Members of the Royal British Legion will muster for a solemn event in Hitchin tomorrow, Tuesday, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of a pivotal First World War naval battle.

There was also a ceremony in Stevenage on Saturday to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Jutland – the largest clash between British forces and the Imperial German Navy during the 1914–1918 conflict.

The two-day battle involved a total of 250 ships and started at 6.30pm on May 31, 1916.

A total of 14 British and 11 German ships were sunk, and the importance of the battle is debated by military historians to this day.

The Hitchin service will begin at 11am at the town war memorial outside St Mary’s Church.

Legion padre Rev Austin Smith will say a short prayer followed by the Last Post played by James Mainwaring, readings by chairman Ernie Tipler and president George Prowse and a two minute silence.

The service is expected to last around 15 minutes and everyone is welcome to attend.

Secretary Mary Prowse said: “It is a battle which shouldn’t be forgotten.”