Over here, over paid, and over sexed is how the Brits described the American GI’s during World War II.

A friend of mine of the ‘Greatest Generation’, Art Nicholas, who spent some time in the UK during World War II as the equivalent of what today is a Navy Seal and participated in operations for the Normandy invasion clandestinely at Slapton Sands in England, called to my attention recently a pamphlet that was handed out to GI’s heading to Britain entitled, “Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain 1942.”

The pamphlet, now reproduced from the original typescript in book form was issued by the War Department in Washington D.C.

The instructional booklet provides much insight of the times and how Americans perceived the Brits.

As noted in the forward of this book, “The pamphlet attracted quite a lot of attention in Britain at the time, not the least because it gave an unusually direct view of how the British were seen by others.  An editorial  in the London Times on July 14, 1942 suggested that it should become a best seller which ‘ought  to be acquired by British readers in quantities unequalled even by the many works of Edgar Wallace or Nat Gould.’ “

It provides a snapshot of wartime Britain, as seen by outsiders.

For example it discusses how Americans should not discuss old wars and how the British are reserved, but not unfriendly and how Americans should not be show off’s in their behavior.

It is a book of fundmentals and common sense.  But necessary, because the troops of this perioid had never been abroad and experienced the likes of these folks or what they both were about to encounter.

And so the book talked about how to keep out of arguments, the sacrifice that the Brits have undergone, the importnace to not waste, as it was perceived that Americans did so easily. For example it was said that Americans threw out more garbarge than Britians ate.

They talked about the language and its accent.  For example the book notes how the Brits will drop the “r” (as people do in sections of our own country) and will say “hyah” instead of “here.”

The Do’s and Don’ts section is particularly humorus. The GI’s were told to be friendly, not to intrude, don’t show off or brag or bluster and if a GI is invited to eat with a family don’t eat too much, otherwise you may eat up their weekly rations.

Oh, and stay away from politics.

And lastly — never  criticize the King or Queen.

The next column will deal with Instructions for British Servicemen in Germany; vintage 1944, again courtesy of Art Nicholas.