Remembrance Day, November 11, 2018 will mark the centenary of the end of World War I and around the world a pipers are gathering (5pm AEST) to take part in the unique event to mark the occasion.

Pipers will take part in a mass playing of the retreat march, Pipe Major William Robb’s composition When the Battle’s O’er outside cathedrals, cenotaphs or war memorials around the world.

In the Shoalhaven, the Nowra RSL Sub-Branch has organised the event to coincide with a Remembrance Day service at the memorial gates and cenotaph at the Nowra Showground in Junction Street, Nowra.

Shoalhaven City Pipes and Drums Pipe major Kim von Prott said it would be special to take part in the event.

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“We will have at least four local pipers and some drummers taking part in the event,” she said.

“It will be an incredible way to mark the 100th anniversary of the cessation of hostilities for WWI.

“It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“It is amazing to think pipers from around the world will all be playing at the one time at 5pm.”

At 6am on November 11, 1918 the Armistice of Compiègne was signed between the Allies and Germany.

It marked the end of the fighting on the Western Front and ultimately the end of the Great War, that terrible, gruelling four year conflict that saw millions killed and wounded, including around 2000 pipers.

Many millions were either killed or returned home dreadfully wounded, along with remembering the families and sweethearts that lost husbands while having to stay at home to keep the ‘home fires burning’.

Locally the 5pm time aligns with the UK time the Armistice was actually signed on November 11, 1918.

The Armistice proper came into effect at 11am.

The local event is open to the public and if you would like to witness history, proceedings are due to start at 4.50pm.