West Ham fan Dame Vera Lynn, the Forces’ Sweetheart whose songs helped raise morale in World War Two, has died aged 103. The singer’s family confirmed she died on Thursday morning surrounded by her close relatives.
“The family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103,” a statement said.
Dame Vera was best known for performing for the troops during WW2 in countries including India and Egypt.
Dame Vera Lynn was born Vera Welch in East Ham, on 20 March 1917, to father Bertram, an East end docker, and mother Annie, a dressmaker.
The young Dame Vera began performing in public at the age of seven at a working men’s club opposite Newham Town Hall, just a few hundred yards from West Ham United’s Boleyn Ground. The schoolgirl entertainer attended Brampton Primary School in Brampton Road, less than a mile from the home of the football team she would later come to support.
Dame Vera also recorded a version of I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles which many Hammers fans consider to be the best rendition of the famous music hall favourite ever made.
Claret and Hugh would like to join others in offering their condolences and sympathies to the family and friends.