'Victory Day in Europe' Commemorative Strike

2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II - an occasion to remember all those who lost their lives in the biggest conflict in human history.

When the guns finally fell silent on 8 May 1945, more than 60 million lives had been lost to the war. The first key step towards ending the Second World War happened June 6, when the Allies landed in Normandy: Hitler's regime had lost the Western Front to the Allies. Just ten months later, on 7 May 1945, General Jodl signed the instrument of unconditional surrender of all German forces at the Reims headquarters of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe. It came into effect at precisely 23:00 on 8 May 1945. The Japanese surrender on 2 September 1945 ended the Second World War in Asia and, therefore, worldwide.