Two countries separated by a common language.

On this day of remembrance, Veterans' Day in America, I thought I might remind us of the protocols that need to be observed when the US meets the UK. I am sure some of these 1942 principles still apply today :-)

As the book says in its introduction "YOU are going to Great Britain as a part of an Allied offensive to meet Hitler and beat him on his own ground. For the time being you will be Britain's guest. The purpose of this guide is to start getting you acquainted with the British, their country, and their ways."

Here is some of the advice:-

"Don't be a show off."
"Britain is the cradle of Democracy."
"You are higher paid than the British "Tommy." Don't rub it in. Play fair with him. He can be a pal in need."

My favourite is on British women at war. "A British woman officer or non-commissioned officer can - and often does - give orders to a man private. The men obey smartly and no there is no shame. For British women have proven themselves in this way. They have stuck to their posts near burning ammunition dumps, delivered messages afoot after their motorcycles have been blasted from under them. They have pulled aviators from burning planes. They have died at gun posts and as they fell another girl has stepped directly into the position and "carried on." There is not a single record in this war of any British women in uniformed service quitting her post or failing her duty under fire."

How times have changed. Let's hope that respect and equal rights for all regardless of sex, sexual orientation, religion, or race continues to be a founding principle of what our armed forces fight for and our Governments deliver.

Excepts from "Instructions for American Service men in Britain 1942"

Reproduced for the original transcript, War Department Washington DC. All rights reserved