Katherine Jenkins and Alan Titchmarsh among those to pay tribute to Vera Lynn

·2 min read
Singer and actress Vera Lynn, 'The Forces' Sweetheart', posing with the score for 'We'll Meet Again', 1972. (Photo by Tony Evans/Timelapse Library Ltd./Getty Images)
A thanksgiving tribute to Vera Lynn, 'The Forces' Sweetheart' has been held at Westminster Abbey. (Timelapse Library Ltd./Getty Images)

A thanksgiving service has been held in London to commemorate the life and work of Dame Vera Lynn, the wartime performer.

Best known for her rendition of 'We'll Meet Again', Lynn died in June 2020 at the age of 103.

A number of stars such as classical singer Katherine Jenkins, TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh and composer Tim Rice attended the service to pay tribute to Lynn.

Titchmarsh discussed knowing Lynn personally and said “she leaves behind happy memories and admiration in equal measure”.

He added that he was “blown away by the strength of her voice”.

Katherine Jenkins singing during the Service of Thanksgiving for Forces' sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn at Westminster Abbey, London. (PA)
Katherine Jenkins singing during the Service of Thanksgiving for Forces' sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn at Westminster Abbey, London. (PA)

Broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby also spoke at the service. He praised her contributions to the Armed Forces, where she is revered for her morale boosting performances during the Second World War.

He added that she was so popular because of her dedications to soldiers past and present: “That’s why Dame Vera Lynn mattered so much. Whether she was in Britain singing on radio programmes, or with the boys on the front in the Middle East or in Burma where she spent several long weeks entertaining the troops.”

English singer Vera Lynn, circa 1975. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
English singer Vera Lynn, circa 1975. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Sir Tim Rice also read out a Bible verse from Corinthians.

Read More: Dame Vera Lynn dies at 103: Her life in pictures

Jenkins then closed out the ceremony with a performance of 'We'll Meet Again'.

Many famous faces were in attendance including Debbie McGee, Christopher Biggins and TV presenter Floella Benjamin.

Alan Titchmarsh speaking during the Service of Thanksgiving for Forces' sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn at Westminster Abbey, London. The singer and entertainer lifted people's spirits during the Second World War with songs including We'll Meet Again and The White Cliffs Of Dover. She died in June 2020, aged 103. Picture date: Monday March 21, 2022.
Alan Titchmarsh speaking during the Service of Thanksgiving for Forces' sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn at Westminster Abbey, London. (PA)

The service took place at Westminster Abbey with most of the audience being comprised of family, friends and representatives from the Armed Forces.

In a career spanning more than 90 years, Lynn is best remembered for recordings during the Second World War which were very popular at the time.

She subsequently became known as the "Forces' Sweetheart" and would perform for soldiers at home and overseas.

In 2009, at the age of 92, Lynn became the oldest living artist to top the UK's album chart with her greatest hits compilation We’ll Meet Again: The Very Best Of Vera Lynn.

Watch below: Dame Vera Lynn laid to rest

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