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:
9. Historic images during the end of Second World War
Mothers and wives are pictured on the lawn of Tipner Green, Stamshaw on VE Day, 1945. | John Regnard collection Photo: Picture: John Regnard collection
10. Historic images during the end of Second World War
The VJ Day street party in Romsey Avenue, Copnor, Portsmouth, in August 1945. | Contributed
11. Historic images during the end of Second World War
The VE Day street party in Hartington Road, Gosport | .
12. Historic images during the end of Second World War
Douglas Roberts (right in braces) Maurice behind him. Girl in large hat is Christine with Laura Jane behind her. Douglass father back left along with his mother. Picture: Douglas Roberts. | Douglas Roberts Photo: Douglas Roberts.