Edith Cavell: Faith Before the Firing Squad

A compelling short biography of a British nurse whose execution by the Germans caused an outcry

Edith Louisa Cavell was a British nurse, celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers from both sides and helping some 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium during the First World War. She was arrested and subsequently court-martialed, found guilty of treason, and sentenced to death. She was shot by a German firing squad in October 1915 at the age of 49. Her execution was greeted with worldwide condemnation and extensive press coverage.

A woman of profound faith, she told her chaplain on the night before her execution, "Standing as I do in view of God and eternity, I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone."

Her death caused international outrage and may have contributed to America's decision to enter the war. Three films and a stage play have been written about her life, and many public buildings and streets are named after her.