Dame Vera Lynn dies aged 103

“The forces’ sweetheart”, singer Dame Vera Lynn has died at the age of 103, her family have said

Dame Vera Lynn was famously known as “the forces’ sweetheart” for her morale-boosting visits to the front line to perform for the troops during World War Two.

Some of her most popular songs include “We’ll Meet Again” and “(There’ll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover”.

Speaking on the song “We’ll Meet Again”, she said:

“It’s a good song as it goes with anyone anywhere saying goodbye to someone.”

“My songs reminded the boys of what they were really fighting for.

“Precious, personal things, rather than ideologies and theories.”

In a statement, Dame Vera’s family said they were “deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers”.

Her family added that she died “surrounded by her close family” on Thursday morning.

Dame Vera lived in Ditchling, a village in East Sussex, and held a lifelong association with the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom.

Before last month’s 75th anniversary of VE Day, Vera Lynn spoke of remembering the “brave boys and what they sacrificed for us”.

After hearing about the news of Dame Vera’s death, the fiancée of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Carrie Symonds, posted on Twitter: “Very sad. Will be playing her music here today. RIP.”

This comes after Downing Street has revealed that a makeover for the military plane used by Boris Johnson and other senior politicians will cost £900,000.

Singer Katherine Jenkins, who performed “We’ll Meet Again” on this year’s VE Day anniversary, 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.”

“It was she who chose the sentiments of her songs – she knew instinctively what people needed to hear, how to rally the morale and her spirit and strength created the soundtrack of a generation.”