Western Morning News (Saturday)
A Spitfire tribute for funeral of Dame Vera
TWO Second World War fighter planes soared over Southern England yesterday, 80 years after the start of the Battle of Britain, in memory of Forces’ Sweetheart, Dame Vera Lynn who died last month.
The Spitfires made three passes over the funeral cortege bearing Dame Vera’s coffin in Ditchling, East Sussex, where the service was held.
The singer, who entertained troops with morale-boosting visits to the front line during the Second World War, died aged 103 on June 18. A soldier from Devon was among her guard of honour.
DAME Vera Lynn was yesterday honoured with a flypast in her beloved East Sussex village ahead of her funeral.
Two Second World War fighter planes soared over Ditchling to remember the late singer.
The aircraft made three passes over the quiet village before leaving to applause from the crowd.
The adored singer, who entertained troops with morale-boosting visits to the front line during the Second World War, died aged 103 on June 18.
As a cortege bearing Dame Vera’s coffin – which was draped in a Union flag – made its way out of the village where she lived for 60 years, there were shouts of “hip hip hooray” from the crowd in her honour.
It was followed by a spontaneous rendition of We’ll Meet Again, one of the songs Dame Vera was well-known for.
The cortege arrived in the centre of Ditchling as a bell tolled.
Applause from the crowd greeted the convoy, which was led by soldiers.
Hundreds of people gathered at the crossroads in Ditchling ahead of the arrival of the funeral cortege.
Representatives from the Royal British Legion stood in the road with flags as they waited to honour Dame Vera.
A small police presence was on hand to ensure proceedings went smoothly.
Ahead of the day, a giant portrait of the Forces’ Sweetheart was beamed onto the White Cliffs of Dover to commemorate her life.
Virginia Lewis-Jones, Dame Vera’s daughter, said: “We want to thank everyone for their tremendous support over the past few weeks.
“My mother always appreciated receiving messages from all over the world, and Ditchling was always particularly special to her, that is why we know she would be touched that so many people want to pay their respects.”
Second World War re-enactor Steve George, 59, came to Ditchling to pay tribute.
He described how he met the Forces’ Sweetheart at a re-enactment in a marquee surrounded by veterans.
Mr George said: “We had a group photograph with Dame Vera, we were all gathered round her dressed as the different generals.
“She was wonderful, absolutely wonderful, she had time for everybody... It’s the end of an era. But she will never be forgotten.”
Avril Gaynor, who first met Dame Vera Lynn when she was 10, said that the Forces’ Sweetheart changed her life.
She said: “It’s so sad, but I am glad she is getting a big send-off – to put it mildly. She was a wonderful, wonderful lady and I am so pleased that so many people want to come to pay tribute to her.”
A full memorial service will be held at a later date.