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:
49. Historic images during the end of Second World War
Wickham Square - VE Day party 1945 | Barrie Marson Photo: Barrie Marson
50. Historic images during the end of Second World War
Residents of Napier Road, Southsea at there V.E. Day in 1944. | Bob Newell Photo: Bob Newell
51. Historic images during the end of Second World War
A Gosport street party celebrating VE Day. | Contributed/Victor Knight Photo: Victor Knight
52. Historic images during the end of Second World War
VE Day party in Morgan Road, Milton. The aircraft factory is at the top of the road. | .