When I began my posts about our day in Normandy I forgot a little something, so now there will be eight parts to our day.
Sophie carried with her a book - A Pocket Guide to France. This was published by the American War and Navy Departments during World War II.
What caught Les' attention was the pronunciation guide. There are simple phrases for greetings and asking directions, but also critical phrases such as Help me! ~ Aidez-moi! Take me to a doctor ~ Conduisez-moi chez un docteur.
There is a map of France.
There are several pages devoted to how the American soldiers were to treat the French people. A couple things really jumped out at me. Under "You Are a Guest of France" the soldier is told how to treat people who may provide him a place to live. "Treat the women in the house the way you want the women of your family, your wife or your girl treated by other men while you are away. This needs no further explanation." The soldiers of the 1940s understood how to treat women with respect. I wonder how this would need to be written today...
There is another section devoted to "Mademoiselle" or single women. "France has been represented too often in fiction as a frivolous nation where sly winks and coy pats on the rear are the acceptable form of address. You'd better get rid of such notions right now if you are going to keep out of trouble." The section goes on to say that France is full of decent women, but also goes into full detail about wanting to marry a French girl. This was strongly discouraged, with no guarantee that the new wife would make it to America for at least six months after the war ended, and marriage was not allowed without the permission of the commanding officer.
On the back was a list of important signs.
Replicas of the guide were for sale at the Utah Beach Museum and this is one of the only souvenirs we brought home!
