Portsmouth was among the areas on the UK which took a battering with it being a significant target for the Luftwaffe during the blitz with more than 3,000 people killed or injured, and around a fifth of the city's houses destroyed or badly damaged.
But residents were in high spirits on May 8 1945 for VE and celebrated the end of the European fighting with street parties across the city. VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, on August 15, 1945 marked the official ending of the war.
Here we look back at images from 1945 when the city was celebrating VE Day and VJ Day:
45. Historic images during the end of Second World War
The VE Day street party for the children of Shelford Road, Milton, Portsmouth, held on May 8, 1945 | David Warren-Holland Photo: David Warren-Holland
46. Historic images during the end of Second World War
VE Day 1945 and soldier Billy Mitchell celebrates with residents of the Hilsea Crescent area, Portsmouth | .
47. Historic images during the end of Second World War
VE Day party in Stanley Road, Stamshaw, Portsmouth | .
48. Historic images during the end of Second World War
The VE Day celebrations at Lyndhurst Road and Sherwood Road, Gosport | JPIMedia