Dame Vera Lynn funeral - Flypast as country says goodbye to Forces' Sweetheart

DAME Vera Lynn was honoured with a Spitfire flypast ahead of her funeral as the nation said a last goodbye to the "forces' sweetheart".

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.

At midday two Spitfires - one the most famous wartime aircraft from the Battle of Britain - soared over her home village Ditchling, East Sussex, to pay respects to the singer.

The aircraft made three passes over the quiet village before leaving to applause from the crowd.

The cortege bearing Dame Vera's coffin - which is draped in a Union flag - then made its way to Brighton Crematorium for a private funeral service.

As the funeral cortege made its way out of the village where Dame Vera 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.

Hundreds of people gathered at the crossroads in Ditchling.

The cortege arrived in the centre of Ditchling as a bell tolled and applause from the crowd greeted the convoy, which was led by soldiers.

Mourners awaited the arrival of the Battle of Britain Memorial flypast.

Royal British Legion representatives stood in the road with flags as they waited to honour Dame Vera.

A small police presence has been on hand to ensure proceedings go smoothly as the village comes to a standstill.

TV personality Zoe Ball attended with boyfriend Michael Reed and was pictured wiping away a tear.

Read more
Dame Vera Lynn honoured with Spitfire flypast ahead of funeral as nation says goodbye to ‘forces sweetheart’

From Brexit breaking news to HD movie trailers, The Sun newspaper brings you the latest news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world.

Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know

[yuthdecay]

The fact that people still remember her 80 years on is a testament to how much she mattered to people in Britain’s darkest hour, god bless her RIP

[garytaylor]

wheres the social distancing in the crowds

[lynnemayotte]

I am a 74 year old Canadian woman and am crying now for the Britain and Canada and USA and Australia that we once knew and were. These are precious memories and can remember my parents dancing to this fine lady's songs. Thank you Dame Vera Lynn for getting all of us through those terrible times. My name is Lynne too but with an e. May God usher you home. Amen.

[timrowe]

These are the real people of the United Kingdom. Taking to the streets in a civilised manner and for a worthy cause. RIP Dame Vera.

[petermacneil]

A noble send off, for a noble lady, by noble-hearted people, and for a noble cause! "Goodnight Sweetheart", from Scotland! Amen

[radds]

Good to see there are still some people with standards in this messed up country . Good-Bye to a true legend.

[ninianmacmillan-keith]

A wonderful and fitting send off. May she rest in peace

[NoOne-suul]

God bless a true Britt the finest we ever had may you rest in peace
God help us all with the spineless snowflakes who now rule the planet

[Beverley]

Dame Vera she lifted the spirits of the nation in the darkest days a true national treasure! may she rest in peace

[Maria-]

My mum loved her, I can hear her singing “we”ll meet again” right now.
God bless you Dame Vera 🙏👼

[eugenebell]

A much deserved and earned fly past, all in keeping with a delightful lady. RIP Vera.

[LeeKirkman]

She put the Great in Great Britain. Her voice gave comfort to so many in Dark Bloody and worrying times. RIP Dame Vera Lynn Fly high Fly Free. Those old boys are waiting for you to sing for them again.

[WarhammerWings]

When she passed, the light and soul of our old great nation went out too. Rest in peace, Vera.

[charlieminaj]

Dame Vera Lyn - you’ll never walk alone

England🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 to Dame Vera - We’ll never let you walk alone”😢

💔❤️💔❤️💔❤️💔❤️

[elizabethharris]

Look at the lives you impacted for their good. Well done Dame Vera Lynn. ❤️🙏🏻🇬🇧🎈✝️

[elainejohansen]

We'll meet again like this again don't let the teardrop's roll with love so true I'll Wait for good bye Dame vera Lynn as a child I remember my Gran singing this and White cliffs of Dover

[annfarmer]

Goodbye, Dame Vera, and thank you - hoping we will 'meet again' in Heaven.

[TheresaRyan]

Wonderful to see the troops out for her. She was one of a kind and was loved by millions giving hope in her music

[Sarah-iwmk]

0:40: "Is that the queen?" Innocent children's comments like that always make me smile.

A beautiful lady with a beautiful voice. You will live on through your music and within all the hearts you touched. Now you can smile down on the bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover. ❤️

[steveparkes]

I notice today, Dame Vera Lynn's funeral was the 4th story on the BBCs 1'o'clock news ITV and Sky made it their headline story, quite rightly so. Shame on the BBC.