A Review of Nick’s Project!

For his final project, Nick has decided to make a website with information about the 12 Squadron RAF unit during WWII. He has personal interest in this project as his grandfather served in the squadron. I think it is great to have a connection to the research you are conducting as it makes it more enjoyable and rewarding, as well as providing a source of motivation to work towards the full potential of the project!

Nick seems to be doing a very good job of overcoming the obstacles he has encountered so far. There is a lack of existing material on 12 Squadron available, making his research process strenuous. He has been using RACER to obtain books from a variety of libraries which will hopefully prove valuable to his research. He has also found a few links to YouTube videos from which he can obtain personal accounts and firsthand stories to add to his website. One idea Nick may consider is a section on his website where some of these videos can be embedded and watched by the site’s visitors. I am not sure if he would need to gain certain permissions to do so, but I think it would add a lot to the overall atmosphere of his website.

When it comes to the debate between making a database of information that is searchable by family name, etc… I think that he would need to be very dedicated to the idea if he was to decide to do so. It would take a lot of time spent doing uneventful data input. However, if he is willing to commit to the effort I’m sure the outcome would be fantastic. The database could be used to find information about family members who participated in 12 Squadron and learn about their personal experiences during WWII.

If the project goes no further than an educational website I think it is still a fantastic idea. Perhaps it will be possible to make a section profiling a few specific people if it is possible to gain enough information. It could feature a short background story then highlight their experiences during WWII, with pictures if possible. Another thought it to search primary source databases for letters or correspondences written between soldiers and their families. This would add to the personal feel of the website, and as I gathered from Nick’s presentation this seemed like a route he would like to pursue!