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I School Caning

Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction. This is from a recent biography of Clement Attlee, British Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951:

"Attlee joined his fellow schoolboys in a protest against the headmaster for his failure to grant a public holiday in celebration of the victory [at Ladysmith in the Boer War]. They marched down to the neighbouring market town of Hertford and "indulged in a patriotic celebration". Clement was one of the SEVENTY-TWO [my emphasis] caned that evening."

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HarrietteSpeedy · 61-69, F

Somebody had a powerful arm!

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Denise61 · F

@sarahcs yes knowing that your turn was coming

Denise61 · F

@Denise61 did you see boys caned barney

barney1 · M

@Denise61 yes i did at times

Mia123 · 41-45, F

But he became the Prime minister ..
You please go and check the history.of the other 71 who dared for the protest march in spite of the caning.
It is not the caning but the the daring mind that.matter.

MartinII · 70-79, M

@likemei: I just thought it was a bizarre story. I didn't intend to draw any conclusions.

Justme264 · 70-79, M

"The Fatal Englishman"

By Sebastian Faulks

One of whom was Jeremy Wolfenden....supposedly the cleverest englishman of his generation....and allegedly thrashed severely at Eton by someone called Douglas Hurd...future goverment minister

Whether true or not...these short biographies by an excellent author are a fascinating read (imho)

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TheThinker · 56-60, M

@MartinII Five years late, but "Hitler Hurd", I believe. Very fond of his cane.

MartinII · 70-79, M

@TheThinker Thanks - hadn't heard that version before.

Justme264 · 70-79, M

@MartinII a shame he did not use it on Maggie from time time.... nonthly sounds about right

GarciaMarquez · 56-60, M

The strong arm of the law.

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