Angela Merkel made history as the first German Chancellor to attend Armistice Day ceremonies in France.

Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy stood side by side to mark the anniversary of the end of the First World War.

They laid a wreath together at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris.

Nearly a century after the the bloody conflict ended on November 11th 1918, both spoke of the close alliance the two nations now have.

[Angela Merkel, German Chancellor]:
"It is due to history's mercy that today, as we stand at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we can say that French-German reconciliation and friendship are a gift."

[Nicolas Sarkozy, French President]:
"Madame Chancellor, by accepting France's invitation you have accomplished a historic gesture which honours France, which honours the French. You are welcomed this morning Madame, as a great friend of the French."

In Britain a solitary bell signalled the start of two minutes silence in memory of the nation's war dead.

Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Gordon Brown were among those who gathered for a special service at Westminster Abbey.

It's the first time the anniversary has been marked without the presence of veterans from the 1918 conflict.

The final three died this year.

In Afghanistan British forces paused in a poignant commemoration tocomrades claimed by the present day combat.

The latest was killed just three days earlier.