STREET lamps will be dimmed on Monday (4) to mark the 100 th anniversary of the outbreak of World War One.

In August 1914, the then Foreign Secretary Edward Grey, when he heard that war was inevitable with Germany, famously remarked: “The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our life time.”

And in Hampshire, over 100,000 street lights will be dimmed by the county council between 10pm and 11pm.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “Hampshire will be remembering those who died and the many more who were affected by the First World War - joining in with the national Lights Out event on the night of 4 August, by dimming street lights. “Hampshire played a key role in WWI as a major embarkation point for troops heading off to the battlefields in Belgium and France and it is fitting that we show our support for The Royal British Legion’s campaign.

“While not completely turning the lights out, the dimming will accentuate the effect of people illuminating a single lamp in their homes or local buildings across the county.”

Major traffic routes will be exempt from the commemoration and some specific street lights will be switched off totally in the vicinity of organised Lights Out events.

During the day on 4 August, the chairman of the county council, Cllr Colin Davidovitz, will be hosting a Hampshire Commemorates exhibition in the Great Hall in Winchester showcasing historic materials from Hampshire County Council and other partners, to mark the centenary of WWI. The event is free for all visitors and will run from 10am to 5pm.