Compiling a Prosopography Database of 1941–1945 Fatal Casualties among Military Servicemen Conscripted in One Region: The Case of the Kalmyk ASSR

Abstract

Introduction. The article discusses our experience of compiling a database of fatal casualties among Red Army soldiers and officers conscripted in the Kalmyk ASSR during the Great Patriotic War. The analysis of the database makes it possible to draw a collective portrait of that category of 1941–1945 war participants. Goals. The paper aims to analyze some experiences of compiling prosopography databases of 1941–1945 fatal casualties conscripted in one region, and specifically in the Kalmyk ASSR. Results. The study shows that mass sources characterized by homogeneity or similar properties provide ample opportunities for a quantitative approach in the historical study of the Great Patriotic War. When it comes to compile a database, one may face a significant number of errors and inaccuracies that had arisen initially and result from procedural (technical) features of information delivery. So, there is a need of certain qualified preparation for subsequent machine processing. Still, a properly compiled database of fatal casualties affords insights on a number of parameters and facilitates a due prosopography.

Keywords

• great patriotic war
• red army
• kalmyk assr
• memorial book
• database
• quantitative analysis
• fatal casualties
• prosopographic studies