World War II Database

Ten years ago, I had some WW2-related text documents saved on my computer and a few accompanying photographs. I thought why not share my collection on the web? Overly ambitious, I grew the site in all directions, including everything that has anything to do with WW2, and it did not take me long to realize that the scope was simply too large. Stubbornly, I kept going. I never lost the feeling that because of the wide scope, the site's content was always lacking something, but I had a lot of fun working on the site every single day. The past ten years had gone by like a blink of an eye. It is so incredible to see how much had been accomplished, even as I realize how much is yet to be done, as I imagine all the possibilities this growing database can still offer.

Continuing a past tradition, here is a snapshot of website statistics, showing growth since our anniversary date last year in parenthesis.

• 808 biographies (+48)
• 311 events (+4)
• 31,157 timeline entries (+2,342)
• 700 ships (+15)
• 309 aircraft models (+3)
• 166 vehicle models (+3)
• 291 weapon models (+36)
• 84 historical documents (+11)
• 86 facilities (+67)
• 359 books reviewed (+47)
• 20,118 photos (+2,505)
• 239 maps (+20)
• 13,511 visitor comments (+1,804)

Continuing with statistics, over at Facebook, WW2DB has 151,865 fans (+32,275). Meanwhile, 6,294 Twitter followers keep up with the site (+1,962). WW2DB has presence on Google+ but admittedly not enough attention had been paid in that medium; it currently has 122 followers (+59).

One thing I value very much from the past ten years was being able to assemble the small team of contributors for WW2DB. Beyond the content that they provide, they continue to give me the encouragement to keep going. Combined with the support from the visitors, I feel like I have the energy to keep going for another ten years!

As I have noted on this date last year, I hope that you have enjoyed the information published on WW2DB, and hope that you will continue to find the website meaningful and enjoyable.

C. Peter Chen
Founder and Managing Editor
World War II Database

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