If the format is really that widely used, then you could use the following.
Related to your question is mine: Pass multiple resources into a DataTemplate which I finally found a solution for. I think you cannot get around the definition of a template for every such date. But depending on the complexity of your display template this solution keeps the additional DataTemplates code to a minimum.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.