The latest edition of 'I Was There!' The last days of Edith Cavell

The continuing project to 'voice' the 'I Was There!' publications continues with the latest video now available on The Western Front Association's YouTube channel. 

In this video, a volunteer reads the account written at the time by USA's Minister in Belgium, Brand Whitlock.

Brand Whitlock (1869 – 1934) was a journalist, attorney and politician. He was elected mayor of Toldeo, Ohio a total of four times.

After completing his final term as mayor in 1913 Whitlock was appointed by President Wilson to the post of US minister to Belgium. When the First World War broke out, his responsibilities were increased as he was given representation for seven additional countries in wartime.

Whitlock was in a unique position to advocate for Cavell. He was known as "Le Ministre Protecteur" for his frequent appeals to German authorities on behalf of condemned prisoners. Whitlock and others, including the Spanish Marquis de Villalobar, appealed to German authorities to spare Cavell's life, but these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

Cavell was executed by firing squad on October 12, 1915. Her execution, despite international protests, had a significant impact, particularly in hardening American public opinion against Germany.