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:
13. Historic images during the end of Second World War
Pictured on the steps of the Guildhall is Lilian Coburn nee Archer enjoying the VE Day celebrations. | The News archive
14. Historic images during the end of Second World War
Street party in South Street Emsworth | Contributed
15. Historic images during the end of Second World War
Little Linda Griffin in the white dress leading the group for the South Street party on VE Day. | Contributed
16. Historic images during the end of Second World War
Here we see mothers of the children who attended a street party and organised the event | Contributed