Services To Mark 100th Anniversary Of WW1 Battles

More than 20 thousand people, including members of the Royal Family, will gather in Northern France to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Arras.

It was one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War.

Canadian forces suffered heavy losses in the four-day battle for Vimy Ridge which was part of the offensive.

The battle which began early on April 9, 1917, was part of a larger British-led offensive, featuring Australian troops, known as the Battle of Arras which was a diversionary move to help a major French attack further south.

The Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:

"Today, 100 years ago, British, Canadian and Australian troops served together with enormous courage and sacrifice, with thousands losing their lives in the Battle of Arras and the Battle of Vimy Ridge... The power of Allied force is as relevant today at it was in the spring of 1917, continuing to make the world a safer and more secure place."

The Prince of Wales, France's President Francois Hollande and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be among those attending.

The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry will also join their father at the event which is being staged at a memorial on the battlefield in northern France, near the town of Arras.

William and Harry will lay a pair of boots representing one of almost 3,600 Canadians who died during the battle.

Vimy Ridge was a decisive victory for the Allies against Germany. It was also important in the development of Canada's national identity as four military divisions from the nation fought together for the first time as the Canadian Corps.