The Imperial War Museum (IWM) has acquired the complete Second World War archive of Dame Vera Lynn, a collection that offers a deeply personal glimpse into the life of the singer who became synonymous with British resilience during a time of global conflict. The archive, encompassing letters, diaries, and even clothing, will be partially unveiled to the public in spring , with the remainder undergoing careful preservation.
Lynn, affectionately known as the “Forces’ Sweetheart,” rose to prominence during the war years with songs like “We’ll Meet Again” and “The White Cliffs of Dover,” providing solace and a sense of unity to both those serving abroad and those waiting at home. Beyond her recordings, she actively engaged with the troops, touring extensively and using her BBC radio show, Sincerely Yours
, to connect soldiers with their families. The archive reflects this dedication, containing over 600 fan letters – individual stories of love, loss, and reunion – alongside correspondence with her husband, Harry Lewis.
The acquisition isn’t simply a collection of performance memorabilia. It’s a window into the practical realities of wartime entertainment. Included are “practical and unglamorous” khaki shorts from her tropical uniform, illustrating that Lynn shared in many of the hardships faced by the soldiers she entertained. Her 1944 diary details a grueling schedule of back-to-back performances in India and Burma, undertaken to boost the morale of Empire and Commonwealth troops. This commitment to being present with the armed forces continued throughout her 90-year career.
The IWM’s acquisition speaks to Lynn’s enduring legacy. As IWM curator Simon Offord explained, “This significant 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.” Offord further emphasized that Lynn’s continued presence in national Second World War commemorations solidifies her place in the collective memory of the conflict, making the preservation of her story all the more vital.
Virginia Lewis-Jones, Lynn’s daughter, expressed her satisfaction that the archive will be preserved for posterity. “These items have been kept by my parents since the beginning of my mother’s career,” she said, adding that she is “very happy to know that these particular items will be kept…and that a selection of them will go on display for everyone to enjoy and learn about her life.” She also highlighted the importance of remembering her father, Harry Lewis, and his integral role in her mother’s life and work.
Lewis-Jones underscored the profound impact her mother’s music had on those who lived through the war. “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 believes the archive, now housed at the IWM, will continue to inspire future generations with the “compassion, understanding, courage and hope” that her mother embodied.
The archive’s contents reveal a woman deeply invested in the well-being of those affected by the war. Beyond simply performing, Lynn actively sought to connect families, compiling lists of addresses to facilitate correspondence between soldiers and their loved ones. This personal touch, combined with her unwavering dedication to entertaining the troops, cemented her status as more than just a singer – she became a symbol of hope and resilience during a dark period in history.
The IWM’s decision to acquire the archive underscores the importance of preserving not only the grand narratives of war but also the personal stories of those who lived through it. Dame Vera Lynn’s archive offers a unique and intimate perspective on the Second World War, reminding us of the power of music and human connection in times of adversity. The spring exhibition promises to be a poignant tribute to a woman who touched the lives of millions.
