Another in djcache's collection of War Memorial themed caches.
This one it different to the others however as it relates not to medal winners, squadrons or locations but to one exceptional lady. The story of Edith Cavell is one which I wasn't familiar with until by chance I happened across the memorial at which this cache begins.
The memorial indicates little in words, it was the images depicted on it that spurred me to research it further. I was saddened and amazed by what I discovered.
It is somewhat rare to see a woman on a monument from early last century. That is what piqued my interest and caused me to investigate further. As you will see once you get there no words describe why she is famous, but the picture creates an essay that demands your attention.
Man's inhumanity to man, and opposing that astounding fortitude & bravery are at the heart of this story.
Edith Cavell, daughter of a minister undertook her nursing training later than most. After completing her training and spending time nursing in England she was employed to set up and run a hospital in Brussels. As matron of the hospital she was inevitably drawn into World War I when the Germans invaded Belgium. She was in England and safe at the time that war broke out and travelled back to do what she could to assist at her hospital despite the danger.
After caring for two Allied soldiers early on in the invasion she went on to provide care for wounded soldiers from both the Allied & German forces, eventually helping some 200 Allied servicemen either wounded or just on the run, to return home or back to their units. That help was not only medical but financial and in other areas such as securing paperwork necessary to travel. She continued this for some months after having been tipped off that she was drawing attention to herself and fully aware of the risks that she was exposing herself to.
It's unsurprising that she drew the attention of the German command who eventually arrested her in mid 1915. She was tried for harbouring allied soldiers, an offence carrying a death sentence.
Figures on how many German servicemen she aided aren't as well documented - perhaps as it would have made the case for her exectution less convincing.
A testament to the strength of her character and her faith, she freely admitted her actions and would not lie even to save herself. After a trial which attracted much attention she was sentenced to death and three days after the trial at 2am in the morning she was executed by firing squad in case the authorities secumbed to pressure to be lenient.
The Pastor Le Seur who accompanied her to her execution wrote in his testimony of events:
"When we arrived at the Tir National, a company at full war strength (two hundred and fifty men) stood there, in accordance with the regulations, under the command of a staff-officer... We clergymen led the condemned persons to the front... The sentence was read out, and then the clergymen were permitted to have a last word with the condemned persons. I thought I had to make this as brief as possible. I took Miss Cavell's hand and only said (of course in English) the words: 'The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the Communion of the Holy Ghost be with you for ever. Amen.’ She pressed my hand in return, and answered in those words: 'Ask Mr. Gahan to tell my loved ones later on that my soul, as I believe, is safe, and that I am glad to die for my country.'
"Then I led her a few steps to the pole, to which she was loosely bound. A bandage was put over her eyes, which, as the soldier who put it on told me, were full of tears.
"Then a few seconds passed, which appeared to me like eternity, because the Catholic clergyman spoke somewhat longer with M. Baucq, until he also stood at his pole.
"Immediately the sharp commands were given, two salvoes crashed at the same time — each of eight men at a distance of six paces — and the two condemned persons sank to the ground without a sound. My eyes were fixed exclusively on Miss Cavell, and what they now saw was terrible. With a face streaming with blood — one shot had gone through her forehead — Miss Cavell had sunk down forwards, but three times she raised herself up without a sound, with her hands stretched upwards. I ran forward with the medical man, Dr. Benn, to her. He was doubtless right when he stated that these were only reflex movements."
While atrocities such as the execution of Edith Cavell are not rare in war, public sentiment being aroused to such a level as achieved by this single execution is less common. Edith Cavell became a heroine and martyr overnight and was a significant motivator for many to join the war or the war effort. The story of her execution was used in propaganda to spur others into action and can be directly linked to an increase in the resources available to fight the Germans.
Foundations were established throughout the Commonwealth in her name, and as a result her passion for her chosen profession was passed on. Many nurses like Lynne's mother who trained in the 60's & 70's are still familiar with her story, some from later know only her name.
Many memorials around such as this one were erected around the world, and surprisingly there is no shortage of information on the internet about this amazing nurse.
The cache is hidden a short walk from the memorial and is on the other side of St Kilda Road. While the place it is hidden is not related to the memorial it is of the same era.
Due to my dislike of urban micros it is a 1 ltr Sistema initially containing a range of swaps of reasonable quality. Please trade even or trade up.
The final cache location is very busy. You may not be able to retrieve the cache at all at some times during the day - particularly in peak periods you may not even feel comfortable looking for it. Please do not jeapordise the cache just for the sake of a find. Come back when it is quieter or on another day and retrieve the cache. Night time, very early morning & weekends would be the best time to try this one.
To locate the cache you need some information from the memorial.
In the bronze picture facing the direction of the Shrine of Rememberance, how many men are clearly present? (Note: Ignore the possible extra who is obscured and has to be searched for.) Answer = A
How many women are pictured? Answer = B
There are three plaques on the front of the memorial. On the uppermost plaque there is a date. It is in the format MONTH xxth, xxxx
The 6 numbers (x's) = CD(th), EFGH
On the plaque titled
"Erected by the Edith Cavell Trust Fund
ZZZZ - ZZZZ
Unveiled ZZ-ZZ-ZZZZ"
How many times does the number 1 appear in those dates?
Answer = J
You will locate the final cache location at
S37° 4F.AAB E144° 5J.DHF
Please replace the lid of the cache securely and rehide it as you found it. Your care and attention to subtlety will be greatly appreciated.
If you are at all interested it is worth doing a Google search for "Edith Cavell".
Thanks,
DJ