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“Last Days of War in Europe!”
80 years ago today — May 8, 1945 — the Allied forces declared victory in Europe as the Nazi German regime collapsed and surrendered, marking the end of the nearly six-year war that engulfed Europe. Though World War II — the deadliest military conflict in history — did not officially end until Japan’s surrender on September 2, 1945, the May 8th V-E (Victory in Europe) Day prompted jubilant celebrations across the world. Presented here is a selection of Hearst newsreels from the UCLA Film & Television Archive that capture the last days of war, buoyant crowds of thousands in the streets and the joyful return of veterans back home.
The Hearst Metrotone News Collection at the UCLA Film & Television Archive is one of the largest newsreel collections in the world. In 2023, The Packard Humanities Institute launched a website (newsreels.net) in collaboration with the Archive to share the Hearst collection for research, study and public access. With over 16,000 newsreel stories currently available, the project’s eventual goal is to make the entire Hearst newsreel collection viewable online.
The titles and descriptions below are taken directly from the original Hearst documentation.
“Last Days of War in Europe!” (released May 1, 1945)
“Report of Nazi surrender, emanating from San Francisco, sets off premature celebration of V-E Day. From Europe comes last bulletin and pictures of Mussolini, as he lies in the gutter of Milan, executed by Italian patriots. Hitler reported dead, as war reaches final stage with Winston Churchill a picture of victory!”
“London Celebrates Victory!” (released May 15, 1945)
“At Buckingham Palace, thousands rejoice, as Royal Family hails Victory Day. There's dancing in Piccadilly Circus, as G.I. Joe and Miss Britannia step out.”
“G.I.’s Demobilized!” (released May 15, 1945)
“First to win discharge papers in point system, soldiers return to civilian life at Fort Dix, New Jersey, leading heroes in demobilization.”
“First Yanks Home Since V-E Day!” (released May 22, 1945)
“Four thousand veterans of war in Europe, many just released from German prison camps, get their first glimpse of U.S.A. from Army transports in New York Harbor.”
“Gen. Hodges Comes Home to Georgia!” (released May 29, 1945)
“Tumultuous crowds throng Atlanta streets to give a rousing welcome to the Commander of the famed U.S. First Army — the army that was first on the beaches of Normandy, first across the Rhine.”
“Homecoming for U.S. Generals!” (released June 5, 1945)
“Nation joins Philadelphia in acclaiming Generals Spaatz and Bradley back after the victory in Europe.”
“The Dawn of a New World!” (released June 29, 1945)
“Fifty nations sign charter of new global organization to preserve peace and fundamental rights of free men. At historic ceremonies marking close of the nine-week conference in San Francisco, China’s Dr. Wellington-Koo hails document as laying foundation ‘for the edifice of future peace.’ Lord Halifax signs for Britain, Paul Boncour for France, and Edward Stettinius, Jr., for the U.S. The city by the Golden Gate welcomes President Truman who arrives to make closing address, in which he hails the pact as a good beginning, a first step toward the goal of international cooperation.”
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