Vera Lynn, born Vera Margaret Welch on March 20, 1917, in East Ham, London, emerged as a defining voice of hope and resilience during World War II. Her legacy as the “Forces’ Sweetheart” was not only shaped by her remarkable vocal talent but also by her tireless dedication to supporting British troops around the world during one of the darkest periods in modern history.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Lynn began her singing career at the age of seven, performing in working men’s clubs. By the late 1930s, she had gained popularity through radio broadcasts and recordings, notably joining Bert Ambrose and His Orchestra as the lead singer[1]BBC Archives. “Vera Lynn sings with Bert Ambrose Orchestra,” BBC Sound Archives, 1937.. Her warm contralto voice and unpretentious persona made her a natural fit for a nation seeking comfort in the face of war.
Wartime Broadcasting and the BBC
At the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Lynn was already an established performer, but the war expanded her reach exponentially. In 1941, she began hosting her own BBC radio program, Sincerely Yours, which was specifically aimed at British troops overseas. She would read letters, perform requested songs, and offer messages of support[2]BBC Home Service, Sincerely Yours, 1941–1942. Audio transcripts held at the BBC Written Archives Centre..
Songs like “We’ll Meet Again” (1939) and “The White Cliffs of Dover” (1942) became synonymous with the emotional endurance of the British people. Though “We’ll Meet Again” was originally composed by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles, it was Lynn’s heartfelt delivery that made it iconic[3]Sheet music for “We’ll Meet Again” by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles, 1939. British Library Music Collection..
Tours to the Front Lines
In 1944, Vera Lynn undertook a dangerous and logistically complex tour of British troops stationed in Egypt, India, and Burma (now Myanmar). She traveled by military aircraft, often under threat of attack, to perform for soldiers stationed far from home. Her performances, typically held in jungle clearings or makeshift camps, were credited with lifting morale among troops dealing with the grueling conditions of the Burma Campaign[5]Imperial War Museum. “Vera Lynn in Burma,” Photograph Collection IWM H 41935, 1944..
Photographs and letters from soldiers who attended these concerts testify to the deep emotional impact of her visits. One soldier wrote, “She brought a touch of home to us. For a few minutes, you forgot the war”[6]Personal Letter from Sgt. John Mitchell to family, 23 June 1944. Imperial War Museum Archives, Doc Ref. LBY K. 74/3557..
Cultural and Political Impact
Lynn’s status as the “Forces’ Sweetheart” was solidified not by political appointment but by the genuine affection of the servicemen themselves. A 1941 poll conducted by the British magazine Daily Express voted her the favorite performer among troops[7]Daily Express, “Troops Vote Vera Lynn Their Sweetheart,” October 14, 1941. National Newspaper Archives, British Library..
Her music played a dual role: offering both nostalgia for a peacetime Britain and reassurance that peace would come again. Her songs were also used in official propaganda to promote unity and perseverance.
Postwar Legacy
Following the war, Vera Lynn continued to record music and support veterans. In 2009, at the age of 92, she became the oldest living artist to top the UK Albums Chart with We’ll Meet Again: The Very Best of Vera Lynn, reaffirming her enduring place in British cultural memory[8]Official UK Charts Company. “Vera Lynn Tops Charts at 92,” September 2009..
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, her song “We’ll Meet Again” was invoked once more as a symbol of hope, and Queen Elizabeth II famously referenced it in a televised address[9]Queen Elizabeth II, “Address to the Nation,” 5 April 2020. Royal Household Official Website, Transcript Archive..
Obtaining the signature
This was very much a case of “be careful what you wish for and getting it”. At 101, Dame Vera still received mountains of fan mail and so when we reached out to her there was no real expectation for a reply. We were most pleasantly surprised and greatly honored, upon receiving not only an acknowledgement, but also permission to send the log book for her to sign!
One of the book’s earliest signatories, Lester Schrenk, who was shot down and spent 15 months as a POW, including a harrowing death march before being liberated in 1945. At the onset of obtaining Dame Vera’s signature he commented how comforting her songs were during his extremely perilous missions over Europe:
“I so enjoyed her songs while in combat in England. She made lonely people like me have hope. Her White cliffs of Dover are a classic. The cliffs of Dover mean so much to me. They were such a relief to see when returning from a mission… what a welcome sight to know that we were safe again.
Please give her my thanks and blessing. She inspired all of us in our darkest hour. A true Lady!”
Lester Schrenk upon hearing we were approaching Dame Vera Lynn for her signature
We included the above quote from Schrenk in the letter that accompanied the log book to Dame Lynn. Her response below was deeply touching and gracious. Naturally Mr. Schrenk was thrilled to be acknowledged by someone he so admired.
Dame Lynn’s personal assistant and publicist, Susan Fleet of Lea Graham Associates Ltd had just released a tribute album after more than two decades of friendship on 15 December 2017. Fleet was encouraged to record the album by top jazz singer and BBC presenter Claire Martin OBE, who offered to produce the project.
All net profits from the CD go towards the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity which supports under fives affected by cerebral palsy and associated diseases based in Cuckfield. The album is available as an mp3 download on Google Play, Apple Music, iTunes and Amazon.
To find out more about Dame Vera’s charity, visit: www.dvlcc.org.uk
Sadly Dame Vera Lynn passed away at her home in Sussex, England at the age of 103[10]https://www.legacy.com/news/celebrity-deaths/vera-lynn-1917-2020-singer-known-for-wwii-hit-well-meet-again/
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