Known as ‘The Forces’ Sweetheart’ during the Second World War, Dame Vera Lynn not only entertained the troops overseas, she kept the spirits up of the British back home, especially during the Blitz. Her songs ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘The White Cliffs Of Dover’ are synonymous with the British wartime. She joined the Entertainment National Service Association and requested to be sent where other concerts parties were not going to, performing in Burma as well as Egypt and India. Her popularity continued after the war, appearing on TV and in films as well as continuing her musical career.

Now in her hundredth year Dame Vera became the oldest living Artist in 2009 to reach No.1 in the British Album Charts with her compilation album ‘We’ll Meet Again: The Very Best of Vera Lynn.’ In fact she is the only artist to have a chart span reaching from it’s inception in 1952 to the 21st Century. In 2000 she was named the Briton who ‘best exemplified the spirit of the 20th Century.’ She has also been known for her tireless charity work with ex-servicemen and women, disabled children and breast cancer, recognised by the Queen in 1975 with a Dame Commander of the British Empire.

I sent this drawing of Dame Vera to her via her Foundation and she quickly signed and returned it with a very nice letter.