Lynn, Vera (1917-2020), a British singer, won fame during World War II (1939-1945) with her records and broadcasts. They became popular with British soldiers and earned her the title “Forces’ Sweetheart.” Among Vera Lynn’s best-known songs were “We’ll Meet Again” (1939), “The White Cliffs of Dover” (1941), and “Auf Wiederseh’n” (1952).
Vera Lynn was born on March 20, 1917, in London. Her real name was Vera Margaret Welch. She first appeared on the stage as a singer at the age of 7. A few years later, she began using her grandmother’s maiden name—Lynn—as a stage name. Lynn sang with the famous British dance band Ambrose from 1937 to 1940 before starting a solo career. From 1941 to 1947, she had her own radio show, “Sincerely Yours.” During the war, she performed for British troops in many battle areas, including Egypt, India, and Burma (also called Myanmar). Her work during the war made her one of the United Kingdom’s most popular and admired figures.
After the war, Lynn continued her career in live performances and on television in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries. She became especially known for her charity work. She was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1969. In 1975, she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire, for her contributions to charity. Lynn wrote an autobiography, Vocal Refrain (1975). She died on June 18, 2020.
