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Today in History: Frederick White's Death Sparks British Army Flogging Ban

7/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Private Frederick John White of the 7th Hussars struck a sergeant with a metal bar while drunk in 1846, was court-martialed and sentenced to 150 lashes with a cat-o-nine-tails. After the June 15 flogging at Hounslow, he died on July 11, prompting a movement to end army flogging.

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Story summary

Private Frederick John White of the 7th Hussars struck a sergeant with a metal bar while drunk in 1846, was court-martialed and sentenced to 150 lashes with a cat-o-nine-tails. After the June 15 flogging at Hounslow, he died on July 11, prompting a movement to end army flogging.