Keep Smiling Through: My Wartime Story

by Vera Lynn, Virginia Lewis-Jones

In the year of her 100th birthday, Dame Vera Lynn's fascinating and life-affirming wartime memoir from the forces' sweetheart's of her adventures entertaining the troops in far-flung Burma.

'I was just twenty-seven years old when I went to Burma. It was an experience that changed my life for ever. Up until that time I had not really travelled anywhere at all, apart from one touring visit to Holland with a band I was singing with before the war, and I had certainly never been in an aeroplane. But I wanted to make a difference, to do my bit.'

And she did.

Written with her daughter, Virginia Lewis-Jones this is a powerful and life-affirming account of the time she spent with troops in wartime Burma. Based, in part on a diary she kept, alongside unpublished personal letters and photographs from surviving veterans and their families, it explores why it was such a life-defining event for her and shows how her presence helped the soldiers, airmen and others who heard her sing.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Memoir, British Literature, Autobiography, War, Music

304 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2017

About the author

Dame Vera Margaret Lynn CH DBE OStJ (née Welch), widely known as "the Forces' Sweetheart", was an English singer of traditional pop, songwriter and actress, whose musical recordings and performances were enormously popular during the Second World War.

The songs most associated with her are "We'll Meet Again", "The White Cliffs of Dover", "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" and "There'll Always Be an England".

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an inspiring and heart warming book about an awesome woman trying to do her part during the war. At times a bit repetitive but an overall light read.

[Vanessa-Ann Dowsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only I could have awarded this book more than five stars. This is a collaboration between Vera and her daughter Jinny (Virginia) and it concentrates on Dame Vera and her journey and the concerts to 'her boys' on the front line in Burma during WWII. The descriptions of conditions are truly shocking but she visited field hospitals, dressing centres and many other places to give to the troops a little piece of home to the 'forgotten army'. I was in tears at the end of this book at not only the sadness of the theatre of was but the love the men felt at having a little piece of home. The narrator's were fabulous and I highly recommend this book. My uncle was awarded The Burma Star medal and my parents both served my father in RAF and my mother a WREN. None spoke of the conflict, all spoke of the camaraderie. This book has opened my eyes.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a book about a specific time in Vera Lynn's wartime experiences, when she travelled to Burma to perform for the troops, and was written when she was 100 years old!
Vera Lynn was the only ENSA performer to travel to the 'forgotten' war. And it was interesting to note that not everyone agreed with the trip. Apparently it was debated in the House of Commons when Lord Winterton, a Conservative politcian, suggested that the men needed some sterner music to prepare them for fighting. It was thought that all this sentimental drivel would lead to deserting and a loss of morale.
However reading many of the letters sent to Vera, both at the time and many years later, her visit had the opposite effect.
One letter says: "Dad said your visit brought so much joy and life back into the troops when they most needed it as they thought their country had forgotten about them."

[Kirsty Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explained why our Vera Lynn is the forces sweetheart and still is. I never really understood the fascination, but working with the generation who grew up with her I fully get it. I highly doubt that Justin Bebier would sing to the troops if we went out to war (not would I want to listen to him!). Worth a read, it is a light read but well worth it.

[Thebruce1314 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lovely book in many ways, and a valuable contribution to the history of ENSA and Burma toward the end of WWII. The book is written in two voices: that of Vera Lynn, and the other of her daughter, Ginny. It should be acknowledged that Lynn collected these memories when she was 100 years old, and I much preferred her contributions. Ginny's chapters are well written, but dry, giving accounts of the battles, military personalities involved, and peppered with samples from letters which were sent to her mother over the years. The letters could be fascinating, but were too often repetitive ("we love you, Vera...thanks for the taking the time to entertain us"). This book will stay on my shelf, because Lynn is certainly a treasure, but I don't think I'll rush to re-read it.

[Tiffany Johnstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing story especially reading about the tough times that Vera and the soldiers endured in Burma. The trying conditions, the heat, the stench. Impact that Vera Lynn's presence had on the men. Not just her timeless voice and songs but her support towards the men that were away from their families, alone. The story of how Vera met her husband is an incredibly romantic story. Vera Lynn really captured not just the men in Burma but the whole nation. it's a truly wonderful story.

[Judith Ring · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant book co written by both Vera and her daughter Ginny. The story of Vera singing to the troops in Burma during WW2 An informative and enjoyable book on many levels, although I did find it a little repetitive in the middle. Vera endured very difficult travel both there and back and difficult living circumstances whilst out there. In addition to that she gave her absolute all to providing some entertainment, joy and hope to the servicemen out there. An inspiring woman.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first time reading a Vera Lynn book & I don’t know what to say!
It was such an interesting read & of course a few tears were involved.
The only thing was that Ginny (Dame Vera Lynn’s daughter) kind of repeated what Dame Vera Lynn said. But I suppose she was just saying what her mum went through & that she’s proud of her mum (who wouldn’t).
I would read more of Dame Vera Lynn’s books without a doubt.

[Ian Hallam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story of Vera who at the very young age of 27 left all the comforts of home to travel thousands of miles to Burma to entertain The Forgotten Army fighting the Japanese.
Along her route to Burma she performed many concerts at her stop overs and visited many hospitals always stopping to talk to as many patients as she could.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content of this book, full of all the old war stories was very interesting. I just struggled to read it because of how it was written. That’s a personal thing though. The book itself was very informative and descriptive and is well worth a read.

[Camille Marsella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting biography, the power of a wonderful singer who boosted the moral of the British troops whilst fighting in Burma during WW1. A great tribute from her daughter and the emotional letters from soldiers and their families.

[Aleksandra KW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very warm memories of Dame Vera’s wartime experience in Burma. Enjoyable read.

[Anne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvellous true story of a courageous young woman and a genuine show business legend.

[Isobel McIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing. Full of knowledgeable information and such a heart warming story. Dame vera is an inspiration. Such a brave woman. I am very glad i read this book.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story and a remarkable woman

[mrs s b pounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

Loved this book, so much info regarding the time Vera spent with the Forces. Recommend to anyone who likes Vera Lynn.

[Maxine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me

[Bee 🐝 · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words needed! Loved it ❤️