Emotional send off for Dame Vera

Spitfires fly for the Forces’ Sweetheart as hundreds say goodbye

Crowds turned out in Ditchling, East Sussex, on Friday for the funeral of Dame Vera Lynn.

The Forces’ Sweetheart, who lived in the village for 50 years, died on June 18, at the age of 103.

Many who knew her lined the streets to pay their respects, describing her as a ‘legend’ and ‘superstar’ who did so much for so many.

A cortège for Dame Vera left the family home in Ditchling at 11.40am and was escorted by members of the armed forces.

It paused at the crossroads in the centre to acknowledge her long and happy 50-year association with the village and to allow residents to pay their respects.

Crowds clapped and cheered to show their utmost love and respect for the superstar.

The moving funeral procession was also accompanied by a Battle of Britain flypast.

Two spitfires took to the sky and flew over the centre of the village, leaving crowds emotional.

The cortège then headed to Woodvale Crematorium, north of Brighton, where a tri-service route-lining party waited outside the chapel, together with a military bearer party ready to receive the coffin.

A bugler from the Royal Marines provided a musical tribute inside the chapel.

The Ministry of Defence was represented by a senior officer, who along with the bugler and the small family group, were the only people to attend the funeral service.

Dame Vera Lynn was adored by so many. She will be remembered for lifting the spirits of troops during the Second World War with her songs, ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘White Cliffs of Dover’.

But in the Sussex village of Ditchling, she will be remembered as a kind and friendly neighbour who would always take the time to speak to anyone and would be a regular visitor to events in the village.

Susan Fleet, personal assistant and close friend, said: “You can tell the love and respect from everybody here in Ditchling for her. She was an intrinsic part of this village for 50 years and everybody here loved her, but not just them, the rest of the world.

“She was the most humble of people – she was very much a part of the life here and she attended all the village open days, the church services and she went to the schools – she was very much a part of what Ditchling stands for.”

Susan said the funeral procession was ‘incredibly emotional’, adding: “The flypast was very moving – it was palpable, the outpouring of love and respect for her at that particular time.”

Avril Gaynor, 75, was friends with Dame Vera for more than 60 years. She described Dame Vera as the kindest person she has ever met, adding: “She would make me feel important when I was with her. She always wanted to know about my family.”

Claire Elizabeth Hill-hall was also a long-time friend of Dame Vera. She said: “Vera was so talented. She was an artist, seamstress, chef – she made everyone feel welcome.

“I just loved hearing her stories. Vera means so much to me. This in Ditchling would mean a lot to her. I think Vera would have a little giggle to herself, she had a great sense of humour.”

Others who came to pay their respects to Dame Vera included Geraldine Diggins, 70, of Brighton, who said: “Vera Lynn meant a lot to me and my family. We always had her CD on in the car when we were going on a long journey.”

She was an intrinsic part of this village for 50 years and everybody loved her

SUSAN FLEET Personal assistant and close friend of Dame Vera Lynn