Dame Vera Lynn dies aged 103
She helped raise British spirits during the Blitz and became known as the Forces’ Sweetheart.
Forces’ Sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn has died aged 103.
The singer entertained troops with morale-boosting visits to the front line during the Second World War.
They added: “Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18 June 2020, surrounded by her close family.
“Further information regarding a memorial service will be announced at a later date.”
The Queen referenced the title of one of Dame Vera’s most beloved wartime songs when she told the country, separated from families and friends during the coronavirus lockdown: “We will meet again.”
She was also fondly remembered for singing The White Cliffs Of Dover, There’ll Always Be An England, I’ll Be Seeing You, Wishing and If Only I Had Wings, to help raise British spirits during the Blitz.
“My songs reminded the boys of what they were really fighting for,” she once said. “Precious, personal things, rather than ideologies and theories.”
She remained an outspoken supporter of military veterans throughout her life.
In May, she urged the nation to “remember the brave boys and what they sacrificed for us”.
She also encouraged the British public to “rediscover that same spirit that saw us through the war” amid the coronavirus pandemic, in a special message before she turned 103 in March.
Dame Vera was born in East Ham, east London, on March 20, 1917.
In May this year, Dame Vera became the oldest artist to score a top 40 album in the UK.
The 103-year-old saw her greatest hits album 100 re-enter the chart at number 30, boosted by commemorations for the 75th anniversary of VE day on May 8.
