Planning for peace
In spring 1945, war with Germany was drawing to a close.
While the British government was dealing with a country in the grip of rationing and cities ravaged by bombs, some ministers had to turn their thoughts to how people could celebrate victory after six years of war.
Enter the ‘Office Committee for the Coordination of Departmental Action on the End of Hostilities in Europe.’
The men from the ministry
Behind the scenes a group of men were quietly laying the groundwork for the country's celebrations.
Image caption, The man in charge of the committee was Cabinet Secretary Edward Bridges, tasked with putting plans in place for celebrations and ensuring the country kept running.
1 of 6
HEAR: The sounds of VE Day
Experience the atmosphere of VE Day for yourself by clicking the play button below.
Letting loose in London
Although parades and street parties took place across the UK, the largest events were held in London. Here, celebrations were at their most raucous as tens of thousand of revellers partied into the night.
Image caption, 1/8: Many took early trains to join the throng in the capital. Huge crowds gathered in Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and outside Buckingham Palace.
1 of 8
Learn more about this topic:
WW2: History's most savage and devastating war. document
A timeline of the most destructive global conflict in history, from the ferocious attacks Nazi Germany unleashed across Europe, to the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
WW2: Did the war change life for women? document
When WW2 broke out, the women of Britain kept the country moving once again. In an age of total war, how did the conflict change their lives? And did it last?
WW2: "Tell Me Your Secrets" - An interactive graphic novel. game
Can you save Britain from the Nazis by carefully sharing secrets with America? Based on Sir Henry Tizard's real mission, choose carefully in this graphic novel.
