The first stroke wasn’t too bad, but the second and third hurt a lot, and I only just managed to hold back tears.

The headmaster then lectured me on the folly of damaging school property and sent me out.

My bottom was quite sore, and when I examined myself that evening on arriving home, I had three stripes on my bottom, which lasted for a couple of days.

Fortunately for me, there were no games lessons for a few days.

I was caned on a Friday, so by the time I had to change with the other boys the marks had gone.

I was afraid that the story of my caning would get out, but the headmaster did not mention it again, and I kept it to myself, being too embarrassed to tell my friends about my punishment.