Overview Â
Edith Louisa Cavell was born in Swardeston, Norfolk, England on the 4 December 1865, Despite her family’s lack of wealth a strong sense of duty was instilled in her, especially when aiding and thinking of the less fortunate. For five yes she was trained as a nurse at the London Hospital, thereafter she was recruited to serve as a matron for the L’École Belge d’Infirmières Diplômées. Before the start of World War 1, Edith launched a nursing magazine, L’infirmière. Once the War started, like many people’s lives, Edith’s was turned upside down. Belgium was occupied by the Germans. She herself was instrumental in sheltering and saving the lives of many Allied soldiers, even though though her actions this cast suspicion towards her by German authorities. Arrested eventually and found guilty of treason she was sentenced to death and shot. Her death received world wide press. Her last record words were “Ask Father Gahan to tell my loved ones later on that my soul, as I believe, is safe, and that I am glad to die for my country.” There are several monuments, memorials, streets, medical facilities, and schools, all around the world dedicated and honoring Edith Cavell. One other famous quote attributed to her which speaks of her selfless nature is simply “I can’t stop while there are lives to be saved”