On 8 August 1918 British, Australian, Canadian, French and US forces launched the Battle of Amiens on the Western Front in France. Led by Marshal Foch, the allies worked together in what became a significant turning point in the First World War. Following the Battle of Amiens, what became known as the Hundred Days Offensive eventually led to the signing of the Armistice on 11 November 1918.
Amiens was of strategic importance for both sides, but the allies took the German forces by surprise and quickly made advances behind opposition lines over 4 days in the summer of 1918.
The Battle of Amiens and subsequent Hundred Days Offensive marked the demise of trench warfare as artillery, tank technology and improved tactics developed during the war were deployed by the Allies.
The gothic cathedral in Amiens became a landmark for miles around and survived the war with just three shell holes.
Despite many allied casualties, with Australia and Canada sustaining heavy losses, there were more than 26000 German casualties and General Eric Ludendorff referred to the 8 August as, "...the black day of the German Army in the history of this war."
The Battle of Amiens and the Hundred Days Offensive didn't just result in physical gains but also boosted morale and gave allied forces hope that the War might soon be over.
Find out more about how the UK Government is commemorating the Centenary of the Battle of Amiens in partnership with Australia, Canada, France and the US and how you can get involved at www.gov.uk/guidance/amiens100
