German forces in Italy and Austria began to surrender on 2nd May 1945, the day Russian forces entered Berlin taking possession of the Reichstag and Reichschancellery. Hitler had committed suicide on 30th April and his death was announced 'fighting, at the head of his troops ' by his successor as president of the Reich, Admiral Karl Dönitz, on 1st May.
The leaders of German forces in Holland, Denmark and north-west Germany came to Montgomery's HQ to surrender on 3rd May. After signing an 'Instrument of Surrender' on 4th May but were sent on to Rheims to make a full unconditional surrender to General Dwight D Eisenhower, at the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force in western Europe. The 'Act of Military Surrender' was signed in the early hours of 7th May to come into effect by one minute past midnight on 9th May. German troops in Norway surrendered on 7th May.
Stalin insisted that another surrender be signed in Berlin at one minute past midnight on 9th May with Russian commanders present. In Britain and America news had leaked out that the war was ending and crowds began to gather to celebrate. Churchill cabled Stalin to explain that 'Victory in Europe' would be celebrated on 8th May. At one minute to midnight on 8th May in Berlin the surrender ceremony to all representatives of the Allied forces in Europe began, the official signing taking place minutes later.
That is why VE Day in Europe is celebrated on 8th May in Europe.
Today we celebrate this triumph over aggression and fascism and remember all those who gave so much for this fragile and hard won peace.
10 years ago letters from this blog featured in the BBC's VE Day 70 Concert; a celebration in Horseguards Parade, London, watched by millions around the world.
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