SURI Q&A: Sofia Fleming ’28

Name: Sofia Fleming

Department: History

Research Project/Topic: World War One Logistics

Advisor(s): Maj. Alex Paul

In a few sentences, describe your SURI project in lay terms.

I studied how the British and American militaries, in the First World War, used logistics, medicine, machinery, and animals to push themselves to victory.

What made you choose this topic?

World War One has always fascinated me because it combined the old traditions of war with the new. I wanted to discover how leaders organized a complex war that depended heavily on supplies and ammunition. On the frontlines, horses, trucks, pigeons, radios, tanks and elephants were all combined into this multi-faceted war. I wanted to explore the importance of logistics in a mobile, modern and supply oriented global war. Throughout my research, I had the opportunity to study the logistical changes and supply challenges in the First World War and how different machines and animals contributed to logistical success.

What kind of personal connection do you have to this topic?

I was always interested in World War One because of the war’s reliance on horses as a form of transportation even though it was an extremely industrial war. I own two horses, so I have always felt like I have had a deeper understanding of how the war impacted equines and other beasts of burden.

How much time will you devote/have you devoted to conducting research this summer?

I spent over 260 hours on my project this summer.

Why do you think the SURI program is beneficial at VMI?

This SURI project was extremely beneficial because I had the opportunity to work with many amazing faculty members. I did archival research at the Marshall Library Archives and the Virginia Military Institute Archives. The faculty were incredibly helpful, and they found amazing primary sources for me to read. My mentor, MAJ Alex Paul, is extremely knowledgeable about the First World War, and he guided me through my research.

What do you hope to gain from SURI?

I decided to pursue this research project so that I could understand WWI operations and that I could have a better visual picture of supply and logistics. Currently, I am working on a novel that takes place on several WWI battlefields. This research project helped me answer my research question, obtain a better mental picture of supply, logistics, and learn about the lives of soldiers in WWI. Now that I have completed my SURI project, I want to continue researching World War One logistics after I graduate VMI.