Dame Vera Lynn, the Forces’ Sweetheart whose songs helped boost morale in World War two, has died aged 103.
The singer’s family confirmed she died on Thursday morning surrounded by her close relatives.
“The family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103,” a statement said.
Dame Vera was best known for performing for the troops during the war in countries including India and Egypt. Born in London in 1917, Dame Vera will also be 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 the spirits during the Blitz.
Dame Vera spent some time in Bangor during the war when the BBC’s light entertainment department was transferred to Bangor to avoid the bombs being dropped on London. Around 400 BBC staff descended on Bangor in the early 1940s, and caused quite a stir, they were huge stars for the time and they were often seen walking around Bangor.
WW2 veteran Sir Tom Moore, who raised more than £32m for NHS charities during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in April, said: “I really thought Vera Lynn would live longer, she’s been speaking so well on TV recently. She had a huge impact on me in Burma and remained important to me throughout my life.”
Singer Katherine Jenkins, who performed Dame Vera’s wartime classics for the VE Day anniversary last month, said: “I simply cannot find the words to explain just how much I adored this wonderful lady.
“Her voice brought comfort to millions in their darkest hours, her songs filled the nation’s hearts with hope, and her emotive performances, whether home or abroad, then or now, helped to get us through.”
Photo Credit: Decca Records/PA
