She Gave Her Life To Nursing; Help Humanity: Edith Cavell died trying to keep Allied troops alive in World War I.(LEADERS & SUCCESS)

Byline: PETER BENESH

Edith Cavell lived and died by her principles. Cavell pioneered nurses training and helped elevate her profession to the respected status it enjoys today.

Her personal moral code, determination to do the right thing and raw courage made her an allied heroine of World War I. Under the noses of the Germans, she helped British and French soldiers escape from her hospital in Belgium.

Even when the Germans caught her, she stood her moral ground. She told the German prison chaplain before facing the firing squad, "Standing as I do in view of God and eternity, I realize that patriotism is not enough; I must have no hatred or bitterness toward anyone."

Cavell's heroic deeds for captured Allied troops were the product of her humanity and loyalty, wrote Abraham Unger in British Heritage magazine. "She considered it a part of her duty to others, a lifelong obligation encouraged by her father, the Vicar of Swardeston."

British-born Cavell was the oldest of four children. Though the family was not wealthy, the vicar imparted an important lesson to his children: They should share what they had with the less blessed.

After several years of home tutoring by her father, Cavell went to school and excelled at French. Her skill landed her a position as a governess in Belgium.