Written question asked by Keith Simpson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 October 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 21 October 2011. It was answered by Lord Robathan (Conservative) on Monday, 7 November 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

World War I: Anniversaries

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.

Answer: [holding answer 21 October 2011]: Traditionally, we mark the anniversary of the conclusion of a conflict rather than its beginning. So the main commemorations will be on the centenary of the end of the First World War in 1918. However, given the importance of the centenary of World War I, a number of anniversaries of key events from 2014 to 2018, including the beginning of the war, will be marked in an appropriate way. The Prime Minister has asked my hon. Friend the Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison) to act as his special representative and co-ordinator for World War I Commemorations. Dr Murrison will work with international partners to ensure that the UK plays a full and active role; and will co-ordinate the cross-Whitehall effort in respect of the commemorations.

Secondary information