Edith Cavell
Edith Louisa Cavell ( /ˈkævəl/; 4 December 1865 – 12 October 1915) was a British nurse and patriot. She is celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers from all sides without distinction and in helping some 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium during World War I, for which she was arrested. She was subsequently court-martialled, found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. Despite international pressure for mercy, she was shot by a German firing squad. Her execution received worldwide condemnation and extensive press coverage.
She is well known for her statement that "patriotism is not enough." Her strong Anglican beliefs propelled her to help all those who needed it, both German and Allied soldiers. She was quoted as saying, "I can’t stop while there are lives to be saved". A day is appointed for her commemoration in the calendar of the Church of England. Cavell was also an influential pioneer of modern nursing in Belgium.
Read more about Edith Cavell: Early Life and Career, World War I and Execution, Role in World War I Propaganda, German Response, Two Representations of Edith Cavell, Burial and Memorials, In Popular Culture
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“If you’re an actor, a real actor, you’ve got to be on the stage. But you mustn’t go on the stage unless it’s absolutely the only thing you can do.”
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