73 years ago today, the Second World War ended in Europe. Here in Britain, mass celebrations lasted all day, and well into the small hours of the next morning. As the Western Allies celebrated, the peoples of Europe began the overwhelming task of scraping together the shattered remnants of their previous lives. A continent that had been subject to the ravages of war for nearly six years was finally at peace.

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There were no illusions of the trials that remained ahead. In his speech from the cabinet room of 10 Downing Street, Winston Churchill was solemn but confident. In it, he had this to say.

"We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead. Japan with all her treachery and greed, remains unsubdued.

"We must now devote all our strength and resources to the completion of our task, both at home and abroad. Advance Britannia. God save the King."

Nearly four months later, on the 2nd September, the Japanese signed the instrument of their surrender on the deck of the USS Missouri. So ended the most lethal, destructive, all-encompassing conflict that mankind had ever seen. Six years. Sixty million lives. Something that must never again be repeated.

Regards, B.B.

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