Apply to attend special war commemoration

Those whose ancestors fought in the battle, which saw one of the greatest advances of the First World War, are especially welcome to take part.

A total of 600 tickets are being released for the event at Amiens Cathedral, which will be in partnership between the British, Australian, Canadian, French and American governments.

The British Embassy says the event will tell the story of the battle, which “heralded the 100 Days’ Offensive and the path to the armistice in November 1918.”

Historians say the battle may have been the most important of the war, as it saw the Allied troops use new tactics and weapons that broke the stalemate in the trenches.

Culture Minister Matt Hancock said: “We have a duty to tell the stories of those who fought in the First World War and to keep their memories alive.”

Applications for tickets for Amiens must be made by April 9 at this link and there will be a ballot to pick those who may attend www.gov.uk/guidance/amiens100

This year sees the culmination of four years of commemorations of the war which, in the UK, will conclude with events across the country on November 11 for the centenary of the armistice.