May 1945

Wednesday 02:

1945 - The last postage stamp utilized by Manzhouguo is issued.

Thursday 03:

World War II: Sinking of the floating-jails Cap Arcona, Thielbek and Deutschland by the RAF in the Lübeck Bay.

Friday 04:

World War II: Surrender of the North Germany Army to Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery.

Saturday 05:

A Japanese bomb, launched by balloon and called a fire balloon, explodes near Lakeview, Oregon, United States, killing a woman and five children who were examining it during a church picnic.

Sunday 06:

1945 - World War II: Begun the Prague Offensive (the last major battle of the Eastern Front)

Monday 07:

World War II: General Alfred Jodl signs unconditional surrender terms at Reims, France, ending Germany's participation in the war. The document will take effect the next day.

Tuesday 08:

Thousands of Algerian civilians are killed by French Army soldiers in the Setif massacre.

Wednesday 09:

1945 - World War II: The Channel Islands are formally liberated by the British.

Tuesday 15:

Last skirmish of the Second World War in Europe fought near Prevalje, Slovenia.

Monday 21:

American screen legend Humphrey Bogart marries actress Lauren Bacall.

Wednesday 23:

Heinrich Himmler, the head of the SS, commits suicide while in Allied custody.