Eighty years ago: diary of Indian Army officer cadet March to December 1941

Well off we go on MT (Motor or Mechanical Transport). Started with technical lecture on metals and gearing, etc. Had dozens of drawings and précis issued, also a new set of books; not a hope of getting through them. Finished about 4:00 p.m. pretty tired so had a rest before the Munshi at 5:15 p.m. After poor meal, went to bed having prepared Epson Salts for next day.

Saw the MO and asked if I could go out. He said I could if feeling better. Wrote to Mam, Bill and Fred. Must see to my Pay Bill. Left hospital at 4:00 p.m. Went to Mess and straightened things out, but not feeling too good.

  Much as yesterday; much better. Did a little Urdu and in the evening started writing. Quite amused at one of the native ward boys. Received letter from Mother date 23 July, which was cheering. I only hope mine get there regularly. Listened to dance music on radio; it was quite cheering.

  Feeling better and temperature down to normal. Had large dose of salts each morning. Enjoyed food, which was small in quantity, but delicate. Appetite is still not good. Read ‘Mother India’ by Kathleen Mayo, a very illuminating and in my opinion truly-stated account of some phases of India. Talked until about 11:00 p.m. with RAMC Orderlies and who were quite nice blokes and do well there.

Went on Sick Parade and MO decided that I could not go on as I was and sent me to hospital. Packed my kit and went down in the ambulance at10:00 p.m. Quite good hospital. Gave me medicine six times daily and I soon began to feel better. A pal, Weir, and a Gurkha officer were there in my ward. No nurses only Orderlies of RAMC (Royal Army Medical Corp).

Felt fairly well early, but later grew rotten as usual. Had afternoon off so took large dose of Castor Oil although no effect. Got Swayne to take my temperature – 101°F – so I think I’ll go sick tomorrow. Did not go to Mess, but stayed in bed, did not feel like eating.

Spent whole morning at calculating the requirement of Fld S.D. (?). Felt rotten again in the afternoon, bought Castor Oil and took a dose; it almost made me sick. Glad to get to bed again after a poor dinner. Received Pay Bill INR513, but some deductions will have to come. Have to fill in all kinds of complicated claim forms. What a life!

Up at 5:30 a.m. for drill; didn’t feel so good after it but went on parade. Posted letters. Felt groggy in afternoon and evening again. Noted this line in Masterson, ‘They change their skies above them, but not their hearts that roam’. How true it is.

Wednesday 17 September. A hard day. Lectures on Recce (Reconnaissance) until 11:00 a.m. I was appointed syndicate leader and had to take five other officers on a road recce. We had a lorry and driver and could go wherever we wished. Went down to Havelian and then climbed the mountain road. Would have been a glorious ride if no recce to worry about. Finished at 4:40 p.m. jolly tired. Developed rotten headache, took some aspirins, and went to bed early. Thursday 18 September. Awoke feeling pretty rotten, but not bad enough to report sick. Went on drill and then lectures; headache again in the afternoon, mouth dry, not feeling so good. Had a lie down after work finished and took some aspirins, also salts. Received 2 letters from Mam – one by sea of May 27, the other by air of 1 July. Very glad to get them; cheered me up as usual. Friday 19 September. Didn’t feel so bad, so decided to carry on. Tongue badly coated. Again, headache developed in the morning and as we finished early, I...