In the summer of 1945, the Second World War came to an end. Victory in Europe was declared in May, and the final surrender of Japan followed in August. But the British Army’s work was far from over.
In May 1945, the Allies celebrated Victory in Europe. While the war in Japan was still to be won, attention also turned to the challenges of the peace, not least the return home of millions of soldiers.
In the summer of 1945, the Second World War came to an end. After Victory in Europe was declared in May, the final surrender of Japan was secured by mid-August. But the British Army’s work was far from over.
In April 1945, British and Allied forces advanced through Germany and uncovered disturbing evidence of the Holocaust. Meanwhile, the Spring Offensive in the Mediterranean brought about the liberation of northern Italy.
In January 1945, the overarching priority for the Army remained winning the war, and – for its soldiers in Europe at least – seeing off the cold, wintry weather.
As the Second World War entered its final phase, the British Army and its allies were poised to make significant advances in Italy, Germany and Burma. Yet the complex challenges of the peace now came ever more sharply into focus.