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:
21. Historic images during the end of Second World War
A VE Day parade entering the gates of St James' Hospital. | Alan Cunningham collection Photo: Photo: Alan Cunningham collection
22. Historic images during the end of Second World War
VE Day street party, St Thomas' Street, Old Portsmouth. | Photo: Mike Nolan collection Photo: Photo: Mike Nolan collection
23. Historic images during the end of Second World War
Another V.E. Day street party scene in Wilson Road, Stamshaw. A redundant shelter to the rear. Photo: John Davidson collection. | John Davidson collection Photo: John Davidson collection
24. Historic images during the end of Second World War
Residents celebrate VE Day in Clarence Square, Gosport, May 1945. Clarence Wharf, Fraser & White Coal Merchants building on the right. | Contributed