In this gripping episode of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater, hosted by E.G. Marshall, we delve into the remarkable story of Edith Cavell, a British nurse who became a symbol of courage and sacrifice during World War I. The episode, titled "Angel from England," explores how Edith Cavell, working in a Belgian hospital, risked her life to aid hundreds of Allied soldiers. Despite the danger posed by the German occupation, she helped these soldiers escape, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and compassion. Her story is a testament to the power of selflessness and the impact one individual can have in times of war.
As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to the challenges Edith faced, including the constant threat of discovery by the German secret police. The episode paints a vivid picture of her unwavering dedication to her duty as a nurse and her commitment to helping those in need, regardless of the personal cost. Through dramatic reenactments and historical context, listeners are transported back to a time of great peril and heroism, highlighting Edith Cavell's legacy as a true wartime hero. The episode is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who stand up against tyranny and injustice.
(00:15) Introduction to Edith Cavell
(03:14) Edith Cavell's Early Life and Career
(04:13) The Outbreak of War and Edith's Return to Belgium
(06:06) Life in Occupied Brussels
(13:12) The Underground Network
(17:09) The Risks of Resistance
(25:24) Arrest and Interrogation
(32:36) The Trial of Edith Cavell
(39:10) Final Hours and Execution
(44:09) Legacy of Edith Cavell
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Unknown:
With the American Express Gold card, I can earn four times membership rewards points at US supermarkets. So with all these groceries, I'm also getting points. Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/us/explore-gold.
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Terms and points cap apply. The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents
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Come in.
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Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. What does the name Edith Cavell mean to you? Of course, they didn't know it at the time when her parents named her, but Edith means happy in war, which is fairly ironical when you consider Nurse Cavell was perhaps the greatest civilian casualty of World War one. Why did hundreds of thousands of British and French soldiers carry her name in their hearts? Why?
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We will learn presently. There's someone at the front door. Take a peek out this window, Sister Wise, and see who it is. Look, it's it's three main civilian foes! I wonder who they are. It It it could be the German secret police. Go let them in. But, miss Cabell, the Germans are searching every house looking for escaped allied soldiers. They won't find them here in a hospital. We've got two dozen soldiers hidden up in the attic right this very minute.
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Our mystery drama, Angel from England, was written especially mystery theatre by g Frederick Lewis, and stars Marion Seldes. It is sponsored in part by Contact, the twelve hour cold capsule, and Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one.
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The time, the early nineteen hundreds. The place, England. The person, a beautiful and intelligent English girl. The problem, what shall she do with her life? She has graduated, been a governess to four Belgian children for five years, returned home to nurse her father through an illness, and will tell you her favorite stanza is by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which says, lives of great men all remind us. We can make our lives sublime. And departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time. That was then the makeup of Edith Cavell, a young woman whose special nature actually beckoned the hand of fate.
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While I was taking care of father, I knew I had to be a nurse I trained and it became my whole life Then a job, heading a nursing school in Belgium, was offered to me. Oh, I thought I was the luckiest woman on Earth. Many girls came to us, were trained into fine nurses, and I myself learned as I taught. Every year, I go home to Norfolk in the North Of England for my mother's birthday. July of nineteen fourteen was quite different. Germany had declared war. I knew my place was back with the Red Cross in Brussels. There would be many wounded.
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Colonel Boucher. Colonel. Over here.
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Sergeant Meechan. Get you over here, sir. I'm afraid I'm all that's left. Most of them scattered for retreat. Can I help you out of there? I don't think I can make it. I got it three times today. Oh. I'll just rest a little. Try to stay alive. I'm going back to get out sir. I told you to keep down. Oh, Lord. My head is bleeding. What? How bad is it? I do regret the inconvenience, you Colonel. Let's try something around that scalp. It's amazing, sir. It doesn't hurt at all. Dispersed that means anything, sir. Early, which you've got a very hard head. My darling mother and family, a few lines from your daughter Edith.
Brussels has fallen into the hands of the enemy. We must prepare to live in an occupied city. I've told all the nurses and sisters they can go, but none of them will leave. I shall think of you to the last, and you may be sure we will do our duty here. God bless you and keep you safe. Nurse Cabell, may I come in? Certainly, mister White. I'm just finishing a letter home. Oh, you were out this morning. Is it true about the chestnut trees in the Avenue Louisa? Chestnut trees? I know that avenue Before the war, I spent five years as the governors taking care of four children That's where we live I I'm sorry I I just can't think about that.
Miss Carvero, isn't it frightful about what the Germans did and denounced? You know, the town of Denham, I hadn't heard. I met the reverend Gahan in the street. He told me.
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It's so awful.
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They the German, they lined up all the people of the town in the square. Men on one side, women and children on the other. This was yesterday. Yesterday. Yesterday was Sunday. The people came out of church. Everyone. All day, the people waited in the square guarded by soldiers.
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I guess, girl. The men were shattered. Women too. The German soldiers stood in the center of the square in fire, kept on firing until every single soul had fallen. 600 people, men, women, children, I
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want you to come out with me now I am told the chestnut trees and the Avenue Louisa are blooming for the second time I was going near to see them and mail my letter Chestnut trees! You see how little attention nature pays to man? Man destroys and overnight nature blooms again. Life is renewed. Every day, the sound of shellfire in the distance. The Germans taking town after town in their march to Paris. We have had some German wounded here at the hospital, but no allied men. Where are they taking them? Meechan. Meechan, you wake.
I'm awake. What? Oh, yes. Yes. Of course. Certainly, I'm awake. Well, we've got an hour to talk plans until the hospital orderlies make their next round. Wanna show you something? Should I turn on the light? No. No. No. There's enough moonlight coming in that window. You know, colonel, I'm really quite surprised that the untreats us with so much courtesy. One isn't like a prisoner there. More like guests in a German field hospital. It's a good thing we are so lax. Otherwise, the Belgian underground could never get to us. Sergeant, tonight, you and I are escaping this field hospital.
What? Tonight? You sound surprised. Oh, no. No. Not at all. I I knew we would eventually. If it hadn't take me all these weeks to grow a respectable beard, we'd have been on our way sooner. Now, see here, with this black hat and cape, our underground friend, Albert, sold into us. I think I can pass for a Belgian civilian. Yes. Very good. But, what about me, sir? Did Albert have a costume for me? I talked it over with him and he suggested a hunchback What? Discard myself with a hunchback? I assure you I got the outfit under my blanket Go ahead. Put it on. It's a workman's coat and Albert has sewn padding into it. Right.
There. No. Not bad. Quite good, in fact. You do look oh, yes. I must say. You think it's effective? It had better be. Hurry hurry through this bound door to the land. Welcome, gentlemen. Oh, Albert, old friend. Good to see you. May I say, Albert? I'm equally happy to be here. I don't think I could have lasted much longer. You had no problems with the sanctuaries or the doctor. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No We've been walking for a good four hours right down the main road.
Hard to believe you'll be safe in my barn for the present, colonel. Now our underground has some other English soldier hidden in the woods. They are waiting like you. Waiting for what? For the allies to advance so they can join them. Your first problem is to stay alive. Secondly, how? Thirdly, where? You have three choices, hiding in the coal mine, our big woods, or a big city. In the coal mine, I would say no. The cold weather is almost here. In the woods, I would also say no. I can see, colonel. You need medical attention. That leaves the third alternative. Is that it, Albert?
Yes. The city of Brussels. I will myself bring you both to the station, get you train tickets to Brussels. You both sit in different parts of the train, and I shall make the arrangements so you are met when you arrive. Yes. But the the Brussels is occupied by the enemy. How can we stay out of sight? Or what? There is a nurse who runs the Red Cross clinic, and you will go there. An Englishwoman. English? Well, we shall certainly get good treatment for the colonel's leg. That's well, it is not only her medical knowledge you will find useful. What do you mean now that? She has managed to hide in the hospital several escaped French soldiers.
Splendid. Think what she might do for two Englishmen. Perhaps even get us across the border. Oh, yes. Quite possibly. Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's be off for Brussels. I need two days to make the arrangement. Food was getting very expensive in occupied Brussels. Even Jackie, my pet sheep dog, was beginning to feel it but never complained at scraps from the table. All the nurses were making clothes for the poor. It would be a terribly hard winter living here under the Germans. I was in my office making up our accounts and Sister White reading a month old copy of The London Times. Jackie, be quiet.
There's somewhere at the front door. Take a peek and see who it is, sister White. This window. It's three main civilian probes. I wonder who they are. It could be the German secret police. They look dysregulated. Go let them in. But, miss Cavell, the Germans are searching every house door to door looking for escaped Allied soldiers. Won't find them here in the hospital.
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We've got two dozen soldiers hidden up in the attic right now! Sir, don't worry. I wish you'd
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open the door before they become too suspicious, and bring the three of them right here into my office. Then leave us alone? Alright, gentlemen. I think we can take care of you. Sister White? Yes, miss Cavelle. May I introduce colonel Dudley Beaujeu of the Norfolk Regiment and sergeant Fred Yes. They have suffered wounds. And for a little while, we shall try to make them as comfortable as we can. Oh, wiry, and thank you. How'd you do, sister White? I'm pleased to meet you, miss.
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My goodness. You you're both English and both welcome.
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English? But but quarter for Germany won't find out. This will be our little secret. Now if you'll both find this form for the operation. Operation? Oh, no. No. I don't want anything amputated. This foot will get better. I'm perfectly well. And Sergeant Leechan's head wound is quite healed. No. We don't need an operation. I thought you were going to help us cross the frontier. That, gentlemen, is the operation.
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This was how it began. How nurse Edith Cavell, running a training center for nurses in Belgium, became involved in hiding and dispersing British soldiers. The colonel and the sergeant were the first of actually hundreds of allied soldiers who were not only healed at the hospital, but when well enough, were spirited across the border back to England to rejoin their regiments. I shall return shortly with act two.
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Take only as direct.
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If you were a Belgian during World War one and were not called up, if you were, say, an old farmer, retired school teacher, an elderly shopkeeper, or if you were a woman or young girl, you did everything you could to undermine the grip the enemy had upon your country. One of the best ways to help liberate your country was to join the Maquis, the underground, and rescue allied prisoners. Edith Cavell, in her hospital in Brussels, was the only Englishwoman who joined the Belgians in their surreptitious battle against the occupying Germans.
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How could I turn anyone away from our doors? The code of my profession, care for and heal the sick and injured, had to take precedence over the military code of the invaders. Miss Cavell, we're getting more warm bodies than we have beds for. It's as though the entire French and British armies know that through us, they can get safe passage home. Mister White, I haven't time for generality. Have you told aunt Corporal Doman and Corporal Chapman to be dressed and ready at five? They'll be ready since they have their false passport. Oh, everything's in order. So the pictures you took for the passport for the little fuzzies are I know. I must get them better film somewhere. We've made it the camera. Oh, I hope not. But the likenesses are reasonably good, aren't they? Oh, yes. Good enough. Now I have a cart and a load of wood.
And with the cart, they should be able to get themselves to Antwerp easily enough. And then on to Holland and England. But how do I contact their guide? Take them to the usual cafe. Lay this torn visiting card on the table. Then order three beers. Someone will pass by your table a little after quarter past five, and lay the matching torn half of the card on your table. Mhmm. The man and chapman will get up without a word and follow the guide. Then you will return the glasses to the bar. A visiting card torn in two. What a fantastic idea. Whoever thought of it? The Reverend Gahan. He joined our call. I went to see him the day before yesterday. He gave me half of the card, kept the other half, and will give it to the guide who will take the two soldiers across the Dutch front. Oh, marvelous.
Oh,
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I'll go to the window and peek out.
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It's the coal man. We didn't order any coal. It could be the German police. Well, his face and hands are absolutely black.
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Couldn't it be an escaped soldier in the sky? No. Not likely.
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Oh, Sister White, look out into this lair in front Are those workmen still clearing it? Oh, yes! They're still there! But do you notice they're not working? They're there to watch us! Be quiet! Well, we'll have to answer it Just go and let the man in, Sister White I can't say I haven't been warned Reverend Gahan has been saying it for weeks He told me the secret police would come here and search the place Go on, sister At least I've hidden all our report Aren't you afraid for for the men in the attic? When you've let the man in, go up the backstairs and warn them They know how to say an illness Go,
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hurry I didn't order any cold
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I know you didn't It is, it's me, Philip Boggs If you shouldn't have come, the hospital is being watched. What if you'll recognize the chance I have to take? Edith, you must leave the country. Try to get back to England. You're going to be arrested. There is one man, Otto Meyer, whom they have put in charge to get you. Is that true? I've been singled out of all the other? Look. This morning, I discussed myself as a German officer. I went into the private office of von Bissing, the German military governor I once, shall we say, liberating some documents to send to England And from the next room, I heard him tell automail, be cover me under Mao again The firing squad?
Oh, no. They wouldn't. No woman has ever been executed at least. Don't be too sure. They are all madmen. Look what they did to Louvain. Burp every book into priceless ashes. Sacked the city, took them six days, but they did it. They'd do anything to terrify. Could you excuse a nurse? Oh, no. They couldn't. Three years hard labor, perhaps. But I'm not asking only for your sake. Would it have the others? Reverend Gahan, Prince Reginald, and the princess, Henriette, Albert. Every member of our unorganized organization. But you didn't mention your name.
When I print 25,000 copies of our underground paper five times a month, only I am responsible. If they catch me, don't be. My bad luck. But you, they will force you to tell everything. They know how. You're being watched. Those workmen out there, they dig a hole and fill it in. They're secret police. But I can't run away. Look. Put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if hundreds of your enemy escaped in front of your very nose to come back one day to kill? No. I I can't. You're in there. Open the door. Cold man. You hear me? Your cold card is blocking the sidewalk.
I want it moved right away. That's mayor. I recognize his voice. Go, Edith, somehow. I've heard him off. Never been searched before. I'm not frightened. Will you stop before it's too late? How can I? I've heard there are more men hidden out there in the woods. Isn't that so? Yes. Yes. More than filthy in Cumbres. Then I cannot stop what I'm doing. Call me. In the name of the Kahana Police Department, I order you to come out. If a single one of those dirty soldiers had taken and shot, it would be my fault. I I I will come back later. This callback is full of our newspapers, which I must distribute.
Don't say anything needed. Don't do anything. Be careful, please. For all of us. Open the door. Hey. What piece of all this noise, Can't the cool man make it on his day sleeping anymore? It's wintertime, you know. People must have called. Take that dog away. Well, then let me close this front door. What all the sick and wounded in there for us today? You're standing in my way, old man. I had business inside. Not the office due before I had you arrested for obstructing an officer in the performance of his duty. Edith Cavell?
Yes. You will come with me to the commandantour for questioning. This is a difficult time of day for us. We're very busy. May I come tomorrow morning? I am not making a request in its cave. I am making an order. Am I under arrest? Not fully. I might as well tell you all the others in your organization have been rounded up and have confessed. I don't believe you. Oh, then there is no organization. I know of no organization? Really? Hundreds of escaped soldiers are walking in and out of your clinic, and it is not organized. It is all over, Fraulein Cavell.
The game is finished. You have gambled and lost. They have all confessed. Nobody has confessed, for there is nothing to confess. Perhaps. We shall see. Put on your coat. May I write one letter? No. You may not write one letter. You may not delay the interrogation. You will come with me at once. But I can't just walk out and not leave some word. If the commander authorizes, you can write at police headquarters. They placed me in a cell It was agreed or or should I say permitted for me to write one letter My dearest sisters and nurses, I hope you're not worrying about me They have told me I shall be questioned again and again until they have what they wish to know And then I shall know what they will do with me Can you send me my imitation of Christ and some embroidery to work on?
Only a few things that I have no place to put them I will write again when there's anything to tell. Don't don't worry. We must pray for the best. I hope all of you will carry on as usual. God, open the Edith Cavell cell door. Good evening, Marlene. I have come to talk with you. Hermeir, I have no care to offer. Only this one is provided. Has they made you comfortable? You are now, let me see, four days as our guest. You receive from friends packages, flowers. Yeah? I see you have been reading. Who is it? A book by Thomas a Kempis. I'll give it here. Imitation of Christ.
I know it well. We Germans are not so illiterate as you might presume. I presume no such thing. I hope you need to look. You have marked some passages. Quite a few. Have you come here to make fun of me, Fenrir? Not at all. I have come to improve my English. I read where you underline. If thou are unwilling to suffer, thou refugest to be crowned. But if thou desire to be crowned, Fight manfully. Endure patiently. How is my English? Quite good. And do you endure patiently? Devos is quite charming. Because then the ones, however, they are not doing so well. No. They're dying. They don't like prisons any more than I do. That seems to be the general complaint of your former associates.
I bet Levitz, for instance, a great complainer. The coal man, we have him too. The owner of a cafe you are known in, he is here. Also, Philip Book. You know him? All these people are here. Did you not know? And they have all confessed. I don't believe you. Now, may I have my book back, please? Read me your favorite passage, Bide.
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It is
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no small prudence to keep silent in an evil time, and not be troubled by the judgement of men. Do not worry, Fraulein. The judgement will come soon enough. You Germans may give the orders, Hermeer, but the judgment is God's.
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In a matter of hours, the Germans reached out and choked off that courageous lifeline by which one woman gave hundreds of fighting men a second chance to fight again. Anyone who had even anything to do with this extraordinary organization in Belgium was arrested. When the Germans could not force a confession from Edith Cavell, they forged a confession. And so, some thought Nurse Cavell had betrayed the loyal Belgians, all of whom risked their lives that others might live. But those who knew her better knew it could not have been her signature on the affidavits.
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My dear sisters and nurses, thank you for my imitation of Christ. Will you also send me my little prayer book? And thank you for looking after my dear old Jackie. Please brush him sometimes and take him for a walk. He enjoys it so. Will you please send me, at once, my blue coat and skirt, white muslin blouse, and my gray gloves? I would like to wear them for the crowd. Love to all. I hope to see you all soon as time may be short. Your matron. Fine. Yes, Hermeir. I have been informed you asked for ordinary clothing to wear at the trial. Yes. Why don't you wear your nurse's uniform?
A woman in a uniform, a red cross uniform might find more sympathy with the judges. I never wear my uniform outside the hospital. I would suggest, Farline, you can use all the help you can get. Heaven will help me. Not really, of course. It is for heaven to rescue you English. Do you know what we say if you hear, Fraulein Cabell? I have no idea. We call you the angel from England. Well, I certainly am from England. Do you know also what we say of angels? No. They're very nice people, angels. But too bad, they are all dead. Dear sisters, your delightful letter gave me great pleasure.
And if I had not thanked you for your lovely flowers, they had made myself gay. The roses are still fresh, but the chrysanthemums did not live very long. I'm happy to know you are working well and devoted to your work. If you were in my place, you would learn how precious liberty is. You have lodged French and English soldiers, including a colonel, all in civilian clothes. You have helped Belgians, French, and English of military age by furnishing them with the means of going to the front. Notably, in receiving them at your nursing home and giving them money.
Yes. Who was the head, The originator of the organization? There wasn't a head of the organization. Was it Albert Leibitz? No. Philip Bock? No. Why have you committed these acts? I was sent, to begin with, two Englishmen who were in danger of death. Both were wounded. Now, Faran, once these people cross the frontier, did they send you news to that effect? Four or five did so. What did Philip Bock do? What was his role? I knew mister Bock very little. I met him a few times. I I don't know what his role was. In your assigned affidavit, you gave names of those you recruited for this clandestine work.
There were no names on the document I signed. I hold up this affidavit, and it has names on it and your signature. Are you telling me this is not your signature? I'm not saying it is or it isn't. I'm saying there were no names on it. Yes. Yes. We know what you said. You don't have to repeat it. Do you realize your actions would be to the disadvantage of Germany and to the advantage of the enemy? My preoccupation has not been to aid the enemy, but to help the men who applied to me to reach the frontier. Once across the frontier, they were free.
How many people have you sent to the frontier? About 200. Fraulein, you may step out of the witness box. You are dismissed. Is that all, Albert? I cannot give you a chance to say anything or or explain anything. My sister, they are going to make short work of us all. I can't bear it. Did you see miss Cabello's face? So much suffering.
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For one who has eased the suffering of so many others.
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While I invite to the stand, Peter. And so, Fraulein White, you admit your treachery, Dressed as a nurse, hiding behind the uniform of the Red Cross, you have dishonored your calling. Do you have anything further to say? No. Speak up. I said no. Louder. I want the entire world to hear. I have nothing further to say. You wish to be a martyr like Fraulein Casel. Is that not so? Answer me. When you were harboring the enemies of Germany, did you not know what danger you are in in acting so?
[00:36:02] Unknown:
One must do one's duty
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without thinking of the consequences. One must do one's duty without thinking of the consequences. I can never forget Sister White's words. That night, when we were taken from the trial and again locked up, I asked to see the Reverend Gahan, but not yet, I was told, he would not be allowed to see me until after I was sentenced.
[00:36:37] Unknown:
High treason. It's unbelievable.
[00:36:40] Unknown:
Do you think I think you and I and Albert and Philippe do not have very much of a chance. Yes. I I feel it all going against us. What does it matter? So long as we're not shot. Oh, if only I had your composure, miss Cabell. What is your secret? I have no secret, Sister White Grant me patience, oh Lord, even now in this emergency Help me, my God and then I will not fear however grievously I be afflicted. God, open forlaine cafe, sir. Good evening, forlaine. Good evening, Herr Mayer. You keep your cell very clean. No. No. No. No. No. Don't don't get up. It is your cell. It's your home. And the one chair is your chair.
Have you come this evening to discuss my furnishings? I came to bring you this. A barnacle. From your pastor, the reverend guard. It is never a bad thing to read a good book, but, Fraulein, frankly, if you ask me, I think you are reading it too late. When will we know? The sentence? By morning, I should imagine. Good night, Frohle in Judas. Guard the cell door. I am wracked with grief of heart. I am burdened with sins. I am troubled with temptations. And there is none to help me and save me but thou, oh Lord God, to whom I commit myself that thou mayst keep watch over me and bring me safe to life everlasting.
Philip Boock, Todespraven. Edith Cavell, Todespraven. Louis Priess, Todespraven. Louise Priess, Toda's father. Toda's death for five of us. The others received prison sentences. Some were even acquitted. What could I write, mother? What could I say now to the sisters at the hospital? Yes. I knew. Of course, I knew. Deep down, I must have known. Well, then you may go in. God? God be with you, my child. No. It's useless. I am English, and they want my life. Yesterday, I was thinking of the last two we sent across the frontier, and how you tore a visiting card in half to help us.
Did they get away safely? No. I'm afraid they were caught almost at the border and have been sent to prison. They too. How long will they give me? Only until tomorrow morning at sunrise. The sun rises at five these days? Yes. Yes. Oh, Reverend. You must not let my death affect you so. It was good of you to come. Every day I have been asking them. They would not let me see you before. But you know, reverend, I've seen death so often. It isn't strange or or fearful to me. My life has always been horrid and full of difficulties. The time of rest has been a great mercy.
10 of imprisonment? Everyone here tried to be kind. I was thinking, even as I stood in the dark being sentenced, and now, as I stand so close to God, patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or business toward anyone. Yeah. They would not let me even attend the trial. It was fairly conducted, reverend. You see, under the circumstances, I did expect to be shot. Oh, now you sit, reverend. Us is on the bed and you sit on my one chair. Oh, I I I see someone sent you flowers. The sister. I've kept them all this time even though they're dried and faded. But I remember them as they were once, full of life.
Do you do you know the hymn, Edith? Abide with me. Yes. Well, shall we say the words together? Abide with me. Fast forward. The ebbentite. The darkness deepens. Lord, with me, abide. When other Help us. Fail and comforts flee. Help of the helpless. Oh, abide with me. How can I be sure there is a heaven for me after death? I feel I have been so I am so unworthy. Hey, Edith, do you remember the story of the thief on the cross? And do you remember the Lord said unto him, today thou shalt be with me in paradise. And he was a thief. Edith, you have nothing to feel unworthy of, be ashamed of, and nothing to fear.
Oh, thank you. I feel more at peace now. Yes. Well, perhaps I had better go as you will want to rest Oh, yes, I have to be up at five in the morning We shall meet again Yes, we shall, Edith God be with you.
[00:43:29] Unknown:
Two hours after sunrise, the morning of 10/12/1915, Edith Cavell and Philippe Bach died in front of a firing squad, brought down by two salvos of rifle fire, which echoed and re echoed for many years. Yet all this might never have happened. There is a postscript, if not an epitaph, about what I'd like to tell you when I return shortly. Truly, the name of Edith Cavell is among the great heroes of war. She set an example of devotion and selflessness, which has never been exceeded and never been forgotten. But had not Belgium been the scene of fierce fighting, Edith Cavell, like the other nurses of her hospital, might never have been heard of.
There would never have been the great need for the angel from England. Was it the hand of fate that gave us this extraordinary woman? Isn't it amazing that so often when crisis or catastrophe arises, fate sends us a savior? Our cast included Miriam Seldes, Brianna Rayburn, Court Benson, Robert Dryden, and Earl Hammond. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now, a preview of our next tale. You know Gil Blanche?
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Well, I've never actually met. But Direction beautiful.
[00:45:15] Unknown:
You just did. Step in. The name is Gil Blake.
[00:45:23] Unknown:
I went into that room because I knew instinctively I had no choice. There was danger there. All the old forgotten reflexes sent over a warning buzzer in the back of my head. Behind the man, I could see a robe thrown carelessly on the bed, a typewriter with a sheet folded in the platen, a battered hat I knew only too well. Everything in that room belonged to you, except this big man with the unbelievably light blonde hair and the deep, slow, drawling voice that claimed his name. Whoever he was, he was most assuredly not Bill
[00:46:02] Unknown:
Blake. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Contact, the twelve hour cold capsule. This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant
With the American Express Gold card, I can earn four times membership rewards points at US supermarkets. So with all these groceries, I'm also getting points. Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/us/explore-gold.
[00:00:14] Unknown:
Terms and points cap apply. The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents
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Come in.
[00:00:38] Unknown:
Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. What does the name Edith Cavell mean to you? Of course, they didn't know it at the time when her parents named her, but Edith means happy in war, which is fairly ironical when you consider Nurse Cavell was perhaps the greatest civilian casualty of World War one. Why did hundreds of thousands of British and French soldiers carry her name in their hearts? Why?
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We will learn presently. There's someone at the front door. Take a peek out this window, Sister Wise, and see who it is. Look, it's it's three main civilian foes! I wonder who they are. It It it could be the German secret police. Go let them in. But, miss Cabell, the Germans are searching every house looking for escaped allied soldiers. They won't find them here in a hospital. We've got two dozen soldiers hidden up in the attic right this very minute.
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Our mystery drama, Angel from England, was written especially mystery theatre by g Frederick Lewis, and stars Marion Seldes. It is sponsored in part by Contact, the twelve hour cold capsule, and Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one.
[00:02:05] Unknown:
The new midsize Buick Regal. It meets the demands of today I'm inside you. Without losing the special things about Buick that people have always loved. Now that's some trick. A little magic. On the outside, it's trimmer than last year's Regal Coupe. A little bit higher. There's more headroom, more legroom, more trunk room. A little bit higher.
[00:02:26] Unknown:
With a wizardry of a turbocharged sport coupe. A little bit higher. And such traditional build qualities as luxury, elegance, and prestige.
[00:02:36] Unknown:
Can you imagine? The new Regal, a down to earth dream car at your Buick dealer.
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The time, the early nineteen hundreds. The place, England. The person, a beautiful and intelligent English girl. The problem, what shall she do with her life? She has graduated, been a governess to four Belgian children for five years, returned home to nurse her father through an illness, and will tell you her favorite stanza is by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which says, lives of great men all remind us. We can make our lives sublime. And departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time. That was then the makeup of Edith Cavell, a young woman whose special nature actually beckoned the hand of fate.
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While I was taking care of father, I knew I had to be a nurse I trained and it became my whole life Then a job, heading a nursing school in Belgium, was offered to me. Oh, I thought I was the luckiest woman on Earth. Many girls came to us, were trained into fine nurses, and I myself learned as I taught. Every year, I go home to Norfolk in the North Of England for my mother's birthday. July of nineteen fourteen was quite different. Germany had declared war. I knew my place was back with the Red Cross in Brussels. There would be many wounded.
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Colonel Boucher. Colonel. Over here.
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Sergeant Meechan. Get you over here, sir. I'm afraid I'm all that's left. Most of them scattered for retreat. Can I help you out of there? I don't think I can make it. I got it three times today. Oh. I'll just rest a little. Try to stay alive. I'm going back to get out sir. I told you to keep down. Oh, Lord. My head is bleeding. What? How bad is it? I do regret the inconvenience, you Colonel. Let's try something around that scalp. It's amazing, sir. It doesn't hurt at all. Dispersed that means anything, sir. Early, which you've got a very hard head. My darling mother and family, a few lines from your daughter Edith.
Brussels has fallen into the hands of the enemy. We must prepare to live in an occupied city. I've told all the nurses and sisters they can go, but none of them will leave. I shall think of you to the last, and you may be sure we will do our duty here. God bless you and keep you safe. Nurse Cabell, may I come in? Certainly, mister White. I'm just finishing a letter home. Oh, you were out this morning. Is it true about the chestnut trees in the Avenue Louisa? Chestnut trees? I know that avenue Before the war, I spent five years as the governors taking care of four children That's where we live I I'm sorry I I just can't think about that.
Miss Carvero, isn't it frightful about what the Germans did and denounced? You know, the town of Denham, I hadn't heard. I met the reverend Gahan in the street. He told me.
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It's so awful.
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They the German, they lined up all the people of the town in the square. Men on one side, women and children on the other. This was yesterday. Yesterday. Yesterday was Sunday. The people came out of church. Everyone. All day, the people waited in the square guarded by soldiers.
[00:07:30] Unknown:
I guess, girl. The men were shattered. Women too. The German soldiers stood in the center of the square in fire, kept on firing until every single soul had fallen. 600 people, men, women, children, I
[00:07:58] Unknown:
want you to come out with me now I am told the chestnut trees and the Avenue Louisa are blooming for the second time I was going near to see them and mail my letter Chestnut trees! You see how little attention nature pays to man? Man destroys and overnight nature blooms again. Life is renewed. Every day, the sound of shellfire in the distance. The Germans taking town after town in their march to Paris. We have had some German wounded here at the hospital, but no allied men. Where are they taking them? Meechan. Meechan, you wake.
I'm awake. What? Oh, yes. Yes. Of course. Certainly, I'm awake. Well, we've got an hour to talk plans until the hospital orderlies make their next round. Wanna show you something? Should I turn on the light? No. No. No. There's enough moonlight coming in that window. You know, colonel, I'm really quite surprised that the untreats us with so much courtesy. One isn't like a prisoner there. More like guests in a German field hospital. It's a good thing we are so lax. Otherwise, the Belgian underground could never get to us. Sergeant, tonight, you and I are escaping this field hospital.
What? Tonight? You sound surprised. Oh, no. No. Not at all. I I knew we would eventually. If it hadn't take me all these weeks to grow a respectable beard, we'd have been on our way sooner. Now, see here, with this black hat and cape, our underground friend, Albert, sold into us. I think I can pass for a Belgian civilian. Yes. Very good. But, what about me, sir? Did Albert have a costume for me? I talked it over with him and he suggested a hunchback What? Discard myself with a hunchback? I assure you I got the outfit under my blanket Go ahead. Put it on. It's a workman's coat and Albert has sewn padding into it. Right.
There. No. Not bad. Quite good, in fact. You do look oh, yes. I must say. You think it's effective? It had better be. Hurry hurry through this bound door to the land. Welcome, gentlemen. Oh, Albert, old friend. Good to see you. May I say, Albert? I'm equally happy to be here. I don't think I could have lasted much longer. You had no problems with the sanctuaries or the doctor. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No We've been walking for a good four hours right down the main road.
Hard to believe you'll be safe in my barn for the present, colonel. Now our underground has some other English soldier hidden in the woods. They are waiting like you. Waiting for what? For the allies to advance so they can join them. Your first problem is to stay alive. Secondly, how? Thirdly, where? You have three choices, hiding in the coal mine, our big woods, or a big city. In the coal mine, I would say no. The cold weather is almost here. In the woods, I would also say no. I can see, colonel. You need medical attention. That leaves the third alternative. Is that it, Albert?
Yes. The city of Brussels. I will myself bring you both to the station, get you train tickets to Brussels. You both sit in different parts of the train, and I shall make the arrangements so you are met when you arrive. Yes. But the the Brussels is occupied by the enemy. How can we stay out of sight? Or what? There is a nurse who runs the Red Cross clinic, and you will go there. An Englishwoman. English? Well, we shall certainly get good treatment for the colonel's leg. That's well, it is not only her medical knowledge you will find useful. What do you mean now that? She has managed to hide in the hospital several escaped French soldiers.
Splendid. Think what she might do for two Englishmen. Perhaps even get us across the border. Oh, yes. Quite possibly. Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's be off for Brussels. I need two days to make the arrangement. Food was getting very expensive in occupied Brussels. Even Jackie, my pet sheep dog, was beginning to feel it but never complained at scraps from the table. All the nurses were making clothes for the poor. It would be a terribly hard winter living here under the Germans. I was in my office making up our accounts and Sister White reading a month old copy of The London Times. Jackie, be quiet.
There's somewhere at the front door. Take a peek and see who it is, sister White. This window. It's three main civilian probes. I wonder who they are. It could be the German secret police. They look dysregulated. Go let them in. But, miss Cavell, the Germans are searching every house door to door looking for escaped Allied soldiers. Won't find them here in the hospital.
[00:14:03] Unknown:
We've got two dozen soldiers hidden up in the attic right now! Sir, don't worry. I wish you'd
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open the door before they become too suspicious, and bring the three of them right here into my office. Then leave us alone? Alright, gentlemen. I think we can take care of you. Sister White? Yes, miss Cavelle. May I introduce colonel Dudley Beaujeu of the Norfolk Regiment and sergeant Fred Yes. They have suffered wounds. And for a little while, we shall try to make them as comfortable as we can. Oh, wiry, and thank you. How'd you do, sister White? I'm pleased to meet you, miss.
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My goodness. You you're both English and both welcome.
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English? But but quarter for Germany won't find out. This will be our little secret. Now if you'll both find this form for the operation. Operation? Oh, no. No. I don't want anything amputated. This foot will get better. I'm perfectly well. And Sergeant Leechan's head wound is quite healed. No. We don't need an operation. I thought you were going to help us cross the frontier. That, gentlemen, is the operation.
[00:15:32] Unknown:
This was how it began. How nurse Edith Cavell, running a training center for nurses in Belgium, became involved in hiding and dispersing British soldiers. The colonel and the sergeant were the first of actually hundreds of allied soldiers who were not only healed at the hospital, but when well enough, were spirited across the border back to England to rejoin their regiments. I shall return shortly with act two.
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Come. Let's follow a most remarkable cold medicine on its journey of relief. A medicine is contact. The same twelve hour contact you can buy. Though it weighs no more than an aspirin, the capsule is packed with enough medicine to help relieve cold symptoms caused by every known virus. A sip of water, and we're off. Contact begins its work. The six hundred tiny time pills leave the capsule on their own important journey, each in turn releasing its harshest medicine into your bloodstream where it's needed most. Relief begins.
Incredibly, for the next twelve hours, the virus symptoms, your sneezing, swollen membranes, congestion will be held at bay all day while you work, all night while your body rests and restores itself. All day, all night relief, no matter what cold virus attacks. That's the wonder of contact. Give your call to contact.
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Take only as direct.
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If you were a Belgian during World War one and were not called up, if you were, say, an old farmer, retired school teacher, an elderly shopkeeper, or if you were a woman or young girl, you did everything you could to undermine the grip the enemy had upon your country. One of the best ways to help liberate your country was to join the Maquis, the underground, and rescue allied prisoners. Edith Cavell, in her hospital in Brussels, was the only Englishwoman who joined the Belgians in their surreptitious battle against the occupying Germans.
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How could I turn anyone away from our doors? The code of my profession, care for and heal the sick and injured, had to take precedence over the military code of the invaders. Miss Cavell, we're getting more warm bodies than we have beds for. It's as though the entire French and British armies know that through us, they can get safe passage home. Mister White, I haven't time for generality. Have you told aunt Corporal Doman and Corporal Chapman to be dressed and ready at five? They'll be ready since they have their false passport. Oh, everything's in order. So the pictures you took for the passport for the little fuzzies are I know. I must get them better film somewhere. We've made it the camera. Oh, I hope not. But the likenesses are reasonably good, aren't they? Oh, yes. Good enough. Now I have a cart and a load of wood.
And with the cart, they should be able to get themselves to Antwerp easily enough. And then on to Holland and England. But how do I contact their guide? Take them to the usual cafe. Lay this torn visiting card on the table. Then order three beers. Someone will pass by your table a little after quarter past five, and lay the matching torn half of the card on your table. Mhmm. The man and chapman will get up without a word and follow the guide. Then you will return the glasses to the bar. A visiting card torn in two. What a fantastic idea. Whoever thought of it? The Reverend Gahan. He joined our call. I went to see him the day before yesterday. He gave me half of the card, kept the other half, and will give it to the guide who will take the two soldiers across the Dutch front. Oh, marvelous.
Oh,
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I'll go to the window and peek out.
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It's the coal man. We didn't order any coal. It could be the German police. Well, his face and hands are absolutely black.
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Couldn't it be an escaped soldier in the sky? No. Not likely.
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Oh, Sister White, look out into this lair in front Are those workmen still clearing it? Oh, yes! They're still there! But do you notice they're not working? They're there to watch us! Be quiet! Well, we'll have to answer it Just go and let the man in, Sister White I can't say I haven't been warned Reverend Gahan has been saying it for weeks He told me the secret police would come here and search the place Go on, sister At least I've hidden all our report Aren't you afraid for for the men in the attic? When you've let the man in, go up the backstairs and warn them They know how to say an illness Go,
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hurry I didn't order any cold
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I know you didn't It is, it's me, Philip Boggs If you shouldn't have come, the hospital is being watched. What if you'll recognize the chance I have to take? Edith, you must leave the country. Try to get back to England. You're going to be arrested. There is one man, Otto Meyer, whom they have put in charge to get you. Is that true? I've been singled out of all the other? Look. This morning, I discussed myself as a German officer. I went into the private office of von Bissing, the German military governor I once, shall we say, liberating some documents to send to England And from the next room, I heard him tell automail, be cover me under Mao again The firing squad?
Oh, no. They wouldn't. No woman has ever been executed at least. Don't be too sure. They are all madmen. Look what they did to Louvain. Burp every book into priceless ashes. Sacked the city, took them six days, but they did it. They'd do anything to terrify. Could you excuse a nurse? Oh, no. They couldn't. Three years hard labor, perhaps. But I'm not asking only for your sake. Would it have the others? Reverend Gahan, Prince Reginald, and the princess, Henriette, Albert. Every member of our unorganized organization. But you didn't mention your name.
When I print 25,000 copies of our underground paper five times a month, only I am responsible. If they catch me, don't be. My bad luck. But you, they will force you to tell everything. They know how. You're being watched. Those workmen out there, they dig a hole and fill it in. They're secret police. But I can't run away. Look. Put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if hundreds of your enemy escaped in front of your very nose to come back one day to kill? No. I I can't. You're in there. Open the door. Cold man. You hear me? Your cold card is blocking the sidewalk.
I want it moved right away. That's mayor. I recognize his voice. Go, Edith, somehow. I've heard him off. Never been searched before. I'm not frightened. Will you stop before it's too late? How can I? I've heard there are more men hidden out there in the woods. Isn't that so? Yes. Yes. More than filthy in Cumbres. Then I cannot stop what I'm doing. Call me. In the name of the Kahana Police Department, I order you to come out. If a single one of those dirty soldiers had taken and shot, it would be my fault. I I I will come back later. This callback is full of our newspapers, which I must distribute.
Don't say anything needed. Don't do anything. Be careful, please. For all of us. Open the door. Hey. What piece of all this noise, Can't the cool man make it on his day sleeping anymore? It's wintertime, you know. People must have called. Take that dog away. Well, then let me close this front door. What all the sick and wounded in there for us today? You're standing in my way, old man. I had business inside. Not the office due before I had you arrested for obstructing an officer in the performance of his duty. Edith Cavell?
Yes. You will come with me to the commandantour for questioning. This is a difficult time of day for us. We're very busy. May I come tomorrow morning? I am not making a request in its cave. I am making an order. Am I under arrest? Not fully. I might as well tell you all the others in your organization have been rounded up and have confessed. I don't believe you. Oh, then there is no organization. I know of no organization? Really? Hundreds of escaped soldiers are walking in and out of your clinic, and it is not organized. It is all over, Fraulein Cavell.
The game is finished. You have gambled and lost. They have all confessed. Nobody has confessed, for there is nothing to confess. Perhaps. We shall see. Put on your coat. May I write one letter? No. You may not write one letter. You may not delay the interrogation. You will come with me at once. But I can't just walk out and not leave some word. If the commander authorizes, you can write at police headquarters. They placed me in a cell It was agreed or or should I say permitted for me to write one letter My dearest sisters and nurses, I hope you're not worrying about me They have told me I shall be questioned again and again until they have what they wish to know And then I shall know what they will do with me Can you send me my imitation of Christ and some embroidery to work on?
Only a few things that I have no place to put them I will write again when there's anything to tell. Don't don't worry. We must pray for the best. I hope all of you will carry on as usual. God, open the Edith Cavell cell door. Good evening, Marlene. I have come to talk with you. Hermeir, I have no care to offer. Only this one is provided. Has they made you comfortable? You are now, let me see, four days as our guest. You receive from friends packages, flowers. Yeah? I see you have been reading. Who is it? A book by Thomas a Kempis. I'll give it here. Imitation of Christ.
I know it well. We Germans are not so illiterate as you might presume. I presume no such thing. I hope you need to look. You have marked some passages. Quite a few. Have you come here to make fun of me, Fenrir? Not at all. I have come to improve my English. I read where you underline. If thou are unwilling to suffer, thou refugest to be crowned. But if thou desire to be crowned, Fight manfully. Endure patiently. How is my English? Quite good. And do you endure patiently? Devos is quite charming. Because then the ones, however, they are not doing so well. No. They're dying. They don't like prisons any more than I do. That seems to be the general complaint of your former associates.
I bet Levitz, for instance, a great complainer. The coal man, we have him too. The owner of a cafe you are known in, he is here. Also, Philip Book. You know him? All these people are here. Did you not know? And they have all confessed. I don't believe you. Now, may I have my book back, please? Read me your favorite passage, Bide.
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It is
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no small prudence to keep silent in an evil time, and not be troubled by the judgement of men. Do not worry, Fraulein. The judgement will come soon enough. You Germans may give the orders, Hermeer, but the judgment is God's.
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In a matter of hours, the Germans reached out and choked off that courageous lifeline by which one woman gave hundreds of fighting men a second chance to fight again. Anyone who had even anything to do with this extraordinary organization in Belgium was arrested. When the Germans could not force a confession from Edith Cavell, they forged a confession. And so, some thought Nurse Cavell had betrayed the loyal Belgians, all of whom risked their lives that others might live. But those who knew her better knew it could not have been her signature on the affidavits.
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My dear sisters and nurses, thank you for my imitation of Christ. Will you also send me my little prayer book? And thank you for looking after my dear old Jackie. Please brush him sometimes and take him for a walk. He enjoys it so. Will you please send me, at once, my blue coat and skirt, white muslin blouse, and my gray gloves? I would like to wear them for the crowd. Love to all. I hope to see you all soon as time may be short. Your matron. Fine. Yes, Hermeir. I have been informed you asked for ordinary clothing to wear at the trial. Yes. Why don't you wear your nurse's uniform?
A woman in a uniform, a red cross uniform might find more sympathy with the judges. I never wear my uniform outside the hospital. I would suggest, Farline, you can use all the help you can get. Heaven will help me. Not really, of course. It is for heaven to rescue you English. Do you know what we say if you hear, Fraulein Cabell? I have no idea. We call you the angel from England. Well, I certainly am from England. Do you know also what we say of angels? No. They're very nice people, angels. But too bad, they are all dead. Dear sisters, your delightful letter gave me great pleasure.
And if I had not thanked you for your lovely flowers, they had made myself gay. The roses are still fresh, but the chrysanthemums did not live very long. I'm happy to know you are working well and devoted to your work. If you were in my place, you would learn how precious liberty is. You have lodged French and English soldiers, including a colonel, all in civilian clothes. You have helped Belgians, French, and English of military age by furnishing them with the means of going to the front. Notably, in receiving them at your nursing home and giving them money.
Yes. Who was the head, The originator of the organization? There wasn't a head of the organization. Was it Albert Leibitz? No. Philip Bock? No. Why have you committed these acts? I was sent, to begin with, two Englishmen who were in danger of death. Both were wounded. Now, Faran, once these people cross the frontier, did they send you news to that effect? Four or five did so. What did Philip Bock do? What was his role? I knew mister Bock very little. I met him a few times. I I don't know what his role was. In your assigned affidavit, you gave names of those you recruited for this clandestine work.
There were no names on the document I signed. I hold up this affidavit, and it has names on it and your signature. Are you telling me this is not your signature? I'm not saying it is or it isn't. I'm saying there were no names on it. Yes. Yes. We know what you said. You don't have to repeat it. Do you realize your actions would be to the disadvantage of Germany and to the advantage of the enemy? My preoccupation has not been to aid the enemy, but to help the men who applied to me to reach the frontier. Once across the frontier, they were free.
How many people have you sent to the frontier? About 200. Fraulein, you may step out of the witness box. You are dismissed. Is that all, Albert? I cannot give you a chance to say anything or or explain anything. My sister, they are going to make short work of us all. I can't bear it. Did you see miss Cabello's face? So much suffering.
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For one who has eased the suffering of so many others.
[00:35:06] Unknown:
While I invite to the stand, Peter. And so, Fraulein White, you admit your treachery, Dressed as a nurse, hiding behind the uniform of the Red Cross, you have dishonored your calling. Do you have anything further to say? No. Speak up. I said no. Louder. I want the entire world to hear. I have nothing further to say. You wish to be a martyr like Fraulein Casel. Is that not so? Answer me. When you were harboring the enemies of Germany, did you not know what danger you are in in acting so?
[00:36:02] Unknown:
One must do one's duty
[00:36:05] Unknown:
without thinking of the consequences. One must do one's duty without thinking of the consequences. I can never forget Sister White's words. That night, when we were taken from the trial and again locked up, I asked to see the Reverend Gahan, but not yet, I was told, he would not be allowed to see me until after I was sentenced.
[00:36:37] Unknown:
High treason. It's unbelievable.
[00:36:40] Unknown:
Do you think I think you and I and Albert and Philippe do not have very much of a chance. Yes. I I feel it all going against us. What does it matter? So long as we're not shot. Oh, if only I had your composure, miss Cabell. What is your secret? I have no secret, Sister White Grant me patience, oh Lord, even now in this emergency Help me, my God and then I will not fear however grievously I be afflicted. God, open forlaine cafe, sir. Good evening, forlaine. Good evening, Herr Mayer. You keep your cell very clean. No. No. No. No. No. Don't don't get up. It is your cell. It's your home. And the one chair is your chair.
Have you come this evening to discuss my furnishings? I came to bring you this. A barnacle. From your pastor, the reverend guard. It is never a bad thing to read a good book, but, Fraulein, frankly, if you ask me, I think you are reading it too late. When will we know? The sentence? By morning, I should imagine. Good night, Frohle in Judas. Guard the cell door. I am wracked with grief of heart. I am burdened with sins. I am troubled with temptations. And there is none to help me and save me but thou, oh Lord God, to whom I commit myself that thou mayst keep watch over me and bring me safe to life everlasting.
Philip Boock, Todespraven. Edith Cavell, Todespraven. Louis Priess, Todespraven. Louise Priess, Toda's father. Toda's death for five of us. The others received prison sentences. Some were even acquitted. What could I write, mother? What could I say now to the sisters at the hospital? Yes. I knew. Of course, I knew. Deep down, I must have known. Well, then you may go in. God? God be with you, my child. No. It's useless. I am English, and they want my life. Yesterday, I was thinking of the last two we sent across the frontier, and how you tore a visiting card in half to help us.
Did they get away safely? No. I'm afraid they were caught almost at the border and have been sent to prison. They too. How long will they give me? Only until tomorrow morning at sunrise. The sun rises at five these days? Yes. Yes. Oh, Reverend. You must not let my death affect you so. It was good of you to come. Every day I have been asking them. They would not let me see you before. But you know, reverend, I've seen death so often. It isn't strange or or fearful to me. My life has always been horrid and full of difficulties. The time of rest has been a great mercy.
10 of imprisonment? Everyone here tried to be kind. I was thinking, even as I stood in the dark being sentenced, and now, as I stand so close to God, patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or business toward anyone. Yeah. They would not let me even attend the trial. It was fairly conducted, reverend. You see, under the circumstances, I did expect to be shot. Oh, now you sit, reverend. Us is on the bed and you sit on my one chair. Oh, I I I see someone sent you flowers. The sister. I've kept them all this time even though they're dried and faded. But I remember them as they were once, full of life.
Do you do you know the hymn, Edith? Abide with me. Yes. Well, shall we say the words together? Abide with me. Fast forward. The ebbentite. The darkness deepens. Lord, with me, abide. When other Help us. Fail and comforts flee. Help of the helpless. Oh, abide with me. How can I be sure there is a heaven for me after death? I feel I have been so I am so unworthy. Hey, Edith, do you remember the story of the thief on the cross? And do you remember the Lord said unto him, today thou shalt be with me in paradise. And he was a thief. Edith, you have nothing to feel unworthy of, be ashamed of, and nothing to fear.
Oh, thank you. I feel more at peace now. Yes. Well, perhaps I had better go as you will want to rest Oh, yes, I have to be up at five in the morning We shall meet again Yes, we shall, Edith God be with you.
[00:43:29] Unknown:
Two hours after sunrise, the morning of 10/12/1915, Edith Cavell and Philippe Bach died in front of a firing squad, brought down by two salvos of rifle fire, which echoed and re echoed for many years. Yet all this might never have happened. There is a postscript, if not an epitaph, about what I'd like to tell you when I return shortly. Truly, the name of Edith Cavell is among the great heroes of war. She set an example of devotion and selflessness, which has never been exceeded and never been forgotten. But had not Belgium been the scene of fierce fighting, Edith Cavell, like the other nurses of her hospital, might never have been heard of.
There would never have been the great need for the angel from England. Was it the hand of fate that gave us this extraordinary woman? Isn't it amazing that so often when crisis or catastrophe arises, fate sends us a savior? Our cast included Miriam Seldes, Brianna Rayburn, Court Benson, Robert Dryden, and Earl Hammond. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now, a preview of our next tale. You know Gil Blanche?
[00:45:10] Unknown:
Well, I've never actually met. But Direction beautiful.
[00:45:15] Unknown:
You just did. Step in. The name is Gil Blake.
[00:45:23] Unknown:
I went into that room because I knew instinctively I had no choice. There was danger there. All the old forgotten reflexes sent over a warning buzzer in the back of my head. Behind the man, I could see a robe thrown carelessly on the bed, a typewriter with a sheet folded in the platen, a battered hat I knew only too well. Everything in that room belonged to you, except this big man with the unbelievably light blonde hair and the deep, slow, drawling voice that claimed his name. Whoever he was, he was most assuredly not Bill
[00:46:02] Unknown:
Blake. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Contact, the twelve hour cold capsule. This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant
Introduction to Edith Cavell
Edith Cavell's Early Life and Career
The Outbreak of War and Edith's Return to Belgium
Life in Occupied Brussels
The Underground Network
The Risks of Resistance
Arrest and Interrogation
The Trial of Edith Cavell
Final Hours and Execution
Legacy of Edith Cavell
