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Edith Cavell was a British nurse who is remembered for helping injured soldiers of all nationalities during World War One.

Edith saved the lives of soldiers from all sides without distinction. She also actively helped soldiers escape from German soldiers who were looking to capture and imprison them. She was arrested for this, found guilty of treason and sentenced to death.

She was shot by the Germans in 1915. She famously said the day before her execution: 屎Patriotism is not enough, I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.屎 Edith is still remembered today for her courage and compassion.

Image caption,
There are statues and memorials remembering Edith Cavell in England, France, Australia, Belgium and the United States of America.

Edith Cavell

Edith decided to become a nurse after caring for her father when he fell ill. She trained at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel in 1896.

When World War One broke out between Britain and Germany, she went to Belgium to help soldiers who were hurt in the fighting. Edith did not mind whether they were British, French or German; she treated the injured, regardless of their nationality.

Edith also secretly helped 200 soldiers escape from German soldiers who were looking to capture them. When the Germans found out what she was doing, she was arrested.

She was questioned and admitted helping soldiers escape and return to fight against Germany. The Germans ordered for Edith to be shot as punishment.

After she died, a memorial ceremony was held for her at Westminster Abbey, before she was laid to rest in the grounds of Norwich Cathedral.

Most people now believe Edith was a hero. She gave up her life to help British, French and Belgian soldiers escape from the Germans, who wanted to capture and imprison them. She also helped many more soldiers recover from illness and injury.

Image caption,
There are statues and memorials remembering Edith Cavell in England, France, Australia, Belgium and the United States of America.
A timeline showing the life of Edith Cavell, from her birth in 1865, to her burial in 1919 at Norwich Cathedral.
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