For Forces’ Sweetheart
Egypt, India, and Burma during the war as part of Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA).
Dame Vera visited Kent on a number of occasions.
In 2009, aged 92, she took part in a sing-along with British Second World War veterans at a military show near Tunbridge Wells.
More than 100 veterans gathered for a reunion at the War and Peace Show, receiving warm applause after their impromptu performance of the White Cliffs of Dover.
The sing-along was part of a packed programme of events at the biggest military history event in the world, held at the Paddock Wood park. In 2010, Dame Vera backed a local campaign to stop the Port of Dover being privatised and sold to foreign investors. She visited The Sea Sport
Centre on the seafront as Dover MP Charlie Elphicke launched the £400m community idea.
She said: “The port of Dover belongs to us. We want to look after it and we don’t want anyone else looking after it or telling us what to do with it.”
Paying tribute, Mr Elphicke tweeted: “So incredibly sad to hear the news of the passing of Dame Vera Lynn.
“Such an amazing and inspiringperson-DameVeraplayed a vital role keeping the Port of Dover forever England. RIP.” Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke has called for a lasting memorial of Dame Vera in Dover – and paid tribute to her in Parliament.
She told the Commons: “Dame Vera was a true friend of our White Cliffs country, working to see off the planned sell-off of our Port and she will we have the thanks and prayers of our community.” Chairman of Dover District Council, Cllr Michael Conolly, said the community felt a strong connection with Dame Vera, adding: “She will always be remembered with great fondness by all of us in White Cliffs Country.”