> I was wondering therefore, on the feasibility of using a WW2 US aerial
You don't need to make an aerial 1/4 of a wavelength long - there are
many other longer lengths you can use (still based on the wavelength).
You can even use a "random length" whip of any length, and an ATU
(antenna tuner) to make it all match. These are the square boxes you
see on the front wings of radio-fitted Land Rovers.
I suggest you get hold of a copy of the ARRL Handbook (American Radio
Relay League) and read up a little on simple whip aerials. This is
probably the best book in the world on this type of information and
most public libraries should know of it. There will be many similar
local books too.
You'll certainly need an SWR meter to set it all up.