On my third caning at age 13 (six strokes for being out of school grounds without permission to retrieve a football), my Headmaster asked
“I believe I caned you last month, lad”
I hung my head and gave a meek “Yes Sir”
“Then you know what to do” was his reply.
I retrieved the chair that you were required to bend over the back of and assumed the position I was promptly told to lower my short pants as it was a short period of time between my last caning. I received my punishment and left the study with tears streaming down my cheeks from one of the soundest canings I received.
I have always wondered if all Headmaster’s remembered particular boys that they caned? had particular ways of caning them (in my case short pants lowered)? Also, did Headmaster’s have any particular feelings toward the boys they caned, such as fondness mixed with a desire to punish and correct?