I recently had a nice exchange of emails with Ron R. of Charlotte in reference to World War II body typing studies, so that inspired today's double feature. We start with the army at Fort Sheridan before moving on the the Navy. The Army probably recorded the soldiers' names, but unlike the Navy, they didn't put them right on the images, leaving only numbers. This one is 9350.
Many thanks for these, Jerry. I find them endlessly fascinating. A record of average Joe's. And an insight into just how much body shapes have changed. Feeling slightly intrusive, when viewing them. I suspect you've answered this before...did they have any choice in taking part? Also, are there any UK ones?
ReplyDeleteI doubt that they had any choice in the matter, given the sweeping power the military had at the time. Only a few of them look visibly uncomfortable, fwiw, but we can't know their true feelings. And no, I haven't seen any British versions. Perhaps surprisingly, the Germans with all their superman ideology didn't go in for this, other than using a small number of SS men as models for texts on Aryan superiority, mostly as head studies.
DeleteCheers Jerry. As I thought. Unless they were photographed again to monitor any improvement in musculature and posture, following training, in many ways a wasted exercise. It does have a strong feel of the then popular, very creepy, eugenics. Most military folks will tell you, that a mix of builds works best. Small, agile soldiers often having a better strength to weight ratio. Perhaps the Germans didn't proceed, as researchers thankfully realised that they are, like everywhere, a range of "types".
DeleteI meant to add. Ever met someone who took part?
ReplyDeleteNo, nor have I read any accounts by participants. Perhaps surprisingly, one former cadet from St. Mary's College has a cropped version of his face forward photo on an online memorial put up by his family.
DeleteDavid Life model asked some very interesting questions. It would sure be interesting to know someone who actually experienced this.
ReplyDeleteSee nty reply to David above.
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