Deolali rest camp India
Friday 27th April 1945
We left Deolali at 8am in a pukka troop team and it was not at all bad. Got off the train at 4.30. By looking after others and not myself I was at the back of the queue. I got on board about 7.30 and just got some grub.
The boredom John and others felt at the Deolali British Army transit camp gave rise to the expression “going Doolally”, originally “doolally tap”, meaning to ‘lose one′s mind’. ‘Tap’ possibly comes from the Sanskrit word ‘tapa’ meaning ‘heat’ or ‘fever’.
Sunday 22nd April 1945
Nothing happens as normal. This is the last day of arrivals. Perhaps something will start happening.
Getting browned off slightly with seeing so many officers I think and having so little to do.
The boredom John and others felt at the Deolali British Army transit camp gives rise to the expression “Going Doolally”, originally “doolally tap”, meaning to ‘lose one′s mind’. ‘Tap’ possibly comes from the Sanskrit word ‘tapa’ meaning ‘heat’ or ‘fever’.
Saturday 21st April 1945
Went to the movies today. I have a lousy sore throat. We go to the officers’ shop but I get nothing.