As the UK prepares to mark the 75th anniversary, we take a look back at how the Wakefield district marked the day.
1.
Here, General Alfred Jodl, Hitler's military advisor, controller of German High Command and chief of the Operations Staff (centre), signs the document of surrender, bringing the war to a formal end.
2.
In May 1945, World War II came to an end. Millions of people took to the streets to celebrate, with flags, bunting and street parties galore.
3.
At home in the UK, rumours of an end to the war had been circling for days, and many people had prepared their celebrations. Here, a Yorkshire Sunday school gathers to mark the occasion.
4.
After years of blackouts, many people celebrated with bonfires. Former Wakefield Mayor Norman Hazell said he remembered being invited to help toss a tailor's doll dressed as Hitler into the flames.