Demobilising after World War 2 Written by Pam Preedy. On the 8th May 1945, a ceasefire was called, and soldiers of all sides in Europe laid down their arms. Effectively World War 2 in Europe was over. Three months later on August 14th, 1945 VJ Day was announced: Japan surrendered. War was over. Figures vary, but roughly five million British servicemen and women waited to be demobilised and returned to civilian life; my father among them. Demobilisation took about 18 months to complete (June 1945 to December 1946). It was…