Larchfield Approved School
The following is a work of fiction but based on actual events that took place in a similar establishment in Scotland in the 1970's.
Larchfield AS (Approved School), was a large stone building set in it's own grounds in the outskirts of Glasgow. Run by the Corporation (City Council), it was a facility for the education and confinement of boy's aged 13 – 18. Boys were sent there for many offences and could remain there until they were 19. After that they would be transferred to a Borstal or mainstream prison. Normally boys at Larchfield were sentenced to 3 years or less, the minimum term being 9 months. The time spent there depended on achievement of set academic, practical and behavioural goals and confinement could be extended by up to 1/3rd of the term to allow the targets to be met. Similarly the regime allowed for a reduction in confinement (up to 1/3rd), and a return to mainstream education if an inmate applied him-self in terms of behaviour and scholastic achievement.
Boys sent to Larchfield usually came from broken homes, hard neighbourhoods or sometimes just ordinary lads who got in too deep with the law. Local Sheriffs knew what lay in store for a lad who they sent there.
Not a great deal was known about Larchfield by the general population, most who knew of it were aware that it was a place which was needed and that was that.
After sentencing a lad who arrived at Larchfield would be put through a through induction to ensure that he knew what was expected of him. The regime was strict and from the beginning a lad was left in no doubt about what was expected and what would be the consequences if he strayed from the rules.
After arrival, (Usually 3-6 lads would be processed), the induction routine would follow. Lads usually arrived in their "Sunday Best", as they would have appeared in court to give as good an impression to the sheriff.
In the induction room there was a table, cardboard boxes about 30" X 15", hard wooden chairs against the back wall, a shower and a photo cubicle. Lads were led in (usually in handcuffs), straight from court. There would usually be a housemaster on duty that would oversee the induction and two officers. After the usual preliminaries the boys would be stood to attention and the custody officers would remove the handcuffs. The boys would then be led to a long trestle table and each would have a box put in front of him. The housemaster would then explain that they were now at Larchfield and would do as they are told for the duration of their sentence..... "Starting NOW".
The housemaster would order the boys to "STRIP", the officers overseeing the processing would make the lads fold each article of clothing and place it neatly in the box. Watches, jewellery and small change etc was placed in an envelope and each lad signed the front to confirm the agreed contents. The naked lads would then be individually inspected. Each was then allowed a shower and each had his hair cut to a regulation No2 crop. Through a hatch officers issued each lad in turn the standard uniform (not new), consisting of white plimsoles, white socks, grey shirts, grey v-neck pullover, white underpants and grey trousers. Addition PE kit would be issued when required.
After dressing the new lads would be marched to a classroom for the induction to be completed. They would be addressed by one of the Housemasters and would be informed that during their confinement at Larchfield they would be subject to the normal rules of an Approved School and any deviation from that would earn them either an instant dose of corporal punishment, loss of privileges, punishment PE or detention and extra school work. More severe offences, including bullying, _s_e_x_ual offences and absconding, would result on them having to formally report to the Principal who could extend their sentences, impose corporal punishment, place them in isolation cells or impose any combination of these. The lads were advised not to get themselves into trouble and were informed that the school had a "Special Area" for the punishment and confinement of serious offenders. Usually as a matter of course the Housemaster doing the induction took out his Heavy Lochgelly Tawse and brandishing it would remind the lads that this was an establishment that believed in strict, firm discipline.
The lads were housed in 6 bed bunkrooms, each housing 12 lads. The day began at 7.00AM with shower and breakfast then classes began at 8.30. Usual subjects, English, Maths etc..... Any lad who stepped out of line in class was taken to the front of the room and had up to 6 strokes of the tawse applied to his hands. That was the usual punishment for classroom behavioural problems. Some at Larchfield had to take that on more than one occasion on a day.
There were also punishments for dorm misbehaviour – usually a dose of the tawse (3-6) on hands for noise, carrying on etc. For more serious incidents and cheek Housemasters had the authority to withdraw association rights, this usually meant that after a lad had been belted he would either be made to do lines, copying or essay writing, sometimes just made to stand in a corner for the evening. Some of the strictest Housemasters also made dorm offenders strip and fold away their clothes prior to their chastisement. Dorm time was harsh but it worked, as Larchfield did not have too many serious incidents in the living areas.
The tawse was used on hands for most minor offences – major ones such as fighting, attempting to abscond or having had too many punishments in-class were dealt with in a different manner............
In a typical week about 6 lads were sent to report to the Principal. This is an account of one of those occasions.
Thursday 24th October 1973:
Grant McAllister: 18y/o: Slim, brown hair, g/l, well developed lad. Caught trying to abscond (had also been caught before – 2 times). Brought back in handcuffs by local Police – Uniform gave him away at the local bus stop!
After being taken back into custody and escorted back into Larchfield, Grant was led to the Principal's section. There was a long trestle table in the outer corridor, Grant was familiar with the routine which lay ahead. The Principal only saw boys on report at 4.00PM – Grant was led there at 11AM and the two Officers set about the process of his report after he was officially handed over by the local police.
Grant was taken through the corridors of the school to the Principal's Section, through the outer locked door and frog-marched into the wide lino-floored austere corridor, without a word the handcuffs were removed, Grant stood in front of the table and was presented with a large cardboard box by one of the officers. "You know what this is for.... get on with it.... strip!" "Shoes and socks first, then shirt, trousers, and underpants" .... get them off, fold them and put them in the box.... and not a sound! Grant complied, grudgingly unlacing his plimsoles then removing each sock. The thought occurred to him that it would be a while before he saw those again as he stripped down and removed and folded each remaining article and placed them in the box. Now completely naked Grant was ordered to face the wall and after a rough rub down search by one of the officers he was then ordered to put on a pair of white PE shorts. He was then handcuffed behind his back and was told to face the wall and wait for the Principal to see him. He knew he had a long wait!
At 1.30PM another inmate returned to the School a day later than expected. Graham Johnstone a 17 y/o lad who had not returned from leave of absence, granted to attend a funeral. About 6', slim and athletic and with dark sallow skin, he was a first-time absconder, he was led through the school corridors and was taken to the Principal's Section for report. As he was marched in he saw Grant standing in handcuffs and knew what was in store Graham had been to the study before but had never been dealt with for absconding. The stories and accounts of what happened to absconders ran through his mind.
Graham was released from the handcuffs and the same routine was carried out. Stripped down, his clothing was folded and placed in the box provided in order. He too was searched issued with a pair of white PE shorts, handcuffed behind his back and ordered to stand facing the opposite wall in Silence for the Principal.
Both lads did as instructed, wearing nothing but PE shorts and handcuffed they stood (feet a regulation 18" apart), and considered their fate – the Principal's report hearing at 4.00PM
At about 2.30PM a further young lad was brought in to the corridor. Andy Cairney, a fairly new inmate,5'9", fair haired average built, 16 year old. He had been belted that day for insolence in class and had called a teacher a "wanker". Andy had been escorted to the Principal for some further guidance! This was a first time Andy had had been placed on report.
On arrival in the outer corridor Andy became a worried guy! – Seeing the two other lads in handcuffs facing the wall either side of the corridor ahead of him. The Officers were quick to march him to the end of the corridor and produced the "box". Andy was given the instruction to strip and fold his clothes in order, and with some trepidation followed the procedure. As he stripped and folded his clothes into the box, the other two stood and grimly watched. Andy had barley taken off his pants when the officers (different guys from the one's who led in the others), conducted a pretty thorough body search..... He was patted down, had to bend and spread then was sat on the table and his hands, feet, mouth and ears were examined. After this he also was told to put on a pair of white shorts, handcuffed behind his back like the two before him and ordered to stand next to Grant and await the Principal.
The three lads stood in silence. The corridor was locked at all times and apart from an Officer looking in every 15 minutes or so nothing moved. Grant knew what he had in store. A hard no-nonsense severe thrashing. Graham figured he'd get much the same but didn't know much about the special stuff reserved for absconders and serious offenders, he had only had the tawse and cane once from the Principal. Andy was less than relaxed as it was his first time on report and so he really didn't know what to expect.
At 4.00PM two officers appeared in the corridor..... They instructed the boys to appear in person before the Principal for Judgement and Sentence!
All three boys were led in to the Principal's office. Lined up at the back of the room, before them a large wooden desk – Grant, Graham & Andy flanked by the two Officers.
Out of a small inner office the Principal – Mr Hardgreaves appeared and sat on his chair.
Mr Hardgreaves ordered the officers to bring the first boy forward to face the Principal. The officers chose Andy first and took off his handcuffs then marched him the few yards up to a yellow line in front of the heavy desk.
Andy faced the Principal head bowed. Mr Hardgeaves read the charge sheet in front of him. "Two counts of insolence and disrespect for the staff – This will not be tolerated!" Asked if he had anything to say Andy replied that he agreed he had stepped out of line. Mr Hardgreaves paused and looked at the lad, writing on the charge sheet he announced that since it was his first real offence punishment would consist of 6 strokes of the tawse on his hands and 6 strokes of the cane on his bare backside he would also loose 5 days remission. After his punishment he would be returned to his dorm where he would have his body hair shaved, take a two- minute cold shower and would go straight to bed for the evening he would also have his association limited for 5 days (This meant he would have to surrender his uniform after evening meal and go straight to bed). Andy's was a simple punishment and was dealt with then and there, in the study. Mr Hargreaves ordered Andy to the side of the desk and produced the tawse and the cane. "Let's get this over with boy", he announced.
The two others watched as Andy was ordered to take off his shorts and place them on the desk. He was then ordered to raise his hands, one supporting the other. Mr Hardgreaves laid the tawse on full force, first 3 on his right hand then 3 on his left. Without any delay he was ordered over a chair and 6 forceful cuts were applied to his bare backside. It was swift and all over in about 1 minute, also very painful. He was dismissed by the Principal and still completely naked was led out and taken to his dorm by one of the officers. This was a deliberate policy so that other lads who saw a boy being led back from the Principal's office would get the message. Luckily for Andy the officer allowed him to shave himself in the dorm toilet and after his 2 minutes under the cold shower and a further inspection Andy could at least get to bed and resume his studies next day.
Larchfiled had a special punishment area was located on the floor below the Principal's Office down a small stairway at the end of the Principal's corridor. This area also included a shower/toilet area at one end, inspection table with stirrups and restraints and three small cells at the far side, each furnished with a mattress and minimal sanitary facilities. In the centre of this stark room was a long table which was of thigh height (it had a slight taper to allow the backside to be raised), it also had restraints attached for the wrists at one end and two ankle restraints attached to an ankle block at the other. The restraints were positioned to keep the inmate in place for punishment. Not all Larchfield lads visited this "Special Area", but all of them knew of its existence.
Graham was next to be moved forward to the yellow line in front of the large desk – an absconder – Mr Hardgreaves looked at him and whilst writing up the punishment log announced that he would be given a substantially more significant punishment than the lad whom he had just dealt with. He would be taken to the punishment area and after processing - receive 6 strokes of the tawse on his hands, 10 strokes with the cane on the soles of his feet ( a punishment reserved for absconders), and 12 hard cane strokes would be applied to his backside. He was also to be placed in solitary for 24 hours after which be given a further 6 strokes of the tawse on his hands prior to release back to his dormitory. It was also intimated that Graham would have 14 days added to his sentence. Graham was marched to the back of the room and the two officers marched Grant forward.
Grant was the worst offender and had experience of the tawse/cane before. His appearance before the Principal was an expected incidence. He had figured that he'd get the maximum punishment – and at 18 had to take all of it, otherwise a term in an Adult Prison awaited him. Not a pleasant alternative with the violence and the prospect of being abused by the older guys there.
Mr Hardgreaves looked into his eyes and without emotion gave him his judgement. Grant would also be taken to the punishment area. He would be processed and would receive 12 strokes of the tawse on his hands, 18 strokes of the cane on the soles of his feet, and would also get 24 strokes of the cane on his backside. Grant would also be put in solitary for 5 days and get 6 strokes of the tawse on his hands and 6 strokes of the tawse on his soles and 8 strokes of the cane on his backside at 4.00PM on each of the days he was confined.
Once the punishments were announced both Graham and Grant were worried. Grant knew what was in store, he had been there but not experienced the full thing.... Graham was sweating and was noticeably worried about being taken "downstairs".
The Officers in charge ordered both lads out of the office and through the small door at the end of the corridor they were led down to the punishment area. Mr Hardgreaves called on the intercom to the duty housemaster to come to his office. Mr Hardgreaves usually delegated the punishment administration to the duty Housemaster, in this case it was left to Mr Stone.
Once in the punishment area, both boys were taken out of handcuffs and had their shorts taken from them. They were ordered to face the wall at the side of the room.
Graham was ordered first to "about face" and "present himself" – that meant he had to stand naked and do as he was told. First he was instructed to get on the chair..... His legs were placed in and secured to the stirrups and the Officers set about the task of trimming back his pubes and the rest of his body hair with electric clippers. Once done he was shaved with an open razor, pubes, ass, chest, and backside!
Grant was next – same routine – put in the chair and had his body hair removed by the two big Officers. Once smoothed down each boy was made to shower and dry himself before a final inspection. They were then ordered to face the wall with their hands clasped behind their heads. Every minute seemed like an hour while they waited for the door to open and a Housemaster to enter.
They didn't have too long to suffer (about 10 minutes), as the two regretful lads glanced at each other as Mr Stone entered the room.
Mr Stone was about 50, grey haired and quite well built, a housemaster who delivered exactly what he was told to. He removed his tawse from under his jacket and placed it on a chair then took off his jacket and ordered that Grant should be handcuffed and placed in Cell No 1 until Graham had been dealt with.
"Johnstone get to the table and sit face forward", Mr Stone said in a raised voice.
Once sitting on the punishment table Mr Stone told him to raise his hands.... Mr Stone picked up his Lochghelly H tawse and after careful measurement by laying the end of the strap on his outstretched palms applied 3 very hard strokes to each of his hands.
Graham's hands were alight with burning pain and whilst he concentrated his thoughts on the pain he didn't hear Mr Stone tell the Officers to "Secure him please". He was quickly restrained, face down on the caning table by the two Officers. His wrists restrained by leather straps at the foot of each leg of the table, ankles placed in the special block at the opposite end again secured by leather straps. "That's fine thank-you", Mr Stone said as he nodded to the officers. From beneath the table Mr Stone produced "The Rod", a piece of wood dowling about ½" thick and about 2ft long. Mr Stone stood at the head of the table and showed Graham the implement. "Right lad you will now have 10 good reasons to carefully consider it next time your feet stray from where they should be – now hold your feet still until this is over". Mr Stone moved to the opposite end of the table and double-checked the ankle straps, satisfied they were tight he moved back and took up position. He then placed the rod over the lad's soles drew back and thwack...... Graham let out a howl when contact was made. 2nd stroke applied his soles were stinging, after 5 he was howling. Mr Stone paid no attention to this and after a 10 second rest resumed the application of the rod taking care to apply the strokes evenly from the bottom of the heels to just below the toes. Graham was openly sobbing after the tenth stroke of the rod. Mr Stone looked at him and said, "You'll not want a repeat of that Johnstone will you – now let's get your backside warmed!. Mr Stone laid the rod back on a small shelf under the table where the canes were stored, he then selected a medium cane to complete Graham's punishment.
Having flexed the cane and made a few practice strokes in the air he positioned himself and lined up the cane above Graham's raised backside. "Now lad you count the strokes just in case we go over!", he said. The first cut was hard and stung right across the centre of Graham's buttocks..... Oooonnnneee! He Screamed. After 10 seconds or so came the second stroke just above the first, Twoooo! The third was laid below the first and the caning went on with Mr stone being careful to deliver the cuts in sequence on the upper, lower and middle sections of Graham's backside. By the 10th cut Graham was bawling again. Mr Stone raised the cane and brought it down at an angle creating a gate pattern on his cheeks. Elevennnnn. The final blow was laid in the crease just below the buttocks and just above the thighs, a sensitive area and the lad confirmed that with a very loud yell and there followed a very subdued, "twelve sir".
"OK get him off the table and put him in the 2nd cell", Mr Stone instructed the officers. Once on his fragile feet Mr Stone approached Graham and simply said "I'll be back to see you at 4.00PM tomorrow lad". Graham was led to the second cell and felt very sore and lonely as the door latch clicked into place behind him.
Mr Stone needed some refreshment before he dealt with Grant McAllister. He took a break and went upstairs to get a drink of water before returning to the "Special Room".
Now with sleeves rolled up and refreshed he asked the officers to fetch Graham McAllister from Cell No 1.
The naked lad was _c_o_c_k_y and tried to resist as he was led to the punishment table, which he had seen before. His handcuffs released, Grant was made to kneel at the end of the table and told to raise his hands ( a position he knew well), Mr Stone approached him and said, "You are a disgusting and total waste of space .... I had to deal with you 2 weeks ago boy .... I will give you a severe lesson and I hope it is enough to keep you out of a real prison".
Mr Stone measured the target and laid the strap full-force on Grant's hands, 6 on the left and 6 on the right. More than most guys could handle! Grant was in severe pain as he was laid down on the caning table. His wrists restrained, then his feet in the block with the leather straps. Mr Stone asked the Officers to clean Grant and one took a bottle of Meth spirit and poured it on a rag before cleaning Grant's soles and backside. Grant was now fully exposed and his skin was in prime condition for punishment. The Rod was removed from beneath the caning table and Mr Stone hesitated as he told Grant that his would be the hardest strokes he had ever given a lad. Grant bit is teeth and the assault on his bare feet began. The Rod was raised and the process of making Grant's soles repentant completed – a full 18 strokes were delivered in 3 sessions of 6. Mr Stone made sure that all of the boy's soles were given an equal dose of the dreaded Rod. Grant cried out and his knees were kicking during the infliction of the Rod but he took the full punishment. His feet were not damaged – just extremely painful that night and he thought about he the same experience with the tawse next day at 4PM.
Finally, Grant's backside was dealt with – Mr Stone selected the heavy Senior Cane and told Grant – "You will remember this for a long time boy", After which the cane whished through the air onto Grant's backside, after 12 he was very sore and in a pleading mode but after the 18th stroke he nearly passed out. Hard boy Grant had to endure a further 6 hard stokes from a Housemaster who was intent on making sure he left his mark.
Grant was reeling and sore from his punishment and when ordered to do so released Grant from the caning table and led him back to his cell in the solitary area for that evening. It was the beginning of the end of his ordeal but just the beginning.....
What happens next at Larchfield? You have to ask!
This is a pretty true account of what went on in Scotland in the 60/70's – So I, have been informed by those who have experienced this type of regime