The Death of Edith Cavell

Edith Cavell, a Swardeston nurse based in Brussels, was shot as an alleged spy on 12 October 1915. Her final statement (see chorus) seems an odd thing for a 'spy' to say. Her hospital - in Brussels, German occupied territory - tended soldiers of all nations and from both sides of the conflict. She risked her life to help recovered British and French soldiers to escape. This is our remembrance of her, set to an old English folk tune, as recorded for our forthcoming double album Done Different, which celebrates the history and people of Norfolk and Greater Icenia. This is the version we will be playing at the Remembrance Service at Fring All Saints(Norfolk) along with another song for Fight Sergeant Pilot Lancelot Percival Williamson and two poems by Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfrid Owen. Edith Cavell died 70 years to the day after Elizabeth Fry, the prison reformer, whose song precedes hers on the album. She sees the pale gold August wheat, The oaken greens of home, A mind’s-eye Norfolk harvest wrapped Around October’s bones. 6 paces off, 8 rifles point, Death scarves her blue-grey eyes, The woman stands and prays and waits And still no shot arrives… ‘Love of country’s not enough And when they shoot me dead Let bitterness and hatred die,’ Our Norfolk angel said. The British held the line at Mons, The French were in retreat, All stranded men came to her door Through Brussels’ conquered streets. 4 sneaks and spies to smoke her out, 3 days’ interrogation. She wouldn’t lie…. They shot her dead For love of more than nation. ‘Love of country’s not enough And when they shoot me dead Let bitterness and hatred die,’ Our Norfolk angel said. This link to the album goes live 7 pm Nov 30 2023. https://peacocks-tale.bandcamp.com/al...