People shocked at how ‘relevant’ advice to American soldiers living in Britain during WW2 is today

People have been left shocked at just how ‘relevant’ the advice given to Americans in Britain decades ago is now.

Back in 1942, when soldiers from the US were residing in parts of the UK during World War II, they were given a handbook on how to act and behave.

One Reddit user shared some of this as they posted an image said to be of the last page from Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain.

Issued by the US War Department, the guide advised the Americans on the peculiarities of the ‘British, their country and their ways.’

It’s a pretty interesting insight into how the states prepped its military for the war, as they worked on trying to alleviate the ‘culture shock’ for its people taking their first trip to Britain.

I mean, some of it’s up for debate nowadays though as one quip in the book reads: “The British don't know how to make a good cup of coffee. You don't know how to make a good cup of tea. It's an even swap.”

I make a pretty decent coffee, thanks.

But it’s that final page people on Reddit are discussing though, with the first line reading: “Don’t try to tell the British that America won the last war or make wise cracks about the war debts or about British defeats in this war.”

Hmm, patriotism…

It then goes on to capitalise to ‘NEVER’ make criticism about the King or Queen or: “The food, beer or cigarettes to the British.”

It continues: “Use common sense on all occasions.” I mean, as someone who regularly ends up on the tube in London packed with American tourists, that’s one bit of advice that’s definitely relevant to them nowadays.

“You will soon find yourself among a kindly, quiet, hard-working people who have been living under a strain such as few people in the world have ever known,” it continues.

The book was given to Americans coming to Britain. (Bodleian Library, University of Oxford)

The guidebook then gives them a slogan to follow: “It is always impolite to criticise your hosts; it is militarily stupid to criticise your allies.”

And one user said that’s ‘still relevant today if they could just get someone to follow it.’

“Whoever wrote this gets it. Especially the part about criticising your allies,” another wrote.

“I think that’s really good, fair guidance,” a third added.

One also joked about Brits: “It needs to be said that criticising the King/Queen is totally normal there. They just don't like it when others do it.”

Another added that they have an ‘original copy’ and there’s a part: “Warning US soldiers against trying to consume alcohol at the same level as British soldiers.”

“This is still true lol,” many agreed.