.A
    I have been interested in WW2 and have read, watched, and learned about it for about as long as I can remember. As to how this interest in the world's biggest conflict began for me, I don't remember. From the time I was very little (about 3 or 4) I was surrounded by WW2 related toys and models. My Dad gave me almost all of his WW2 toys from when he was little, including an extensive collection of Airfix miniature soldiers, 1:72 sized tanks and planes, and even an aircraft carrier (I'll admit I was slightly spoiled :D). Me playing with these toys led me to ask my dad questions, most of them basic, but overtime my curiosity and interest prompted my dad to buy me a book I still own and use frequently, World War II, by H.P. Wilmott, and Charles Messenger. By the time I was about 6, I grew further interested in the War, but more specifically the air war. Right around that time the History channel came out with the Dogfight series. That was about all I watched as a child, and I still watch episodes frequently. Also around that time I was introduced to some WW2 movies, Tora Tora Tora, The Longest Day, A Bridge too Far, 633rd Squadron, To hell and Back, Flying Tigers, and my all time favorite, The Battle of Britain. Overtime my book collection got bigger, and my interest also. When I was that young I mostly just looked at the pictures, but around the time I turned 10, I began to actually read some of the books, from there it became more of a hobby than an interest. Now 13 years later I have about 50 WW2 related books, (and that's just WW2) about 40 WW2 movies, and a plethora of models and paintings. I went from just looking at pictures of weapons, soldiers, and machines, to seeing the human aspect of the war, and realizing the death, destruction, and change it brought to our world. How did you guys begin your interest in WW2?
    -Wilson
     
    TIRDAD likes this.
  2. KMZgirl

    KMZgirl Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2007
    Messages:
    375
    Likes Received:
    93
    Location:
    The South
    I've been "patriotic" as long as I can remember. Dad was in WWII. I came along much later and unfortunately didn't ask many questions while he was alive. After his passing, I took a deep interest in the CBI. So, it is personal for me.
     
    TIRDAD and JJWilson like this.
  3. JJWilson

    JJWilson Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2017
    Messages:
    1,411
    Likes Received:
    456
    Location:
    Arizona U.S.A
    I wish I had a family situation similar to that, I only had 2 grandparents who served in the Military during the 40's, one during the war in the Nevada National Guard, and another in the Air Force directly after WW2 in Okinawa. The Grandpa who served in Okinawa passed away when I was 8, before I had the opportunity to ask detailed questions unfortunately. As for the other Grandpa he has shared basically everything he remembers from the war, and none of it honestly is all that exciting, funny stories, but nothing related to the war directly. So I didn't have the "Grandpa's combat stories" experience like a lot of others my age. But now that I'm older I've learned to appreciate even the not so exciting stories, and enjoy the limited time I have with my Grandpa.
     
    TIRDAD and KMZgirl like this.
  4. harolds

    harolds Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2011
    Messages:
    1,898
    Likes Received:
    372
    I was born a few years after the war and thus grew up in a world shaped by WW2. I believe I've had an interest in this war since I was about eight. My father and two of his brothers were in the service during the war. I still remember the Japanese 7.7mm rifle my uncle Buck brought home in 1945. It had the anti-aircraft sights, bayonet and chrysanthemum. Unfortunately, his oldest son sold the piece after his death. :wail: I went through the usual progression of general histories, individual accounts, then more detailed accounts of campaigns and battles. I've always had a fascination with what went on in the enemy's camp and what made them do what they did. (Not to be confused with approval of their government and actions.) The only problem was that so few accounts of the Japanese side of things were/are available. I've also had a fascination with the small arms of the war. Last summer I went to my first cannon and machine gun shoot and I plan to do it again this year! Shooting MG 42s and BARs is a real "kick"! (Sorry about that.):rolleyes:
     
    TIRDAD and JJWilson like this.
  5. JJWilson

    JJWilson Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2017
    Messages:
    1,411
    Likes Received:
    456
    Location:
    Arizona U.S.A
    [QUOTE I've also had a fascination with the small arms of the war. Last summer I went to my first cannon and machine gun shoot and I plan to do it again this year! Shooting MG 42s and BARs is a real "kick"! (Sorry about that.):rolleyes:[/QUOTE]
    I think actually seeing the machines, weapons, and uniforms millions of soldiers fought and died with really brings the reality of the war home. Here in the U.S, we don't really get the perspective the British, French, Australians, or any country in Europe have. I love going to re-enactments, and airshows to try and experience at least a little of what millions others experienced 70 years ago.
     

Share This Page