Born in Swardeston in Norfolk in 1865, Cavell served as a matron in the Berkendael Institute in Brussels, Belgium, which was taken over by the Germans in WW1.
In violation of military law, Cavell was accused of helping hundreds of Allied soldiers to escape to the neutral Netherlands, and was executed by firing squad on October 12, 1915.
The night before her execution she said the words now inscribed on her statue, “Patriotism is not enough, I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.”
The statue in her honour stands opposite the National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin’s Place, near Trafalgar Square, London.
Read her story here: Edith Cavell – celebrated WW1 nurse and humanitarian
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“Patriotism is not enough, I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.” A statement that is difficult to follow. How can we not be bitter about the enemy, I surely cant.