Everything You Need To Know About VE Day

What Is VE Day?

VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) marks the official end of World War II in Europe. It celebrates the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces after six years of terrible war. Elsewhere in the world the war continued for several months, but the defeat of the Nazis in Europe paved the way for peace worldwide which would come by the end of 1945.

VE Day is an important reminder of the WW2 victory. We need to remember when wars end so we know they can end, and remember their terrible cost. VE Day is also a reminder of hope, courage, and gratitude.

When is VE Day?

VE Day is celebrated on 8 May each year in Europe. Due to time-zone differences, some former Soviet states and Russia observe VE Day on the 9 May.

When Did The Second World War End?

8 May 1945 marked the official end of the Second World War in Europe, but this date was the culmination of several intensive weeks of change in the conflict.

As the war entered 1945, German forces had begun to surrender in huge numbers. Over 800,000 soldiers had surrendered on the Eastern Front, and in April, 120,000 German troops had been captured in the Italian campaign. In total, 1,500,000 prisoners were taken in April 1945.

On 28 April 1945, Benito Mussolini, the Italian dictator, was executed by Italian partisans, having been captured the previous day. On 29 April Italian forces surrendered.

In Germany, the Battle of Nuremberg saw the United States Army defeat Nazi forces on 20 April. Elsewhere, the British Army was fighting to take Hamberg, while Soviet forces fought to capture Berlin. Both cities eventually fell in the first few days of May 1945.

Germany was now losing the war on all fronts. On 30 April 1945, Adolf Hitler committed suicide. Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz assumed command the same day and immediately began negotiating Germany’s surrender. However, with multiple armies engaged throughout Europe, this process was not immediate.

On 4 May, British forces accepted the unconditional surrender of German forces in Denmark, the Netherlands, and northwest Germany. Germany’s military leaders signed an unconditional surrender to General Eisenhower on 7 May, in Reims, France, and Berlin on 8 May, Germany officially surrendered to Soviet forces.

In the UK there had been a growing anticipation of victory. On 7 May, the BBC interrupted scheduled broadcasts to share the good news, and it also announced that the following day, the 8 May 1945, would be a national holiday to commemorate Victory in Europe.

When Did World War 2 Really End?

While VE Day marked the end of fighting in Europe, WWII continued in the Pacific against Japan. The war officially ended on 2 September 1945, when Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri.

• VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day): Marks Japan’s surrender and the end of WWII in the Pacific. It is celebrated on 15 August (UK, Australia, Canada) and 2 September (US, official surrender date in Tokyo Bay).
• Victory Day (9 May): Celebrated in Russia and some Eastern European countries due to the time difference when Germany’s surrender was ratified in Berlin.

How Was VE Day Celebrated in 1945?

Massive street celebrations took place across the UK, US, France, and other Allied nations to celebrate the end of the Second World War. In the UK, rationing was partially suspended so that people could buy bunting, and restaurants hastily put together ‘victory’ menus for customers. The government even considered the amount of beer available in London.

In London, crowds gathered at Buckingham Palace, where King George VI and Winston Churchill appeared on the balcony. 50,000 people celebrated around Piccadilly Circus, and there were bonfires, fireworks, and parties nationwide.

Do Other Countries Commemorate VE Day?

Britain is not the only country that celebrates VE Day. Many former Commonwealth countries, who were closely involved in the British war effort, recognise and celebrate the end of the war in Europe too. Western European nations such as France (where it is a public holiday) and Germany observe VE Day on the 8 May. The Netherlands celebrates Liberation Day on 5 May as this is when the surrender was formalised. Russia celebrates Victory Day on the 9 May due to the different time zone. Spain was officially neutral during the Second World War, so despite being part of Europe, VE Day is not celebrated there.

How Is VE Day Remembered Today?

2020 marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day, with special celebrations still taking place despite the COVID-19 pandemic. 2025 sees the 80 anniversary of VE Day. Around the UK there will be street parties and other celebrations taking place to remember the event and what it means.

VE Day is remembered as a day of celebration, but no victory comes without a cost. We should remember and commemorate days like this so we can understand the price that was paid by tens of millions.

Go further with Army Cadets

Being involved in these national days as a cadet allows you to honour and commemorate our history and gain a better understanding of service and teamwork.

If you want to push yourself further, make new friends, overcome new challenges, and take part in events like VE Day find your nearest detachment today and show us what you can do.