Dame Vera Lynn death: Singer and Second World War ‘Forces’ Sweetheart’ dies aged 103

Lynn died surrounded by her close family

Dame Vera Lynn, the British singer whose songs were hugely popular during the Second World War, has died aged 103.

A statement from her family said: “The family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103.

“Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18 June 2020, surrounded by her close family.”

Lynn was widely known as “the Forces’ Sweetheart” as her performances inspired and gave hope to troops in Egypt, India, and Burma during the war.

The songs most associated with her include ”We’ll Meet Again” and “The White Cliffs of Dover”.

She was born in 1917 in the London suburb of East Ham, the daughter of a plumber. After discovering her talent for singing early on, she was performing in local clubs by the age of seven. At 11, she left school to pursue a career as a dancer and singer.

Lynn celebrated her 103rd birthday in March, marking the occasion by releasing a new video for “We’ll Meet Again”, including a voiceover aimed at cheering up the British public during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are facing a very challenging time at the moment, and I know many people are worried about the future,” she said.

“I’m greatly encouraged that despite these struggles, we have seen people joining together.

“Music is so good for the soul, and during these hard times we must all help each other to find moments of joy.”