PRINCE William, Theresa May and Nicola Sturgeon were in northern France yesterday to mark the centenary of the Battle of Amiens – the skirmish that marked the beginning of the end of the First World War.
Around 2000 people packed into Amiens Cathedral for the service.
“I am delighted to join you all today to mark this important centenary in this historic cathedral of Amien,” said Prince William. “From the very first start of the First World War, Amien found itself at the heart of the conflict.
“For most of the war, it was just behind the allied front lines and military personnel soon become a familiar sight around its streets, around its shops, cafes and hotels.”
He added: “For thousands of servicemen it became a home away from home, above all Ambien was a city of connections – its railway line was a vital link between Paris and the north.
“Here the armies of France and the British Empire came together – it connected the allies.”
Five school pupils from Scotland took part in the commemorations, the teenagers from Clydebank High School and Grove Academy in Broughty Ferry were chosen for their work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here