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Retired schoolmaster and historian John Ray lived in Sevenoaks, Kent during World War Two – and witnessed countless dog fights that took place in the skies over the South East of England.

As a 17-year-old boy he followed events closely and was aware of developments in 1945, which led to the end of the war.

On VE Day, John has been told he wasn’t needed at school, so took a train up to London with his friends. He remembers the pubs running dry, the crowds dancing and the American GI's letting off firecrackers at Green Park. He was amongst the hordes outside Buckingham Palace chanting "We want the King".

On his return to Sevenoaks the town was lit up for the first time in years and locals were dancing in the streets.

Image: John Ray