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    Home > Second World War Books > Instructions for British Servicemen in France
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    Instructions for British Servicemen in France

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    Description
    In 1944 the British War Office distributed a handbook to British soldiers informing them what to expect and how to behave in a newly-liberated France. Containing candid descriptions of this war-ravaged society (widespread malnourishment, rampant tuberculosis) as well as useful phrases and a pronunciation guide (Bonjewer, commont-allay-voo), it was an indispensable guide to everyday life. This small, unassuming publication had a deeper purpose: to bring together two allies who did not enjoy ideal relations in 1944.

    The book attempts to reconcile differences by stressing a shared history and the common aim - defeating Hitler. It also tried to dispel misapprehensions: 'There is a fairly widespread belief among people in Britain that the French are a particularly gay, frivolous people with no morals and few convictions.'Often unintentionally hilarious in its expression of these false impressions, the book is also a guide for avoiding social embarrassment: 'If you should happen to imagine that the first pretty French girl who smiles at you intends to dance the can-can or take you to bed, you will risk stirring up a lot of trouble for yourself - and for our relations with the French.'Many of its observations still ring true today. For example, 'The French are more polite than most of us.

    Remember to call them "Monsieur, Madame, Mademoiselle," not just "Oy!"' Others remind us of how we recently we have adopted French customs: 'Don't drink yourself silly. If you get the chance to drink wine, learn to "'take it".'Anyone with an interest in Britain, France or World War II will find this an irresistible insight into British attitudes towards the French and an interesting, timeless commentary on Anglo-French relations.
    DELIVERY

    We offer free standard UK delivery on all orders over £50.

    Orders up to £30 are charged a flat fee of £4.95

    Orders between £30.01 and £50 are charged a flat fee of £6.95.

    Usual UK delivery timescale (excluding custom prints) is between 5 and 7 working days from the date of dispatch. Please allow up to 14 working days for delivery. For custom print delivery pricing and timescales see below. These timescales may vary especially when we have online sales and in the weeks before Christmas. Christmas 2024: The last recommended order date for UK orders is 14 December. The last recommended order date for all international orders is 23 November.

    Delivery Worldwide

    We can also ship to selected countries worldwide. 

    For full details, including prices, click here.

    Custom Prints

    Your prints and frames will be handmade by King & McGaw at their Sussex workshop.

    Unframed orders are shipped within 5 working days (normally shipped next day).

    Framed orders are shipped within 20 working days.

    Further information on delivery timescales for custom prints can be found here.

    RETURNS

    If you are not completely satisfied with your item you may return it within 28 days for a refund.

    For further details on returns click here.

    Unfortunately we cannot offer a refund on custom prints unless they are faulty or we have made a mistake. Custom prints are exempt as they are made to order.

    Manufacturer/Publisher: Bodleian Library
    Binding: Hardback
    Pagination: 72p

    SKU: 9781851243358

    Description
    In 1944 the British War Office distributed a handbook to British soldiers informing them what to expect and how to behave in a newly-liberated France. Containing candid descriptions of this war-ravaged society (widespread malnourishment, rampant tuberculosis) as well as useful phrases and a pronunciation guide (Bonjewer, commont-allay-voo), it was an indispensable guide to everyday life. This small, unassuming publication had a deeper purpose: to bring together two allies who did not enjoy ideal relations in 1944.

    The book attempts to reconcile differences by stressing a shared history and the common aim - defeating Hitler. It also tried to dispel misapprehensions: 'There is a fairly widespread belief among people in Britain that the French are a particularly gay, frivolous people with no morals and few convictions.'Often unintentionally hilarious in its expression of these false impressions, the book is also a guide for avoiding social embarrassment: 'If you should happen to imagine that the first pretty French girl who smiles at you intends to dance the can-can or take you to bed, you will risk stirring up a lot of trouble for yourself - and for our relations with the French.'Many of its observations still ring true today. For example, 'The French are more polite than most of us.

    Remember to call them "Monsieur, Madame, Mademoiselle," not just "Oy!"' Others remind us of how we recently we have adopted French customs: 'Don't drink yourself silly. If you get the chance to drink wine, learn to "'take it".'Anyone with an interest in Britain, France or World War II will find this an irresistible insight into British attitudes towards the French and an interesting, timeless commentary on Anglo-French relations.
    DELIVERY

    We offer free standard UK delivery on all orders over £50.

    Orders up to £30 are charged a flat fee of £4.95

    Orders between £30.01 and £50 are charged a flat fee of £6.95.

    Usual UK delivery timescale (excluding custom prints) is between 5 and 7 working days from the date of dispatch. Please allow up to 14 working days for delivery. For custom print delivery pricing and timescales see below. These timescales may vary especially when we have online sales and in the weeks before Christmas. Christmas 2024: The last recommended order date for UK orders is 14 December. The last recommended order date for all international orders is 23 November.

    Delivery Worldwide

    We can also ship to selected countries worldwide. 

    For full details, including prices, click here.

    Custom Prints

    Your prints and frames will be handmade by King & McGaw at their Sussex workshop.

    Unframed orders are shipped within 5 working days (normally shipped next day).

    Framed orders are shipped within 20 working days.

    Further information on delivery timescales for custom prints can be found here.

    RETURNS

    If you are not completely satisfied with your item you may return it within 28 days for a refund.

    For further details on returns click here.

    Unfortunately we cannot offer a refund on custom prints unless they are faulty or we have made a mistake. Custom prints are exempt as they are made to order.