Having experienced the Cane and the Tawse i am in a postion to comment.
The Tawse especailly the Lochgelly/JJ Dick H and XH versions 2 or 3 tail are devastating weapons.
Applied firmly to the hands they are almost unbearable for anyone.Don`t let anyone tell you otherwise.If they do they clearly havn`t felt the power of these Tawses.
I received like most others, the Tawse on the hands which was the only way it was normaly allowed.
That said there were private after hours Tawsings given on satin shorts and bare bottoms.This was used by one Teacher in particular if you did something your Parents would have went nuts about, if it was reported.The choice was yours.I received such punishment and again know exactly how much that hurts.