Dame Vera Lynn: Funeral of Forces sweetheart marked with Spitfires and Hurricanes flypast

Dame Vera Lynn’s family, friends and fans are wishing her farewell with a procession through the village of Ditchling, east Sussex, where she died.

The late “Forces sweetheart”, whose song “We’ll Meet Again” became a wartime symbol of hope for troops on the front line and their loved ones, died in May aged 103.

By the age of 22, she had sold more than a million records. Other songs she became famous for include “The White Cliffs of Dover”, “I’ll Be Seeing You”, and “There’ll Always Be an England”.

She 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.”

Lynn’s funeral is being held at Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton, and will be attended by representatives from the Royal British Legion and the Royal Marines.

She was also honoured with a Battle of Britain flypast by Spitfires and Hurricanes at midday on Friday 10 July. Local shops were decorated with Union Jack flags.

Her family have said a full memorial service will be held at a later date.

A tribute to Lynn was recently projected on the White Cliffs of Dover, while the song “We’ll Meet Again” was played across the Channel.

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