“The German war is at an end,” announced Winston Churchill in a radio broadcast 75 years ago. After six long years, endless losses and numerous atrocities, the conflict in Europe was finally over.
At 2.41am the previous day, Grand Admiral Karl Doenitz signed a document of unconditional surrender, bringing to an end one of the darkest periods of human history. The Third Reich had finally capitulated and a new era was about to begin.
The news spread like wildfire across the world. Victory announcements were broadcast over the radio, while newspapers rushed to get headlines out as soon as possible.
Pretty soon, millions took to the streets to celebrate victory, and in some cases, their newfound freedom. The bunting was hung and flags put out; victory parades sprang up and joyous parties were thrown in towns, villages and cities. In many countries a national holiday was declared, so the war’s sacrifices would not be forgotten by generations to come.
However, while celebration was a big part of VE Day, there was still an air of melancholy and sadness. While German capitulation had brought the Second World War in Europe to an end, the war in the Pacific was still raging and would continue to do so until Japan announced their surrender three months later.
For Nazi Germany and its collaborators there was fear of violent reprisals. There was also sadness for those who would never come home. The war’s death toll is estimated at between 70 and 85 million.
