In 1846 Private John White was a member of the British Army stationed at Hounslow Barracks. He assaulted his commanding officer and was sentenced to 150 lashes with a “cat o nine tails”. He subsequently died from his injuries. This caused a major upset in and beyond parliament resulting in the abolishment of flogging. The local vicar of St Leonard’s church was instrumental in the campaign to abolish flogging and he informed the Middlesex coroner. Private John White is buried in St Leonard’s church Heston. (see map below) in area C41 on the left hand side near the entrance.