|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
Edith Cavell
|
|
(1865–1915) English nurse whose execution by the Germans in *World War I made her a national heroine. She was matron of a Red Cross hospital in Brussels, where many Allied soldiers were trapped after the German occupation of Belgium. She had given refuge to some 200, and had helped them across the border into neutral Holland, before she was arrested in August 1915. She was court-martialled and on October 12 she was shot. Her words, spoken to the chaplain just before she faced the firing squad, later became famous: 'Standing, as I do, in the view of God and eternity, I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.'
|
|
|
|