This week on Classic Crime Jack covered the story of Edith Cavell. A World War 1 nurse who was shot by the Germans and who became a martyr for the British cause.
Above is a postcard created by the British Government and circulated in the United States in order to recruit Americans to fight in World War 1.
The story went that Edith, having been charged with espionage, was sentenced to be shot by firing squad. As Edith stood before the firing squad she fainted and one of the Germans lowered his weapon, refusing to shoot an unconscious woman. An officer stepped forward, shot Edith dead then turned the fire-arm on the disobedient soldier.
This story was never verified. In fact, eye witnesses claim it is a complete fabrication.
