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:
5. Historic images during the end of Second World War
A street party in Carnarvon Road, Copnor. . Picture: Tony Davis. Photo: -
6. Historic images during the end of Second World War
The VJ Day street party in Romsey Avenue, Copnor, Portsmouth, in August 1945. Photo: The News archive
7. Historic images during the end of Second World War
VE Day street party at Baffins Pond, Copnor | The News Portsmouth
8. Historic images during the end of Second World War
VE Day Baffins 1945 | Courtesy of Jacqueline Rayner Photo: Courtesy of Jacqueline Rayner