East Ham-born Vera Lynn - more commonly known as 'the Forces' sweetheart' celebrates her 100th birthday today.
Born in East Ham on 20 March, 1917, Lynn rose to prominence during the Second World War during which she travelled around the globe bringing cheer to the allies troops wherever she travelled with her songs - be that locally or perhaps in Burma - a place she once described as "hell".And today her 100th birthday was marked with a very special and unique message - as you may see in the video below.
Wishing Dame Vera Lynn a wonderful 100th with a very special birthday message #VeraLynn100 🎂🎈 https://t.co/KtV4rI1bkP pic.twitter.com/ONIXC9ly3c
— Dame Vera Lynn (@VeraLynnDecca) March 20, 2017
Speaking to the Mirror this week, the centurian recalled her experieces of the great conflict. "I just wanted to do my bit," said Dame V. "I cancelled engagements to go to Burma. I was determined to go where nobody else in the entertainment world had gone.
"Some were travelling to the cities rather than the jungle. I felt someone needed to go and support these young men and deliver messages of hope from home. I’d been warned not to travel to certain places, but I just knew I had to do it."
In 2000, Dame Vera - who now lives on the South Coast - was named as the Briton who best exemplified the spirit of the 20th century. She remains famous for songs such as "We'll Meet Again", "The White Cliffs of Dover" (see above) and "There'll Always Be an England".
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