Imperial War Museum to Display Dame Vera Lynn's Personal WWII Archive
The Imperial War Museum (IWM) in London has acquired the personal archive of Dame Vera Lynn, the iconic WWII entertainer known as "the Forces' Sweetheart." A selection of these precious items will go on public display at the museum's London exhibition space later this year, offering a unique glimpse into her life and wartime contributions.
Archive Includes Heartfelt Letters and Personal Documents
The extensive collection features documents such as Dame Vera's copy of her contract for the BBC radio show Sincerely Yours, which began broadcasting in 1941. This programme saw her read out messages for soldiers sent in by their loved ones, providing a vital link during the war. Additionally, the archive contains 600 of the thousands of letters sent in by listeners, including one from Mrs Lily Cowlard, who explained that her only son bought Dame Vera's record Yours before leaving for war. He was killed in Tunisia in April 1943, and Mrs Cowlard wrote that hearing Dame Vera's songs helped keep his memory alive.
Daughter's Blessing and Family Legacy
Dame Vera's daughter, Virginia Lewis-Jones, has expressed her joy at the museum's acquisition and given her full blessing to the 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 said. "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."
The collection also includes personal letters from Dame Vera to her husband, Harry Lewis, a musician who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and later became her manager. The couple remained together until his death in 1998. Lewis-Jones emphasised her father's role, stating, "My father also played a huge part in her life and should be remembered also for his care and work."
Wartime Performances and Personal Insights
Dame Vera performed in person for troops in India and Burma in 1944, and the archive includes her personal diary from this trip, as well as items of clothing she wore. While visiting hospitalised servicemen in India, she asked for their family members' names and addresses, writing to them to assure them their loved ones were well. Some of the heartfelt replies from these families are also part of the collection.
Simon Offord, the IWM curator, highlighted the significance of the archive, saying it "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."
Enduring Legacy and Public Display
Dame Vera remained closely connected to the Armed Forces throughout her career, delivering her final performance in 2005 by singing "We'll Meet Again" at a London celebration marking the 60th anniversary of VE Day. Her famous 1939 track, which became an anthem for servicemen and their loved ones, saw a resurgence in popularity with a 2014 duet version recorded with Katherine Jenkins for charity, and it re-entered the UK Singles Chart in 2020 following her death at age 103.
The display at the Imperial War Museum is set to open in spring this year, allowing the public to engage with these historical artifacts. Lewis-Jones reflected on her mother's impact, noting, "My mother was always so pleased that people enjoyed her music and found solace in the lyrics, as they were so pertinent at the time and even today." She concluded, "Having now found a permanent home at IWM, these items will continue to inspire future generations with the compassion, understanding, courage and hope that she brought to so many."
