We’ll Meet Again singer dies aged 103

The singer, who entertained troops with morale-boosting visits to the front line during the Second World War, died surrounded by her close family.

Her family said in a statement they were “deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103”.

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

Cllr Paul Michael BEM, chairman, Royal British Legion Antrim said: ‘‘Very sad to hear of the passing of Dame Vera Lynn the forces sweetheart during our darkest days of the war, in my 36 years with the Royal British Legion I listened to veterans many times singing out those famous classics like Well Meet Again, a symbol of hope to many. RIP.’’

Sir Cliff Richard said: “Dame Vera Lynn was truly an icon. She was held in such high esteem and my best, and favourite, memory was sharing a performance with her in front of Buckingham Palace for the VE Day celebrations in 1995.

“We walked to the stage through a crowd of survivors of that war, and they were reaching out to touch and get a smile from Vera.

‘‘I heard the words … ‘God bless you’ … ‘Thank you’ … ‘We love you’ for their very own Forces’ Sweetheart! A great singer, a patriotic woman and a genuine icon.

“I am happy to use the words called out on the wonderful day. Vera, thank you, God bless you, and I loved you too. Rest in a very deserved peace.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said her “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”.

Veteran fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised millions for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden, said it was a “real shame”.

A message on his official Twitter account read: “A real shame, 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.

‘‘My thoughts are with Dame Vera Lynn’s family at this sad time.”

Earlier this year, ahead of the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Dame Vera spoke of remembering “the brave boys and what they sacrificed for us”.