Blue skies over Dame Vera’s farewell

OF all the moving tributes paid to Dame Vera Lynn on the day of her funeral, the Spitfire flypast seemed the most fitting.

Together they played a vital role in Britain’s war effort and symbolised strength, hope, pride and freedom. And the very sight and sound of those Merlin engines sent embattled spirits soaring.

Also apt for the day the Forces’

Sweetheart was laid to rest were the blue skies over Ditchling, the picturesque East Sussex village which was Dame Vera’s home all of her adult life.

The streets were decorated with bunting and poster tributes, and lined with mourners paying their respects with spontaneous rounds of applause for Vera, who died last month at the age of 103. Dame Vera’s coffin was draped in the flag of the nation she had done so much to serve. Pinned on top was her Burma Star, awarded for performing to our troops there.

Other than the birth of daughter Virginia who walked behind the cortege, Vera hailed her time in Burma the highlight of her life.