Research and Consulting

Did you know that to support its mission of preserving history and educating the public about WWII, the World War II History Project offers research, consulting, and digitization services?

Over the years, Heather Steele has assisted WWII authors, documentary producers, veterans, families and enthusiasts with a variety of projects related to World War II in English, French, and German. She has translated German documents, assisted in interviewing German veterans, connected former enemies, and provided archival research. She has digitized veterans’ precious photos and records so that they can be passed down to future generations. She also helps new WWII non-profits establish themselves with local, state and IRS officials; conducts funding research for them; and writes proposals for funding.

Luftgaukommando Report Example

On the research side, WWII History Project can help you obtain (to the extent they exist) from the US National Archives in College Park, MD (NARA II):

• American unit records, mission records, after-action reports, escape and evasion records, Missing Air Crew Reports (MACR’s), military attache and diplomatic dispatches,
• French, Belgian and Dutch Resistance files and files regarding European escape lines,
• Luftgaukommando reports (about Allied planes downed in German-occupied territory),
• POW lists and POW camp records, both Allied and Axis (limited),
• Captured German files (including political, Waffen-SS, etc.),
• Investigation and court records detailing atrocities of German citizens against Allied service personnel,
• Maps,
• Photos,
• Moving picture files, including captured Axis newsreels, some American gun-cam footage, etc.

With our partners, we can also provide you from the US National Archives in St. Louis:

• Military personnel files,
• Individual Deceased Personnel Files (IDPF’s),
• Morning reports.

On trips to the UK, we can also obtain unit, mission, after-action, and other records from:

• the UK National Archives in Kew, England,
• the Imperial War Museum Archives in London,
• the BBC Archives in Reading, etc.

Heather photographing Luftwaffe documents in Freiburg

On trips to Germany, we can also search for:

• Unit records, air victory reports, and other records housed at the German National Archives in Freiburg,
• The fate of missing and killed German soldiers through inquiries to WASt,
• Military personnel files and courts-martial infractions,
• Local city files including: address books and registrations, Gestapo records (if they exist), local institutions during the war (for example Hitler Youth Glider aerodromes, etc.), leave records, etc.
• Interviews with well-known personalities during the war at the German radio archives in Frankfurt,
• And much more depending upon your requirements….

Portrait of Hitler left in French house near Paris occupied by German troops during the war

Our Executive Director, Heather Steele, also provides translation of German military records into English, and is available to develop and lead customized battlefield tours throughout Germany and other parts of Europe.

Email us at info at ww2historyproject.org to find out more how we can help you solve your World War II-related mysteries.