Doughboys Abroad

Last week in Britain U.S. troops:

P: Watched with delighted approval while a U.S. private spanked Winston Churchill's daughter Mary when she kidded him about his big feet (see p. 44).

P: Hooked rare old wine from an Ulster castle cellar. Cost, in fines to the party of nine: $954.

P: Read merrily the "Doughboy Dictionary" provided by a London paper, supposedly "interpreting" new U.S. slang to the British. Some definitions were correct. Others: a hobo is a redcap, sinkers are dumplings, a K.O. is a commanding officer.

P: Startled English country residents with jeeps, motor scooters, and U.S. (German-like) steel helmets.

P: Played soft ball for fascinated English crowds, with intervals for rain.

P: Failed to turn up at a reception planned for 400 by one London borough.

P: Received uncomprehending feminine stares to slangy suggestions: "Like to pitch a little woo, baby?"

P: Tried to teach British girls to jitterbug, k Made up tales about U.S. movie stars: "We don't like to spoil their dreams."

P: Were the subject of a great experiment: "The future of Anglo-American relations now for the first time in history is in the hands of the people. Knowing the great heartiness and generosity of our people, I look forward with confidence to the outcome of this great experiment"--Anthony Eden.

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