The Epsom Derby, 1913

I had only recently been released from prison, after a five-day hunger strike, when a most terrible event occurred. Emily Wilding Davison, who had been associated with our militant movement since nineteen o six, gave her life for the women’s cause by throwing herself in the path of the thing, which next to property was held most sacred to Englishmen, sport! Miss Davison went to the races at Epsom on the fourth of June nineteen thirteen, and breaking through the barriers, which separated the vast crowds from the racecourse, she rushed into the path of the galloping horses and caught the bridle of the King’s horse, Anmer. The horse fell, throwing the jockey and crushing Miss Davison in such shocking fashion that she was carried from the course in a dying condition. Everything possible was done for her. The surgeon, Mr Mansell Moulin, put everything to one side and devoted himself to her case but though he operated skilfully, her injuries were so frightful that she died four days later.