'There was an absolute feeling of ecstasy, a feeling I have never witnessed since.' (Released POW)
'I thought, oh dear, it's all over. What am 1 going to do now?' (War widow)

Victory in Europe Day was the greatest celebration that Britain has seen in this century. As BBC War Correspondent, Frank Gillard reported the victory from Germany. Now he tells the story of that stupendous day. He recalls the kaleidoscope of emotions - the joy of people as they celebrated, dancing in Piccadilly and in the streets of Newcastle, and shouting for the King at the Palace. He recalls, too, the special relief of POWs returning after years in captivity.

But he also remembers the darker side: the sadness of the bereaved, their sense of loss; and the horror of soldiers as they finally uncovered the dreadful underworld of the concentration camps. The Germans who were forced to see these scenes recall their reactions as their nation's crimes were brought to light, and their depression as defeat overwhelmed them.

Lord Scarman, who as a young Wing Commander was in charge of the German generals at their last surrender, sums it up: 'The only satisfaction of victory was that the enemy's ideology had been bust forever...We had survived, and our values had survived - just.'

Woddis On: page 95