The day victory arrived in Europe

After almost six years of war – the deadliest period of conflict in human history – Germany had surrendered, officially ending World War II in Europe. 

The day, known as Victory in Europe Day or VE Day, marks the formal acceptance by the WWII Allies of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces. As news of their surrender was shared, people marked the victory with street parties, dancing and singing in towns and cities across the globe.

In London, a huge gathering took place outside Buckingham Palace, where then Prime Minister Winston Churchill stood on the balcony alongside King George VI to announce the surrender. In Paris, New York, and Moscow, similar crowds of people gathered to share in the celebrations.

Today, across many European countries, 8 May is a national or public holiday and considered a day of remembrance and commemoration.

HOW VE DAY CAME TO BE

RAAF members celebrating VE Day in England

The war had experienced huge shifts in the lead up to 8 May. Adolf Hitler had died by suicide on 30 April when Allied forces surrounded Berlin, leading to Grand Admiral Karl Donitz being named as his successor. Negotiations then began to end the war with Allied forces. 

On 4 May, a German delegation travelled to the headquarters of British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery near Hamburg, where he accepted the unconditional surrender of German forces in the Netherlands, northwest Germany and Denmark. This was followed by Supreme Allied Commander General Eisenhower accepting the unconditional surrender of all German forces on 7 May. 

Before the end of the war was officially announced, there were two ‘surrender’ signings. On 7 May, German Col. Gen Alfred Jodl signed Germany’s surrender on all fronts in Reims, France. 

Soviet Premier Josef Stalin then insisted on a second signing by German Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel in Berlin. 

VE DAY IN AUSTRALIA

A little girl in Sydney on the first VE Day in 1945

VE Day was largely celebrated by Europe and the United States. Celebrations in Australia were more reserved as the war against the Japanese remained active. While Australian troops were still fighting, many thought it was inappropriate to celebrate in any grand way. Victory in the Pacific, or VP Day, was more largely recognised by Australia on 16 August that same year, following the surrender of Japan.

Still, the role Australian Defence Forces played in Europe during World War II was undeniable, with nearly one million Australians serving in the war and some 10,000 Australians making the ultimate sacrifice. So, while some battle fronts were still to be won, many at home naturally welcomed the news of victory as it was reported in newspapers. At the time, churches held thanksgiving services and on 9 May, 100,000 people attended a service at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance. 

Today, like many days of significance throughout the year, VE Day is marked with memorial ceremonies and services across Australia. It remains an opportunity for veterans and their families to reflect on the legacy of those who fought in WWII and commemorate the importance of their role during the war.  

THE MEANING OF VE DAY

People partied on the streets after hearing of Germany's surrender

The signing of papers that ended the war not only signified the end of long-standing battles and violence across Europe, but it also meant the return of servicemen to their families, liberation for some countries from their foreign occupation and more broadly, a new chapter for democracy in many European countries.

All images courtesy of the Australian War Memorial. 

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