A very rare guide intended for British armed forces stationed in Iraq during the Second World War. It was probably handed to the soldiers soon after arrival. Works like these were often discarded when they were no longer needed. As such, there are usually few of them left. This particular military guide is likewise extremely rare. We have only been able to find 3 other copies, 2 of which are located at the Imperial War Museum in London.
The Services guide to Iraq was probably published by the welfare committee of the British PAI force, which is short for "Persia and Iraq Force". The British were stationed here to prevent Nazi Germany from invading the region for oil, among other reasons. The guide was meant to teach the soldiers the basics of finding their way in this new country. It explains where to go for sports, music, religion, legal aid, education, the costs of sending letters home, and how to recognize and prevent various tropical diseases. It also aims to instill some cultural awareness in the reader: included is an excerpt of a work about the history of Iraq by Seton Lloyd (1902-1996), archaeologist and then curator at the Baghdad museum.
The paper wrappers are torn at the bottom of the spine, with some loss of material, barely affecting the integrity of the binding, a small stain and two small pen marks in red and green on the front wrapper. Somewhat browned throughout. Otherwise in good condition. Not in WorldCat.