On the evening of 5 June 1944, the people of Britain braced for news that would truly change the course of history. Ships and landing craft assembled in the Channel, paratroopers prepared for flight and troops readied for action. A brief announcement the following morning declared that D-Day had finally arrived. It would be the start of a long and arduous campaign to liberate Europe from the tyranny of Nazi occupation.

D-Day to VE Day narrates the final year of the Second World War in Europe, from the Normandy landings to the joyous celebrations of VE Day. It draws on IWM's vast photography collection to chart and illustrate the Allies' journey through war-torn Europe during those crucial months, moment by moment and day-by-day.

Follow in the footsteps of the Allies in real time as they liberate Paris, fight through the dense forest of the Ardennes Forest during the Battle of the Bulge and cross the mighty Rhine River, paving the way for the final push towards Berlin. Along the way, you'll discover the key strategic operations, battles and crucial turning points that marked the Allies' march towards ultimate victory over Nazi Germany.

Peter Johnston is Assistant Director of Narrative and Content at IWM.