R.E.M.E.
Thursday 26th April 1945
We learn there is no baggage room on Ship Z and that our luggage is confined to a suitcase. the ship is converted to an American trooper and all officers have fallen for this beauty.
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.
Friday 20th April 1945
Arrived Deolali at about eight and seem to be more or less the first arrivals. This joint looks quite good. Grub is not bad. Go to the bazaar with Tony and he shows me around.
Deolali transit camp was a transit camp for British troops in Deolali, India, notorious for its unpleasant environment, boredom and the psychological problems of soldiers that passed through it. Its name is the origin of the phrase “gone doolally” or “doolally tap”, a phrase meaning to ‘lose one’s mind’.
Thursday 19th April 1945
Still on the train.
Wednesday 18th April 1945
On the train. We live on K rations and for short periods they are quite pleasant
The K-ration was an individual daily combat food ration which was introduced by the United States Army during World War II. It was originally intended as an individually packaged daily ration for issue to airborne troops, tank crews, motorcycle couriers, and other mobile forces for short durations. The K-ration provided three separately boxed meal units: breakfast, dinner (lunch) and supper (dinner).
Tuesday 17th April 1945
We left at about 6pm, seven of us in a compartment meant for three. The seats were very narrow and we had to strap the valises on.
Monday 16th April 1945
We learn that we are to go tomorrow.
Sunday 15th April 1945
Went to the service this morning and had an excellent address. It’s beautifully cool and last night’s wind persists, blowing the dust all over the place.