This is what fascinates me about the Second World War above all, the shear scale of the engagement, breadth and depth. Just looking at what is just an indication of a small yet, by modern comparison, extensive number of operational squadrons posted earlier in the thread. The other characterizing aspect, the adherence to formality, not just of the Japanese in surrendering, but the Germans also just three months earlier. Then again, the shear destruction brought to bear not surprisingly left many believing they were witnessing the end of civilization. Doubtless people in the UK the USA, Antipodes and the liberated countries wouldn't see things that way but the people of the two principal axis nations must have believed they were witnessing the apocalypse, and I believe more so for the Germans.
FB