Prince William and Theresa May to attend Battle of Amiens centenary commemorations

Event in northern France will remember conflict which heralded beginning of Hundred Days offensive and final period of First World War

The Duke of Cambridge and Theresa May will attend commemorations marking the centenary of the Battle of Amiens – the beginning of the end of the First World War.

The event, staged at Amiens Cathedral in northern France, will tell the story of the conflict which heralded the beginning of the period known as the Hundred Days offensive.

From the start of the battle exactly 100 years ago – 8 August, 1918 – successive military victories eventually led to the surrender of German forces and the end of the conflict on Armistice Day on 11 November that year.

General Sir Henry Rawlinson, commander of the Fourth Army, combined air and land forces, from Australia, Canada, France, America and Britain, to great effect during the conflict.

He had learnt the lessons of the bloody Somme offensive – where he played a prominent role – employing improved tactics and new technology, utilised alongside subterfuge, from concealing troop numbers to ending the practice of firing range-finding shells so there was no warning of the attack.

The battle saw more than 500 tanks from the UK's Tank Corps deployed, more than 1,900 British and French aircraft used, tens of thousands of troops present, with the Australians and Canadians prominent in the attack, and all supported by more than 2,000 guns from the Royal Artillery.

Over the following days the gains made by Allied troops were huge, with many miles claimed from German forces – but its real impact was on the morale of many in the German high command, convincing them the war could not be won.

During the commemorations, both Prince William and the Prime Minister will give readings during the service and lay wreaths as a mark of respect.

They will also meet descendants of the soldiers who fought during the battle and hear their stories told by relatives.

They will be joined by Armed Forces minister Mark Lancaster and Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter, who is head of the Armed Forces.

General Sir Nick Carter said: "The Battle of Amiens marked the beginning of the end of the First World War.

"It was a remarkable achievement over the course of the war to expand the military, moulding a new citizen-based force into a very accomplished fighting force, against a backdrop of rapid technological change."

Press Association