IWM acquires wartime icon Dame Vera Lynn's complete Second World War archive
The Imperial War Museum has acquired the wartime collection of the historic British icon, Dame Vera Lynn.
The collection includes Dame Vera's copy of her contract with the BBC for her radio show, Sincerely Yours, which connected troops abroad with their relatives listening at home.
The Imperial War Museum (IWM) has also obtained more than 600 letters sent to the Second World War singer. She would receive up to 2,000 fan letters a week from around the world, which told stories of love, loss, reunions and what Dame Vera meant to them.
A rich insight into Dame Vera's personal experience
During Sincerely Yours, she would ask listeners to send in song requests and messages for their loved ones, and the show became a link for her millions of fans to those serving in the Armed Forces.
"This significant collection of Dame Vera's wartime archive 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," Simon Offord, IWM's curator, said.
"Dame Vera's presence during national Second World War commemorations for decades to come means her name is forever connected to the conflict's memory, and we are honoured to hold these objects, which tell the story of her remarkable legacy."
Letters reveal the comfort provided by her music
Some of the letters show how the legendary singer's music, such as wartime hits We'll Meet Again and The White Cliffs of Dover, gave comfort to those on the home front throughout the Allies' battle against Nazi Germany.
In one, Lily Cowlard stated that her only son bought Dame Vera's record 'Yours' before heading off to the conflict.
Rifleman William Edward Cowlard was killed shortly afterwards in Tunisia on 9 April 1943.
In her letter, Mrs Cowlard explained how hearing Dame Vera's song kept her son's memory alive, and requested a signed photograph as a keepsake.
"I am very happy to know that these particular items will be kept for posterity in IWM's collection, and that a selection will go on display for everyone to enjoy and learn about her life," Virginia Lewis-Jones, Dame Vera's daughter, said.
"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."
Dame Vera, dubbed 'The Forces' Sweetheart', was committed to visiting troops during the Second World War, making her a symbol of hope both at home and abroad.
She remained closely connected to the Armed Forces for the rest of her 90-year career, before she passed away in 2020 at the age of 103.
A selection of the objects from the collection will go on display at IWM London in spring 2026.
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