Dame Vera Lynn's Personal Wartime Archive Acquired by Imperial War Museum
The Imperial War Museum (IWM) in London has secured a significant historical collection: the personal archive of Dame Vera Lynn, the iconic World War II entertainer known as "the Forces' Sweetheart." A selection of these precious items will be unveiled to the public in a special exhibition at the museum's London venue later this year, offering a unique glimpse into her life and legacy.
Archive Contents: Letters, Contracts, and Personal Diaries
The archive is a treasure trove of historical documents that illuminate Dame Vera's profound impact during the war. It includes her personal copy of the contract for her BBC radio show, Sincerely Yours, which began broadcasting in 1941. This programme was a lifeline for soldiers and their families, as Dame Vera read out heartfelt messages sent in by loved ones.
Among the most poignant items are approximately 600 letters from listeners, preserved out of thousands received. One such letter, from Mrs Lily Cowlard, recounts how her only son purchased Dame Vera's record Yours before departing for war. Tragically, he was killed in Tunisia in April 1943. Mrs Cowlard expressed that hearing Dame Vera's songs helped keep his memory alive, underscoring the emotional solace her music provided.
The collection also features personal correspondence from Dame Vera to her husband, Harry Lewis, a musician who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF). After the war, Harry became her manager, and the couple remained together until his death in 1998 at the age of 83.
Daughter's Blessing and Family Reflections
Virginia Lewis-Jones, Dame Vera's daughter, has expressed her joy and given her full blessing to the museum's acquisition and upcoming display. "These items have been kept by my parents since the beginning of my mother's career, and when she passed on, I took over the reins of her archive," she stated.
Lewis-Jones emphasised the importance of preserving her mother's legacy for future generations. "I am very happy to know that these particular items will be kept for posterity in IWM's Collection, and that a selection of them will go on display for everyone to enjoy and learn about her life," she added. She also highlighted her father's role, noting, "My father also played a huge part in her life and should be remembered also for his care and work."
Wartime Performances and Personal Artifacts
Dame Vera's dedication to troops extended beyond the airwaves. In 1944, she performed in person for servicemen in India and Burma. The archive includes her personal diary from this trip, along with items of clothing she wore during these tours.
While visiting hospitalised soldiers in India, she took the time to ask for their family members' names and addresses, subsequently writing to these families to reassure them that their loved ones were well. Some of the heartfelt replies from these families are also part of the collection, showcasing her deep compassion and connection with the military community.
Curator's Perspective and Lasting Legacy
Simon Offord, the IWM curator, remarked that the collection "provides a rich insight into her personal experience of the Second World War, as well as the millions who found comfort and connection in her music." He added, "We are honoured to hold these objects, which tell the story of her remarkable legacy."
Dame Vera remained closely linked to the Armed Forces throughout her decades-spanning career. Her final performance was in 2005, when she sang We'll Meet Again at a London celebration marking the 60th anniversary of VE Day. The song's enduring popularity was evident when a new version, recorded as a duet with Katherine Jenkins in 2014 for charity, re-entered the UK Singles Chart in 2020 following Dame Vera's death at the age of 103.
The exhibition of selected items from Dame Vera Lynn's archive is scheduled to open in spring this year, inviting visitors to explore the compassion, courage, and hope she brought to so many during one of history's most challenging periods.
