The principal of the college learned of my intentions and summoned me into his study, where the canes there exhibited made me realize that there was no extra clothing stuffed in the seats of my pants, for I felt certain my bottom would be very sore before I left there.
When he heard my story, he instructed me to fetch him the letters. I wish it was possible to record the expression on his face as he struggled with this problem so foreign to his nature. In the end, in a voice which must have been foreign to him he said, “My lad, God forgive me, I should not be guilty of anything like this, you are too young but if they will accept you, join up – they require lads like you at the war. I will post your letters!” Believe it or not!
Being sturdy, I was accepted although I gave the wrong age. So off I went to Potchefstroom again. My mother was receiving letters from me from the school when I was already overseas.