In Pictures: The life of Dame Vera Lynn

The Forces’ Sweetheart has died aged 103.

Published Jun 18, 2020

Dame Vera Lynn, who has died at the age of 103, found fame as the singing morale-booster for British troops – and those waiting at home for their return – during the Second World War.

Born in East Ham, east London, she rose to popularity with her patriotic songs, including We’ll Meet Again, The White Cliffs Of Dover and There’ll Always Be An England – earning her the nickname The Forces’ Sweetheart.

DAME VERA LYNN AT 90 Vera Lynn — Vera Lynn with her baby in 1946 (PA)

Dame Vera Lynn at 90 — With Hughie Green and some of the Battle of Britain pilots attending the Battle of Britain 25th anniversary ball (PA)

DAME VERA LYNN AT 90 Dame Vera Lynn — She was named personality of the century in a nationwide poll (PA)

DAME VERA LYNN AT 90 Dame Vera Lynn Dunkirk — Meeting Second World War veteran Les May to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation (PA)

DAME VERA LYNN AT 90 60th anniversary of VJ Day – Imperial War Museum — The Duke of Edinburgh shakes the hand of Dame Vera at a service in 2005 (PA)

Dame Vera Lynn — With the Queen, Bruce Forsyth and Claire Sweeney in 2005 (PA)

O2 Silver Clef Awards 2010 – London — With her Investec Icon award at the O2 Silver Clef Awards 2010 (PA)

VE Day 75th Anniversary — A picture issued ahead of the 75th anniversary of VE Day in May 2020 (Decca/PA)