Wilhelm Keitel Signs the Act of Unconditional Surrender

June 4, 2025 - Reading time: 2 minutes

Field Marshal Keitel signs the unconditional surrender in Berlin, officially ending WWII in Europe.

Location: Berlin, Germany  

Date: May 8, 1945, 22:43 CET (May 9, 00:43 Moscow time)  

Photographer: Moore  

This historic photograph captures Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel, Chief of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW), as he signs the Act of Unconditional Surrender of Nazi Germany.

The event took place in Berlin on May 8, 1945, at 22:43 Central European Time, marking the official end of the war in Europe. For the Soviet Union, the moment occurred on May 9 due to the time difference — hence the celebrated Victory Day.

On the table beside him lies his marshal's baton, a symbol of once-absolute military authority, now rendered meaningless by unconditional defeat.

Source:  

Historical press archive, photographer: Moore