Why is Edith Cavell significant?
Edith Cavell was a British nurse during the First World War. She is celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers from both sides and in helping over 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium.
Who was Edith Cavell and what did she do during the war?
Edith Cavell (1865-1915) was a British nurse, working in German-occupied Belgium during the First World War. She helped hundreds of British, French and Belgian soldiers escape the Germans and was arrested, tried and executed in 1915.
What did Edith Cavell say before death?
The night before her execution, she said, “Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.” These words were later inscribed on a memorial to her near Trafalgar Square. Her strong Anglican beliefs propelled her to help all those who needed it, both German and Allied soldiers.
What kind of education did Edith Cavell have?
When she was a young girl, Edith and her sisters studied in the vicarage where they lived. She proved quite the artist in her early years and had a passion for painting beautiful flowers. At around 15 years old, she enrolled at Norwich High School for Girls, and later went to three different boarding schools.
What was Edith Cavell accused of?
treason
English nurse Edith Cavell has gone down in history for saving soldiers on both sides of the fence and helping some 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium during World War I. On 12 October 1915, Edith was murdered by firing squad after being arrested and accused of treason.
How did Edith Cavell help soldiers?
Cavell is credited with helping over 200 captured Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium to neutral Holland during the war. She is quoted as saying, “I can’t stop while there are lives to be saved.”2 Her strong Anglican beliefs led her to assist all soldiers who needed help on both sides of the war.
Did Edith Cavell have a family?
Edith Cavell was born in the village of Swardeston in Norfolk, England. Her parents were Louisa Sophia and Reverend Frederick Cavell — the vicar of a local church. She had three younger siblings: two sisters, called Lillian and Florence, and a brother, called John.
Did Edith Cavell get a medal?
In autumn 1897, during her second year as a probationer, Edith was assigned to work in Maidstone during a typhoid fever epidemic and for her dedication to duty she was awarded a medal – the only medal she ever received.
How did Edith Cavell smuggle soldiers?
Working closely with a secret network of people, she sheltered Allied soldiers in her hospital until they were well, and then smuggled them out through an underground passage. She also helped to provide them with a bit of money, fake identity cards and secret passwords for their escape.
What medal did Edith Cavell get?
The Red Cross remembered her with a bronze medal after the war showing portraits of Edith and Marie Depage.