Special events to mark First world war centenary

ANNIVERSARY: Series of commemorations will build up to Armistice Day

A series of commemorations will mark the final year of the First World War, leading up to the centenary of the armistice that brought the conflict to an end.

Events include ceremonies commemorating the Battle of Amiens and bells ringing out across the UK on Armistice Day.

They aim to help people understand how the course of the war changed in 1918, to give thanks for peace and to remember the sacrifice of 800,000 men who did not come home, the Government said.

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said: “Today we enter the final year of our commemorations, remembering the bravery of those who fought, lived and died in the First World War.

“We will continue to honour all those who served, died and were affected by the war both at home and overseas.”

The national service of remembrance at London’s cenotaph will follow traditional lines, as it remembers the fallen of all conflicts, but the march past that follows will be expanded.

The day will end with a service at Westminster Abbey, London, along with others in Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast, to give thanks for peace and those who returned.

During the year, a series of exhibitions will reflect on the impact of the First World War had in shaping the modern world in the Making A New World season at the Imperial War Museum (IWM).

It includes Generation Hope: Life After The First World War, examining upheaval of the decade after the war, at the IWM London.