Worsthorne describes his headmaster as not believing in corporal punishment, which didn’t stop him from whacking the boys.
He simply called it ‘golfing practice’, and it was conducted in the jolliest manner thus:
“Take down your trousers dear boy! I have it in mind to practice a stroke or two, using your bottom as the ball, if you don’t mind?”
To the glee of the expectant boys watching, he would draw forth a suitable club, depending upon the nature of the offense, from a large golf-bag, and apply it with a tremendous swing.
Worsthorne says it did him no more harm than putting him off golf for life.
Edwardian Prep School Canings20
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