Vintage  World War II era paperback book A Pocket Guide To India, distributed by the US War and Navy Departments to US soldiers deployed to India during the Second World War. The book was printed in the USA in 1942 by the Special Service Division, Army Service Forces, United States Army.  The small paperback book is 68 printed pages and measures 5 1/4" x 4 1/4" (133mm x 108mm)

Synopsis:  A Pocket Guide to India is a small handbook produced by the U.S. Army to prepare soldiers for living and working alongside Indian civilians and Allied troops in the China-Burma-India Theater. It stressed that military success depended not only on combat, but also on earning the respect and goodwill of the Indian people through courtesy, cultural understanding, and self-discipline.

As American forces arrived in India to support operations against Japan, A Pocket Guide to India introduced them to the country's geography, climate, history, religions, customs, and complex political situation under British rule. The booklet explains India's remarkable diversity of languages, ethnic groups, and faiths—including Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, and others—and offers practical advice on everyday interactions, transportation, money, food, and local etiquette. It also includes a brief glossary of common Hindustani words and phrases to help soldiers communicate with local people.

Beyond practical information, the guide serves as a wartime lesson in diplomacy. It repeatedly reminds American servicemen that their behavior would shape Indian opinions of the United States and the Allied cause. Soldiers are urged to avoid racial prejudice, respect local religious beliefs and social customs, refrain from criticizing British or Indian politics, and remember that many Indians hoped for greater self-government even while supporting the fight against the Axis powers. The booklet presents India as an essential Allied partner whose cooperation was vital to defeating Japan and establishing a lasting peace after the war.

Condition: The book is in very good condition with minor wear on the corner tips.  The soldier wrote his dates of deployment in pen in the notes section on the last page (Australia July 21 1945, India August 1945, see photo below)