Alan Mills,
To encourage voluntary constipation ! (first man who uses the Elsan has to empty it).
Also known as Army Blank Form, which was the original "Bumff" (Bum Fodder): this later was extended to cover all official paper work.
Tended to fold into sharp creases, could inflict painful scrapes on Piles.
Widely also used was the old (2d) Radio Times, which was slightly more flexible than newspaper.
In the Raj, a plantain leaf made an acceptable substitute. The locals often carried round a little brass pot of water to help matters. They performed
al fresco, usually beside railway lines.
The Roman legionary had a small sponge on the end of a stick, which he dunked in water. Suppose the Centurions had a better class of sponge (and olive oil to finish off ?).
A fascinating subject.
Anything else you'd like to know ?
Danny42C.
EDIT: Just remembered, the trade name of the stuff was IZAL