Quotes from Vera Lynn

I didn't mind a bit of hardship.

I did an audition for Henry Hall, a well-known dance man at the BBC, when I was about 15. I have lost the letter I was sent, but it said: 'your voice is unsuitable for broadcasting.'

Mum worked for a London dressmaker before she married. When she was forced to give up work after her marriage, she carried on dressmaking for people at home.

We can't change the past but we can learn from history and remember the important things - the sacrifices our loved ones made, and the price of our freedom today.

Always arrive in plenty of time so that when you step on the train or sit down in the plane you're relaxed, not hassled.

I was very privileged to enjoy The Queen Mother's company on many occasions. She was relaxed and informal - she would just sit down for a chat.

Our family didn't have a lot of money, so my brother, parents and I spent our holidays at Southend-on-Sea.

If work came along I liked, I would do it. If it interfered with home life for too long or took me away, I wouldn't.

I didn't have any more children because I couldn't have continued working - and I was the main breadwinner. But although we are small in number, family life has always been hugely important to me.

I already am very satisfied by my career. It has been long, diverse and hugely rewarding.

In so many ways, World War II was one of the lowest lows imaginable, yet some of my most treasured memories come from that time. Communities came together, people displayed a wonderful generosity of spirit and I saw the bravery of our boys on the front line as they fought for our freedom.

If somebody makes a record, no matter how many years later it's released, they or their families should be entitled to the proceeds.

I am delighted to learn that the small part I played in the campaign to protect the white cliffs of Dover has been so effective.

Seeing photographs of my dad, Bert, on the beach with a knotted handkerchief on his head to avoid getting sunburn still brings a smile to my face.

I never wanted to be a Judy Garland.

All young men should have a certain time in the Army, instead of going running around wild for a few years after school. They would learn discipline and they would learn a good trade. It would be a good opportunity.

I have a Children's Charity in Cuckfield, West Sussex, which helps young children affected by cerebral palsy and associated disorders. The perseverance these young people display every day is inspirational.

Basically, country is my kind of music - the simple melody, the simple lyrics.

The journey to Burma is etched in my brain, full of all sorts of intense memories.

Remember to stand tall and tuck your tummy in - very important as you get older!

I don't think the singers take it as seriously as we used to. The words, the meaning, the phrasing, the feeling of the song. They see the words, they know the tune and they just sing it.

I don't have a good memory, so learning all the songs for my TV performances was a real challenge.

I think I have got a peculiar voice really, it neither one thing nor the other. It's not a contralto and it's not a mezzo soprano; it's a nothing voice really.

You know, your voice can only last for so long. It's a muscle and when you get older it sort of fades away.