Here's a training film with Burgess Meredith. When he wasn't working in Hollywood he lived in a small town in NY near where I grew up. Everyone really liked him. He was also a captain in the USAAF
There is also a booklet with the catchy title: 'Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain 1942'. It probably tells us more about Americans than the British. I like 'When you see a girl in khaki or air force blue with a bit of ribbon on her tunic, remember that she did'nt get it for knitting socks.' Mike
In the yank training film at 18.35: "Question: What's the capital of Wales? Answer: Aberystwyth" Turns out Cardiff was only declared capital in 1955, but I can't find anything saying Aberystwyth was ever the capital. Can anyone shed any light?
I expect a few of you will also enjoy this: The Story of the British Pub - From Ancient Times to Today (1940s)
I can only deem it US ignorance. The "rival" for capital of Wales was Carnarvon (Caernarfon). not Aberystwyth.
It's not the American who says it. It is one of the school children and the teacher then confirms they are correct.
Does anyone know the name of the game the father and son are playing at the 5:10 mark of the "How to Behave in Britain" movie? I can't make it out. Thanks
"Everyone is treated the same when it comes to....................................................................................dying".
There is a very good Canadian Army Report detailing the problems the Canadian Army had in adjusting to Britain from 1940 onwards. I've got an e copy somewhere. It describes many of the same issues. However it also points out that in 1942 Canadian teams were formed to assist US Army soldiers to adjust - being regarded as sort of half British and half American they could mediate ( I assume that nobody from Quebec needed apply). One training exercise was "The trip to the pub". However the Canadians were less patronising and also attempted to train us Brits to understand the Yanks. Individual Canadians were instructed to get out there and mingle. Does going down the pub become less attractive when it's part of one's duty?
The US also made films on how to behave in Germany and how to behave in Japan obviously in 1945. I'm not sure what the exact titles were. Somewhat different . We were shown them as part of the WW2 MA. The Japanese one was overtly racist. Thegeneral tonw was similar ie - obey the legal necessities to the letter but do not forget that behind smiling faces and quaint folksie traditions everyone you meet is a covert facist bastard who wants you dead. Subtle they were not.