There is one thing that makes Britain (and Ireland) great, the women that it has grown, nurtured and inspired to change the world. Some did good things whilst others will be remembered simply for their courage and determination. Of course there are those whose actions themselves may not be worthy of praise, yet the repercussions led the way to a better life. Many of these women you might already know of, some may have been previously overlooked. They will however be names that you should never forget. After all, for many of us, our lives would be a lot different had they never lived.

Friday, 24 January 2014

Edith Cavell 1865 - 1915

Edith Cavell
“I realise that patriotism is not enough.  I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.”

Edith Cavell was born in 1865 in Norwich, England.  Her father was a Vicar and she had been brought up with strong Anglican beliefs. 
            After she finished school, Edith went to work as a governess in a house in Brussels.  She later returned to England and trained as a nurse at the London Hospital between 1900 and 1905.  In 1907, she was made Matron of the newly established nursing school and became a pioneer of modern nursing in Britain.

“I can’t stop while there are lives to be saved.”

            After the outbreak of World War One, Edith Cavell returned to Brussels, where she went above and beyond the call of duty.  Along with several others, she managed to help over two hundred allied wounded soldiers to escape from German occupied Belgium.  They hid them, gave them false papers and helped them to escape over the border and into Britain.  Unfortunately, it was the thank you letters sent by these grateful soldiers that that helped to bring about her conviction.  The Germans were already suspicious of her activities, largely due to her outspoken nature.  She was then betrayed by a man who was later charged by the French as being a collaborator.
            In 1915, Edith Cavell was arrested by the Germans.  She was charged with aiding the escape of allied soldiers into a country that was at war with Germany.  This was enough to convict her of trying to cause harm to the German troops.  She was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death.
            During the early hours of 12th October 1915, Edith Cavell was executed by firing squad.  Her body was buried immediately next to St. Gilles Prison.  After the war, she was then flown back to England for a memorial service at Westminster Abbey.  Edith’s final resting place is in her native Norwich.
            Edith Cavell was only one woman but in the short life that she lived, she managed to show more humanity and courage, than most people ever would. 


“My soul, as I believe, is safe, and I am glad to die for my country.”
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