Edith Cavell Commemorative Wreath Laying

Edith Cavell Commemorative Wreath Laying

This morning, Monday 12th October, St James officers attended a wreath laying service to commemorate the late Edith Cavell on the anniversary of her death. We joined representatives from Cavell, The British Red Cross, Royal College of Nursing, The Belgian Embassy and the Lord Mayor of Westminster, as well as many others, to represent the Met in honouring the life lost. 

Edith Cavell (1865-1915) was a nurse who trained at the highest standard at The Royal College of Nursing. She became Matron of a teaching hospital in Brussels, and returned to occupied Belgium during World War 1 to treat both British and German Soldiers. Edith was highly respected and renowned in her field by both sides, until 1915 when the Germans learnt that she had assisted in the escape of British Soldiers. Edith was deemed a ‘traitor’ and executed by firing squad on the 12th of October 1915. 

Edith's story is inspiring and we encourage you to read more on her life and work.