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People should ‘never fail to cherish’ peace, David Cameron said tonight at a twilight ceremony to mark 100 years since Britain joined the First World War.
The Prime Minister joined the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry for the occasion at St Symphorien Cemetery near Mons, Belgium.
It was one of many events across Britain and Belgium to mark the centenary of the start of the Great War, which began on August 4, 1914.
They were joined by 500 guests including relatives of those laid to rest at St Symphorien, where 229 Commonwealth and 284 German troops are buried.
These include the first and last British soldiers to have died on the Western Front, and the recipient of the first Victoria Cross of the war.
Holding lanterns: The Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby at a ceremony at St Symphorien Cemetery at Mons, Belgium
Bowing her head: The Duchess of Cambridge during a ceremony at the St Symphorien Cemetery in Belgium
Prince Harry, Belgium's Queen Mathilde, the Duchess of Cambridge Belgium's King Philippe, Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince William in Mons, Belgium
Twilight ceremony: The Duchess of Cambridge walks with Queen Mathilde of Belgium (left), and a lone soldier stands under a memorial at St Symphorien Cemetery (right)
Commemoration: The Duke of Cambridge (centre) and David Cameron (second right) at the ceremony at St Symphorien Cemetery in Mons, Belgium
Words: Mr Cameron delivers a speech during the ceremony (left), and is pictured (right) with the Duke of Cambridge and the King of Belgium
Tribute: The Duchess of Cambridge lays flowers during a ceremony at the St Symphorien Cemetery in Mons
Reflective: Prince William (second left) and the Duchess of Cambridge (left) walk with PM David Cameron (second right) at the St Symphorien Cemetery in Belgium
Westminster Abbey: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, centre, with the Dean of Westminster the Reverend John Hall, right, walks by the tomb of the Unknown Warrior
Candes: Members of the congregation look on during a vigil at Westminster Abbey to mark the centenary of Britain's involvement in the First World War
Candelit evening: Members of the congregation look on during the vigil at Westminster Abbey in central London
Within weeks of Britain declaring war on Germany, the two nations' forces clashed outside Mons, leading to 1,600 British casualties and 2,000 German.
The land at St Symphorien was gifted to the German army by a Belgian landowner, with the proviso that both sides were treated with equal respect.
The three royals and Mr Cameron all signed a guestbook as they entered the woodland cemetery, pausing at the commemoration stone.
In an address, Mr Cameron said: ‘Every war is cruel. But this war was unlike any other.
'The unspeakable carnage, the unbearable loss, the almost unbelievable bravery.
‘One hundred years on, it is right that we meet here - and around the world - to remember.’
He said: ‘Its legacy still affects us today - good and bad. We remember the reasons behind this conflict.
‘Too often it has been dismissed as a pointless war, fought by people who didn't know why they were fighting. But that is wrong.
‘These men signed up to prevent the domination of a continent, to preserve the principles of freedom and sovereignty that we cherish today.’
Graves: St Symphorien Cemetery was established by the German Army as a final resting place for British and German soldiers killed at the Battle of Mons
Remembrance: Queen Elizabeth II (centre) sits in Crathie Kirk Church in Aberdeenshire for a service of commemoration to mark the start of the First World War
Adjusting his suit jacket: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attends a service of commemoration at Sandringham Church, near King's Lynn in Norfolk
Royals: Prince Harry (left) and the Duchess of Cambridge (right) look at war graves at St Symphorien Cemetery
Walkthrough: 2014 sees the 100th anniversary of the beginning of WWI, which according to official statistics cost more than 37million military and civilian casualties
Among those buried at St Symphorien Cemetery is Pvt. John Parr of the Middlesex Regiment, the first British soldier to be killed in action on the Western Front
Three royals: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (left) and Prince Harry smile at a ceremony at St Symphorien Cemetery
The Duchess of Cambridge attends a commemoration event at Saint Symphorien Cemetery (left), and also went to a reception at Mons Town Hall with her husband (right)
Looking left: The Duchess of Cambridge walks with King Philippe of Belgium and Queen Matilde of Belgium past war graves at St Symphorien Military Cemetery
Mr Cameron, who spoke earlier of his own personal connection to the war as he visited a cemetery in northern France where his great-great-uncle is commemorated, said it was vital to remember the ‘human stories’.
‘This was a war with an immense human cost - and we must always, always remember that, no matter how busy things are.
‘So much of modern life is a race to what comes next, a race to the future. But we are all in a long chain of events, the inheritors of the fights that were won before us, the stewards of the world that the next generation will inherit.
'We should never fail to cherish the peace between these nations and never underestimate the patient work it has taken to build that peace'
Prime Minister David Cameron
‘In shaping that future, it is vital that we look to the past. Here on the continent of Europe we saw not the war to end all wars, but the precursor to another desperate and violent conflict just two decades later.
‘We should never fail to cherish the peace between these nations and never underestimate the patient work it has taken to build that peace.
‘So, 100 years on, it is right that collectively we stop, we pause,; and we re-pledge this for the next 100 years. We will never forget. We will always remember them.’
As he visited the Dud Corner Cemetery and Loos Memorial in northern France, where his great-great-uncle Captain Francis Mount is remembered with an inscription, Mr Cameron said earlier that it brought home the scale of the tragedy.
‘You see panel after panel, almost half the people he served with didn't come home. It does help to make a personal connection with this massive sacrifice that took place and I think it is a good way to try and understand what happened and the reasons why.’
Waving: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend a reception at Mons Town Hall in Belgium to commemorate the 100th anniversary of WWI
Pointing: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry on the balcony after a reception at Mons Town Hall in Belguim
One hundredth anniversary: The Duke (left) and Duchess of Cambridge (centre) and Prince Harry (right) attend a reception at Mons Town Hall in Belgium
Up close: The Duchess of Cambridge smiles to a young girl during a reception at Mons city hall, ahead of the ceremony in St Symphorien Cemetery
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined world leaders including President Francois Hollande of France, centre, and Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium at Liege today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sat besident President Francois Hollande of France for the commemoration service in Liege this morning
The Duchess of Cambridge joined her husband at Liege, left, representing the Queen, while Prince Charles attended a Commonwealth Service in Glasgow Cathedral
Dignitaries from around the world: Prince William and Kate took their seats on the stage at Liege alongside (L-R, seated) France's President Francois Hollande, Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium, and German President Joachim Gauck
Wearing the gold and silver Jubilee medals given to him by the Queen, the 32-year-old Prince spoke movingly at Liege, thanking the Belgians for their courage in 1914
Remembering the fallen: Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium pose with the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge in Liege today ahead of a commemoration service
The Belgian king posed with the Duchess of Cambridge after he and his wife, Queen Mathilde, right, met the young British royals outside the city's Abbaye Saint-Laurent
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were seen speaking with France's President Francois Hollande ahead of the commemorations in Belgium today
The Duchess of Cambridge, who wore a coat by Alexander McQueen, spoke to King Philippe of Belgium at a reception held during today's memorial events
Prince William and his wife attended a reception for the guests attending the First World War centenary service at the Abbaye Saint-Laurent in Liege, Belgium, today
Before the ceremony, William, Kate, Harry and Mr Cameron attended a reception for guests and met relatives of those buried at the cemetery.
Helen Jones, whose great-uncle George Bellamy is buried at the cemetery, was visiting his grave for the first time, and met Prince Harry at the reception.
The 57-year-old, from Westwoodside, north Lincolnshire, said: ‘He was asking about the link and how I felt and if we had been anywhere else and what George had done when he died.
‘He was quite interested in the fact that George was in the Irish Regiment, which we still don't quite know why.’
Of her visit to the cemetery - the first time a member of her family has been in 100 years since the war - she said: ‘It's surreal, I think it's surreal.
‘I think it'll be quite emotional. George's grave is right smack in the middle of the grandstand.
‘I've brought some flowers with me, so I'm hoping to lay those later, just to say thanks to him.’
Virginia Hayward, 52, attended the occasion with husband Lawrence, 55, and children Lucy, 17, and Daniel, 14.
She said her great-uncle Herbert John Emmerson, from 4th Battalion the Middlesex Regiment, who died on August 23, 1914, is buried at St Symphorien.
Paying tribute to those who died for us: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge exchanged smiles ahead of a commemorative service in the Belgian city of Liege today
Giving thanks to Belgium: Prince William addressed the world leaders during the ceremony at the Cointe Inter-Allied Memorial at Liege in Belgium
The Duke of Cambridge worse gold and silver Jubilee medals given to him by the Queen, while the Duchess wore a cream coat , pearl drop earrings and her hair loose
Later, the Cambridges will attend a commemoration ceremony at St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, Belgium, to commemorate the centenary of the Great War
Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium posed with Spain's King Felipe VI outside the Abbaye Saint-Laurent in the Belgian city of Liege today
Mrs Hayward, from Ruislip, west London, met Prince Harry at the reception. She said: ‘I'm privileged to be here.
‘We came here originally about 20 years ago, just me and my husband, and came to find my great-uncle's grave. I was the first person in my family to see his grave.
‘We came last year and signed the visitors book and two weeks after we got home I received a letter inviting us to this.’
She said meeting Harry was ‘amazing’, adding: ‘He is just so nice, we're privileged to have met him.
‘We met David Cameron earlier. He showed genuine interest in the photographs and materials and artefacts that people have brought.’
Mrs Hayward said she thought the evening would be very emotional, adding: ‘I think there may be a few tears shed here and there.’
Roger Darbourne, 76, whose uncle Edward Harrell is buried near to the grave of John Parr, met both William and Kate at the reception, along with wife Anne, 72.
Mrs Darbourne, from Pinner, north-west London, said: ‘Prince William was talking about the importance of preserving history and how important it was.’
Her husband added: ‘I showed Kate the picture of my uncle. It's amazing being here, it's extraordinarily well-presented.
‘When we came before, it was just Anne and myself, it was a totally different atmosphere.’
'WE WILL REMEMBER THEM': THE FULL TEXT OF PRINCE WILLIAM'S SPEECH AT THE ALLIES' MEMORIAL TODAY
'Your Majesties, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ministers, Ambassadors, distinguished ladies and gentlemen.
'In the summer of 1914, the Austrian writer Stefan Zveig was on holiday in Belgium, near Ostend. He describes how people from all over Europe were enjoying themselves together, and comments that a great deal of German was spoken because holidaymakers from the Rhineland liked to come to the Belgian beaches.
'Just days later, this carefree harmony was shattered by the outbreak of the First World War. During four terrible years, those same Europeans were engulfed by killing and destruction.
'Among the very first victims were the people of Belgium, whose resistance was as gallant as their suffering was great. The magnificent war memorial where we gather today honours the city of Liege and its people for their courageous resistance in 1914.
'The memorial - and this ceremony - also honours all Belgians, who fought, suffered and died in the Great War.
Awe-inspiring setting: The Duke of Cambridge (at lectern, bottom left) addressed leaders from around the world at the Cointe Inter-Allied Memorial at Liege, Belgium
'Your great sacrifice and your contribution to eventual victory was pivotal. Belgium's resistance in 1914 allowed the Allies to re-group and draw up the battle lines which became the infamous trenches.
'These trenches have left an indelible scar on your land - they speak of the horrors of war but also of your forebears' courage.
'That courage was shown not just by your armed forces but by your civilian populations. I know that in the coming months, you will be commemorating the massacre at Dinan and the burning of the great library at Leuven.
'Many nations here today, the United Kingdom among them, owe you a great debt of gratitude for your fortitude and resistance.
'This evening, at Saint Symphorien cemetery in Mons, Catherine and I will visit a site which was donated by a Belgian landowner to the German army so that soldiers from both sides could be buried near where they fell.
'Belgium's commitment to honour the war dead continues to this day. In Ypres, Belgian volunteers have played the Last Post every night since 1928 - except during the Second World War.
'Your Majesties, if I may say so, Belgium's steadfast remembrance of your war dead, and ours, is a great credit to your nation.
'On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, head of the Commonwealth, thank you for the honour you do us all.
'In Europe, the transition from war to lasting peace has taken time. Edith Cavell was a British nurse who saved soldiers from each side. On the night before she faced a German firing squad, she said: "I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone".
'It took another terrible war to learn the truth of her words, and even today we continue to learn that lesson. The events in Ukraine testify to the fact that instability continues to stalk our continent.
'The peace that we here enjoy together as allies and partners does not simply mean no more bloodshed - it means something deeper than that.
'The fact that the Presidents of Germany and Austria are here today, and that other nations - then enemies - are here too, bears testimony to the power of reconciliation.
'Not only is war between us unthinkable, but former adversaries have worked together for three generations to spread and entrench democracy, prosperity and the rule of law across Europe, and to promote our shared values around the world.
'We were enemies more than once in the last century, and today we are friends and allies. We salute those who died to give us our freedom. We will remember them.'
The Prince of Wales, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay north of the border, attended a commemorative service at Glasgow Cathedral today alongside 1,400 guests
Prince Charles represented the Queen at a service at Glasgow Cathedral today where David Cameron read a passage from the Bible to the 1,400-strong congregation
Day of commemorations: Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales arrives at Glasgow Cathedral to attend a memorial service to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War
Before the service Kate, who wore an Alexander McQueen cream coat dress with pleated skirt and Peter Pan collar and a pale hat, laid a bouquet at the commemoration stone in memory of those who lost their lives.
The service was attended by some 500 guests including relatives of those buried in the cemetery, the King and Queen of Belgium, German president Joachim Gauck, Irish president Michael D Higgins and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The manicured woodland cemetery, which is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, was lit in the dusk by spotlights as the daylight faded.
Narrated by historian Dan Snow, the service included readings, music and poetry capturing the unique history of the site, and aimed to acknowledge the British, Irish, Commonwealth and German war dead.
Prince Harry wore a suit with his Queen's golden and diamond jubilee medals as well as an Operational medal from his service in Afghanistan.
He read a letter from Private Michael Lennon, of 1st Battalion the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, dated May 30 1915, who wrote to his brother Frank the day before he was due to land in Gallipoli.
He was killed in action on June 28 1915 - exactly a year after Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo, sparking the war.
A letter from the mother of John Parr, who is believed to be the first British soldier to have died on the Western Front and is buried at St Symphorien, to the War Office was read by his grand-niece Iris Hunt.
She held a single white rose as she delivered the reading next to his grave which she kissed as she laid it next to his headstone.
Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Labour leader Ed Miliband sat in front of Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, in Glasgow
Centenary: Prince Charles, the Prince Of Wales, and Prime Minister David Cameron leave Glasgow Cathedral clutching poppies following the memorial service
Home Secretary Theresa May wore black hat with net as she arrived at Glasgow Cathedral with Chancellor George Osborne today
Labour leader Ed Miliband and his wife Justine arrive at the service along with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg
Prince Charles left Glasgow Cathedral with the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Sadie Docherty, after a service for the Commonwealth to commemorate the centenary of the Great War
The service also featured a performance by a children's choir conducted by Gareth Malone, as well as a recording of a collaboration between the London Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
As darkness fell over the cemetery, William, King Philippe of Belgium, Mr Cameron, and the German and Irish presidents laid flowers at the obelisk on the site.
The Last Post was sounded, followed by a minute's silence and the reveille, then a lone piper played. Each of the dignitaries placed a lantern on the obelisk.
Speaking afterwards, Helen Jones said: ‘It was so moving. It just feels more personal now.
‘It happened and it was always terrible but because there's somebody there that was part of your family, it's just so personal. It makes it real.’
The event was part of several commemorative occasions in Belgium to mark exactly 100 years since the country was invaded by Germany - sparking Britain's declaration of war and entry into conflict.
Over the next four years, until the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, millions of lives were lost, including 750,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers, in the bloodiest conflict the world had known.
Earlier William thanked Belgium for its ‘steadfast remembrance’ of those who lost their lives in the war, but said instability ‘continues to stalk our continent’, as he delivered a speech at a commemoration event in Liege.
He and wife Kate attended the ceremony at the Allies' Memorial at Cointe along with German president Joachim Gauck, Belgian prime minister Elio Di Rupo and Irish President Michael D Higgins.
Kate, who wore a cream coat dress and pale hat, could be seen chatting with French president Francois Hollande before the ceremony.
Prince Harry wore full military dress to attend a service of commemoration in Folkestone, Kent - he unveiled a memorial arch to remember the fallen
Prince Harry, who will turn 30 next month, laid a wreath at the War Memorial in Folkestone, Kent, today in memory of those who gave their lives in the Great War
Remembering the dead: The Prince unveiled a plaque as he dedicated Folkestone's new Memorial Arch to the memory of those who fell in the 1914-1918 war
Remembering the dead: Prince Harry saluted as the 800-strong military parade marched through the naval town of Folkestone
The Prince watched as 600 white balloons bearing the names of each person listed on Folkestone's war memorial were released
Stunning: The new memorial arch in Folkestone has been placed at the top of the hill leading down to the harbour where boats waiting to take the troops to battle
Britain's Armed Forces: Prince Harry chatted to soldiers as he attended WW1 memorial events in Folkestone, Kent, today
Medals: Prince Harry met 88-year-old Stanley Hodge, pictured, President of the Normandy Veterans Association who undertook this year's march in a wheelchair for the first time
Smile: Prince Harry attends the 'Step Short' commemorative event as he unveils the Folkestone Memorial Arch, to mark the centenary of the First World War
Prince Harry stopped to speak to local schoolchildren in Folkestone today as he attended the town's First World War commemorations
William said that during the war Europeans were ‘engulfed by killing and destruction’, saying: ‘Among the very first victims were the people of Belgium, whose resistance was as gallant as their suffering was great.
‘Your great sacrifice and your contribution to eventual victory was pivotal.
‘Many nations here today, the United Kingdom among them, owe you a great debt of gratitude for your fortitude and resistance.
‘Your majesties, if I may say so, Belgium's steadfast remembrance of your war dead, and ours, is a great credit to your nation.’
He went on: ‘In Europe, the transition from war to lasting peace has taken time. Edith Cavell was a British nurse who saved soldiers from each side.
‘On the night before she faced a German firing squad, she said 'I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone'.
‘It took another terrible war to learn the truth of her words, and even today we continue to learn that lesson. The events in Ukraine testify to the fact that instability continues to stalk our continent.’
As part of the ceremony, a 10-year-old girl released a white balloon as a sign of peace and reconciliation and at the same time thousands of other balloons in the colours of the flags of the countries invited to the commemoration were also released.
Neutral Belgium's involvement in the First World War stemmed from an ultimatum the country was given by Germany on August 2 1914 demanding free passage for its troops into France.
The Prince of Wales and Prime Minister David Cameron chat during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in Glasgow
The Prince of Wales and British Prime Minister David Cameron attended a wreath-laying ceremony for the WW1 commemorations in Glasgow Square today
The Prince of Wales - known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland - laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in Glasgow today
The Prince of Wales later laid a wreath at the cenotaph in Glasgow on a day of events in Britain and Europe
David Cameron lays his wreath in Glasgow this morning followed by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Labour leader Ed Miliband during a wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph in Glasgow
Belgium rejected the demand and Germany invaded on the morning of August 4, and on the same day the first Belgian soldier, Antoine Fonck, was killed outside Liege.
The Prince of Wales attended a service at Glasgow Cathedral, which was followed by a wreath-laying service and marchpast at the Cenotaph in George Square.
And in London at 10pm - an hour before war was officially declared 100 years ago - a service of solemn commemoration was being held at Westminster Abbey, with key figures including the Duchess of Cornwall, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Labour leader Ed Miliband and Metropolitan Police commander Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe.
Mr Clegg said: ‘Sixteen million people perished in World War One. It's an almost unimaginable number of people who died in a war which still shapes the world as it is today.’
Mr Miliband said: ‘Young men from across Britain served alongside soldiers from across the world - from the Indian sub-continent to Africa, from Australia to the Caribbean.
‘We must also remember those who served their country in other ways, from nurses who risked their lives on the Western Front to those who played their part on the Home Front.’
The service included the gradual extinguishing of candles, with an oil lamp snuffed out at the grave of the unknown warrior at 11pm - the exact hour war was declared.
World War Two veteran Sgt Jack Watson, formerly of the Royal Artillery, places a handwritten Remembrance Cross at the new 11-ZERO-1 sculpture depicting a WW1 soldier at Seaham, Co Durham
Silent commemoration: Poppies representing the dead rained down on the Great War Society living history group at the Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset
The poppies fell on members of the Great War Society dressed as 4th Battalion the Middlesex Regiment during a silent tribute at the museum in Dorset
Names of the fallen: A man looks upon names of the dead before a candle-lit vigil at the National Memorial Arboretum in Stafford today
Overcome with grief: Ten million soldiers died in the First World War, and more than double that number were injured
A nation remembers: A view of the Shot At Dawn memorial at the National Arboretum in Stafford, where poppies were laid in memory of the fallen
Astonishing sight: A sea of 888,246 red ceramic poppies in the Tower of London's dry moat was unveiled today by ceramic artist Paul Cummins - tomorrow will be the official opening
In the same hour, the nation had been urged to switch off lights in places of worship, public buildings, workplaces and homes, and leave one light burning as a symbol of hope in darkness.
The project was a reference to then-foreign secretary Sir Edward Grey's famous remark on the eve of the outbreak of war, when he said: ‘The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.’
In a foreword to the service, the Dean of Westminster Abbey, the Very Rev Dr John Hall, said it aimed to focus attention on the last moment of peace before Britain declared war on Germany.
He wrote: ‘The bloody conflagration lay ahead; tonight we catch glimpses of people's anticipation of what was to come.
‘But we also have an opportunity to reflect on the attitudes of those preparing for war: some, frankly, relished the prospect; others dreaded it.
‘Most were stumbling into the darkness, increasingly bound by the chains of their own and others' making, their hope of avoiding war ever fading.’
The Duchess, along with the remainder of the 1,700-strong congregation, carried a lighted candle.
The installation at the Tower of London by ceramic artist Paul Cummins is called Blood-swetp Lands And Seas Of Red and should be finished by Armistice Day
Each of the 888, 246 poppies being placed in the Tower of London's moat represents a British soldier who died during the 1914-1918 Great War
Emblem: The flower became a symbol of remembrance after growing from the battlefields following the conflict. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Prime Minister David Cameron will attend a ceremony in the nearby Symphorien military cemetery this evening as part of a day of events to commemorate the conflict
At the going down of the sun: The sun sets behind the Black Watch Memorial last night. The memorial honours the 8,960 Black Watch officers and soldiers killed and more than 20,000 who were wounded in the course of the First World One
Never forgotten: Flowers are placed around the 'Grave of the Unknown Warrior' ahead of a candlelight vigil on August 4 at Westminster Abbey today. A candle to be lit there will be blown out as the war started 100 years ago
Carpet of flowers: Members of the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies dress the grave in flowers from the four nations including lilies, heather and roses are laid across the Abbey floor
Ready: Candles and orders of service on the seats in Westminster Abbey ahead of a candlelight vigil attended by the Duchess of Cornwall this evening
Before the service: An oil lamp burns next to the 'Grave of the Unknown Warrior' in Westminster Abbey, which is decorated with flowers
THE WAR THAT TOUCHED SO MANY: THE PRIME MINISTER AND HIS RELATIVES WHO LOST THEIR LIVES
David Cameron has been researching his own family tree to find relatives who died during the First World War.
The Prime Minister revealed how he has so far found five uncles and cousins who lost their lives between 1914 and 19.
He said he 'spent quite a bit of time researching some of my own family members' ahead of the centenary of the outbreak of the Great War.
As part of the commemorations in Belgium, Mr Cameron was planning to visit a memorial to his great-great uncle Captain Francis Mount who served in the Royal Berkshire Regiment and died in October 1915.
British Prime Minister David Cameron, pictured in Glasgow with Deputy PM Nick Clegg and Labour leader Ed Miliband, has researched his relatives who fought in the Great War
He noted that Lt Francis Ellison Levita, a 1st cousin, twice removed, was 'one of the early casualties' of the conflict. He died in October 1914 serving with Queen's Own Hussars, less than two months after the outbreak of war.
Other ancestors of the Prime Minister killed in action include great-great uncle Captain William Henry Veitch Cameron, killed in December 1914 while serving with the Highland Light Infantry.
Great-great uncle Captain John Geddes, serving with the Canadian Infantry, died in April 1915.
The PM said on Twitter: 'Paying tribute to my great, great uncle Captain Francis Mount at the Battle of Loos Memorial in France'
A month later Lt. Alastair Geddes, another great-great uncle, died while with the Royal Scots Fusiliers.
Mr Cameron told BBC One: 'I think lots of the people who joined up thought it would be over quickly, thought the Kaiser would be stopped and everyone would be home and life would go on as before.
'I think that's one of the reasons we remember the First World War – because it so profoundly changed our world; changed our world in lots of bad ways, but also in some good ways – the emancipation of women, the fact that women then got the vote, participated more in the workforce, there were changes in medicine, massive improvements in our world.'
In the same hour, the nation was urged to switch off lights in places of worship, public buildings, workplaces and homes, and leave one light burning as a symbol of hope in darkness, in a reference to then-foreign secretary Sir Edward Grey's famous remark on the eve of the outbreak of war that the ‘lamps are going out all over Europe’.
Among the buildings taking part in an hour-long lights switch-off tonight will be the Houses of Parliament, Broadcasting House in London, the Eden Project in Cornwall, St Paul's and Durham cathedrals, and Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
Also expected to join in are office buildings including Barclays in Canary Wharf and Marks & Spencer.
The centenary commemorations, known officially as Lights Out, are organised by 14-18 Now, a nationwide cultural programme to mark 100 years since the start of the war.
In Afghanistan, personnel from all three services were joined by the US Marine Corps at Camp Bastion to mark the occasion.
Around 400 personnel congregated at the base's Vigil Site for a parade illuminated by the lights of military vehicles and the site itself, before a ceremony presided over by force senior chaplain Wing Commander Geoffrey Withers.
Earlier, more than 1,100 people including dignitaries from around the Commonwealth attended a service in Scotland to mark the centenary.
Mr Cameron, First Minister Alex Salmond and the Prince of Wales were among those at Glasgow Cathedral to honour the millions who died in the conflict.
The service featured poems, prayers and readings, reflecting the contribution of those from around the Commonwealth.
Prince Charles's arrival was heralded by a fanfare by trumpeters from the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Scotland.
A sea of red: Work on the 888,246 poppies to be laid out in the dry moat around The Tower of London. The art installation will be officially unveiled tomorrow
Striking: Volunteers have been installing the porcelain poppies at the famous site on a week of remembrance ceremonies both in the UK and Europe
Remembrance: The work, produced by artist Paul Cummins and theatre stage designer Tom Piper, is titled Blood Swept Lands And Seas Of Red, it will eventually include a poppy for every British or colonial military fatality of the war, which Britain entered 100 years ago today
Field of flowers: Volunteers install porcelain poppies as part of the art installation yesterday ahead of a day of ceremonies both in Britain and Europe
Installation: The sea of poppies will grow over the summer and the last poppy will be planted on November 11, marking the end of the First World War
Breathtaking: The Metropolitan Police helicopter captures from above how the sea of red poppies has been spread across the Tower of London's grounds
Charles, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, was wearing the Royal Navy Ceremonial Day Dress with medals. He is Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal Navy.
Opening the service, Reverend Laurence Whitley, Minister of Glasgow Cathedral, said: 'We meet because on a summer's day like this one, one hundred years ago, the world changed.
‘Our nations and peoples found themselves in a war the like of which had never before been seen and the memory of which still haunts us all.'
Others at the service included Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Labour leader Ed Miliband, Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie.
Sir Trevor McDonald introduced many of the readings, and reminded the congregation that by the end of the war 6,146,000 men from across the British Isles had seen service, with 761,000 killed and 1,600,000 wounded, as well as 206,000 Irishmen, of whom 30,000 died.
He also paid tribute to the those from around the Commonwealth who fought in the conflict.
Veteran BBC broadcaster Kate Adie also gave a reading, highlighting the role of women in the conflict, while Joanne Thomson, a 2014 graduate of the Royal Conservatoire Scotland, read a passage by the widow of poet Edward Thomas about their last night together before he was killed in the war.
The Prime Minister read a passage on service from St Mark's Gospel, while others chosen for readings included Sir Peter Cosgrove, Governor-General of Australia, Mr Gordon Campbell, High Commissioner for Canada, and Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae, Governor-General of New Zealand.
The Duke of Rothesay laid a wreath followed by Mr Cameron and Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty, and Mr Clegg and Mr Miliband also laid wreaths.
Following the memorial, the Duke and Mr Cameron attended a reception at the City Chambers on George Square.
They were introduced to the family of Henry May, from Bridgeton, Glasgow, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for saving the life of a comrade in France in October 1914.
Meanwhile in Kent, Prince Harry wore full military dress for commemorations in Folkestone attended by more than 800 veterans and civilians.
Wearing his No 1 dress Blues and Royals, the fourth in line to the throne laid a wreath in memory of all those who lost their lives in the Great War after unveiling a memorial arch to remember the men and women involved in the First World War.
The monument on The Leas marks the route - walked by the Prince today - millions of soldiers took as they marched to the town's harbour to start their journey to the battlefields of France or Belgium.
The prince's first duty was to unveil a 50ft Memorial Arch, the only new memorial to be built in this WW1 centenary year.
The 13 1/2 ton structure, which measures 30ft across, is built from duplex stainless steel, designed to withstand the most inhospitable condition - which means it will not rust.
The hollow memorial is studded with 100 cubic zirconia LED powered lights - one for each of the 100,000 men and women who passed through the town - which light at night, leaving visitors the experience of walking under the stars.
The Queen, who is currently on holiday in Scotland, attended a local service close to Balmoral at Crathie Kirk while her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, attended a similar event at Sandringham Church in Norfolk.
Charles himself has a link with the conflict as his own great uncle Captain Fergus Bowes-Lyon was killed in the Battle of Loos which preceded the Somme campaign.
Memorial: One hundred white crosses with names of some of those lost in the Great War stand in the New Zealand Parliament grounds in Wellington
Salute: A New Zealand Army bugler plays the last post at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior during a ceremony to commemorate the centenary of the start of World War One in Wellington
His wife Camilla's family suffered the loss of three brothers, who would have been her great uncles, in the 1914-18 war including one - Henry Cubbitt - who died at the Somme in 1916.
The Duchess of Cornwall will tonight attend a moving candlelit Vigil of Prayer Service in Westminster Abbey.
Prince Andrew is attending a service of commemoration at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast while the Earl and Countess of Wessex will be at Guildford Cathedral.
Princess Anne is also attending a service of commemoration in the WW1 memorial chapel at Carisbrooke Castle.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will be at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff.
At the Tower of London, a striking sea of blood-red ceramic poppies has been installed flowing out of the Tower and into the dry moat – one flower for every life lost.
The work is the idea of artist Paul Cummins and is titled Blood Swept Lands And Seas Of Red. It will eventually include 888,246 poppies, representing all the British or colonial military fatalities in the war.
It will grow over the summer, and the last poppy will be planted on November 11, symbolically marking the end of the First World War.
Each poppy will be available to buy for £25, with proceeds shared among military charities. It is just one of the commemorations taking place across the country.
Hero transport workers sent to the front line to drive London buses remembered
Wreaths are being laid at bus stations and garages across London in memory of the transport workers who died in the First World War.
Transport commissioner Sir Peter Hendy predicted that today, the centenary of Britain joining the war, will be 'a special day' as staff join forces with members of the London Transport Old Comrades Association (LTOCA) to pay their respects.
London Transport played a pivotal role during the First World War, providing staff and vehicles to take troops to the Western Front as well as keeping Londoners moving on the Home Front.
Casualty: A London B-type bus lies destroyed in a crater in Belgium in 1914 as wreaths are being laid at bus stations and garages across London in memory of the transport workers who died in the First World War
Survivor: A 1911 B-type bus No. B43 used to ferry soldiers in the conflict is flanked by standard bearers in the Armistice Day parade 1920
Transport executives will be laying wreaths at the memorial to staff from the Metropolitan Railway at Baker Street Underground Station, the memorial to staff of the North London Railway at Hoxton Overground Station and at London Underground's Petty France offices.
There will also be a tribute at Merton Bus Garage.
Sir Peter Hendy said: 'Over the course of the year, Transport for London is marking the contribution of our staff and the transport network which together played an enormous role in the war effort.
'We will always remember the sacrifice made by our staff and their crucial work during some of the defining moments in history.'
A 1911 B-type bus No. B43, on loan from the Imperial War Museum, is set to be one of the attractions at a London Transport Museum exhibition which tells the stories of staff who helped with the war effort.
It was one of the first buses to be requisitioned during the war and after the conflict was refurbished as a permanent memorial to the role played by London bus staff.
A recently-restored B-Type battle bus will accompany the LTOCA as they march down the Mall to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday in November.
TURN OUT YOUR LIGHTS TO REMEMBER THE FALLEN: BRITONS URGED TO JOIN SOME OF THE COUNTRY'S MOST FAMOUS BUILDINGS WITH CANDLE-LIT VIGIL FOR FIRST WORLD WAR CENTENARY
Homes, businesses and public buildings across the UK are being asked to turn out their lights for an hour at 10pm tonight to remember those who died in the First World War.
Families are being asked to leave on a single light or candle to commemorate the moment then-Prime Minister Herbert Asquith declared Britain had entered the First World War at 11pm on August 4, 1914.
Buildings around the country, including Tower Bridge and 10 Downing Street, will be taking part in the 'hour of reflection' between 10pm and 11pm, leaving just a light illuminating a window.
The plan is inspired by the words of then-foreign secretary Sir Edward Grey, who said just before the announcement: 'The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.'
Preparations at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in London's Westminster Abbey ahead of a ceremony tonight which will coincide with the Lights Out initiative around the UK, which will see millions of homes and buildings turn out all but one light in memory of those who died in the First World War
Other buildings taking part in an hour-long lights switch-off tonight will be the Houses of Parliament, Broadcasting House in London, the Eden Project in Cornwall, St Paul's and Durham cathedrals, and Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
Also expected to join in are office buildings including Barclays in Canary Wharf and Marks & Spencer.
Prime Minister David Cameron has backed the idea and is urging as many people as possible to take part.
He said: 'Lights Out is a way for everyone to mark the First World War centenary and I would encourage people to take part and turn off their lights tomorrow at 10pm for an hour, apart from a single light or candle.
'This will be a personal gesture in remembrance of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us 100 years ago. They must never be forgotten.'
The Houses of Parliament, pictured taking part in a similar scheme in 2007, will be switching their lights off at 10pm tonight as part of an initiative to commemorate Britain entering the First World War
The idea is being promoted by the Royal British Legion, who brought together celebrities including Jeremy Paxman, Twiggy, David Gandy and Louis Smith for a video to encourage people to take part.
Charles Byrne, Director of Fundraising at The Royal British Legion, said: 'Sir Edward Grey's stirring words are the campaign's foundation.
'Our vision is that over one million candles will be lit across the UK, commemorating every Service man and woman who died during WW1.
'We hope to see candles lit at every war memorial, community centre and home in every village and in every community.
'This is one of a number of initiatives the Legion has undertaken to commemorate the anniversary of the First World War, when we hope to pass the torch of remembrance onto a younger generation ensuring there will always be a living legacy to those who sacrificed their today for our tomorrows.'
Coinciding with the start of the initiative at 10pm, a vigil service will be held at Westminster Abbey during which members of the congregation will extinguish candles until there is just one left alight on the tomb of the unknown soldier, which will be snuffed out by the Duchess of Cornwall at 11pm.
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