Place Name
In honour of Dame Vera Lynn (March 20, 1917 – June 18, 2020), the singer, from East Ham, who became known as the Forces’ Sweetheart for her performances and recordings during the Second World War. She became the first centenarian to have an album in the charts when a collection of songs to mark her 100th birthday made it into the top three. The road was named after her on March 20, 2017 by Newham Council to coincide with her birthday. It was put up as part of the council’s heritage programme commemorating people and places with historic links to the borough. She was born in Thackeray Road, East Ham, and lived in nearby Ladysmith Avenue from 1921 to 1938. She is best known for her 1939 recording of We’ll Meet Again, which was popular during the Second World War. Members of G Company 7 Rifles, based in West Ham, helped Newham councillors Ken Clark, Forhad Hussain, Rachel Tripp and Bryan Collier, unveil the signs in Vera Lynn Close. Councillor Clark, Deputy Mayor said: “Dame Vera boosted the morale of the nation and those who served during the darkest days of the Second World War. It is right that we recognise and honour that and celebrate one of our most loved former residents in this way on her 100th birthday.”
