So, I am saying,that as a senior, the boys had far more sense of their personal dignity and were much more independant and grown-up.
Therefore, I do not think that a senior boy, at my school at least, would have submitted meekly to the punishment as described in the original post.
I have wracked my brains, such as they are, to put myself into that position at that age,and try to honestly consider which way I would have jumped.
I am now almost convinced, that I would definately have felt the ingrained compulsion to obey, particularly in the very forceful prescence of my headmaster.
However, I also think,that the germ of objection would have been gnawing in my gut also. A very real sense of indignation at such a punishment being suggested to a senior boy, and especially on the very last day of my schooling.