Dame Vera Lynn the Forces' Sweetheart dies aged 103

Singer and entertainer Dame Vera Lynn has died at the age of 103 at her home surrounded by close family.

Dame Vera Lynn was fondly known as the Forces' Sweetheart due to her morale-boosting visits to the front line to entertain troops during the Second World War.

Some of her best-loved hits include We'll Meet Again and There'll Be Bluebirds Over The White Cliffs Of Dover.

Dame Vera's family said in a statement they were "deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain's best-loved entertainers".

They added she died on Thursday morning "surrounded by her close family".

Dame Vera had lived in Ditchling, East Sussex since the early 1960s and she retained a life-long association with the UK's Armed Forces.

She remained a prominent performer throughout her life, with her own television show and world tours.

Dame Vera's visits to entertain troops in the Second World War, while in her 20s, saw her travel thousands of miles. This included trips to Egypt, India and Burma.

The Queen referenced Dame Vera's lyrics earlier this year when she addressed the nation during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dame Vera used her 103rd birthday in March to call on the British public to "find moments of joy" during the coronavirus lockdown, as she urged the nation to "keep smiling and keep singing."

Dame Vera was born in London in 1917 and made her performing debut at an East End working men's club at the age of seven.

In 1940 she went solo and the following year she married Harry Lewis, a clarinet and saxophone player who went on to become her manager.

Responding to the news of Dame Vera's death, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the singer's "charm and magical voice entranced and uplifted our country in some of our darkest hours.

"Her voice will live on to lift the hearts of generations to come."

Captain Tom Moore said: “She had a huge impact on me in Burma and remained important to me throughout my life.

"My thoughts are with Dame Vera Lynn's family at this sad time.”

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