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:
17. 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
18. Historic images during the end of Second World War
Former Widley resident Maureen Gatehouse unearthed a photo showing how residents celebrated the end of the Second World War. | Maureen Gatehouse Photo: Maureen Gatehouse
19. Historic images during the end of Second World War
Under shady trees to keep off the hot sun staff and their children from St James' Hospital in Milton celebrate the peace with a party. | Contributed
20. Historic images during the end of Second World War
Another street party of which there must have been dozens in the city to celebrate VE Day. This one is in Essex Road, Milton. | Alan Cunningham Photo: Alan Cunningham