DAME VERA LYNN’S FAMILY FAREWELL

The private funeral service for Dame Vera Lynn will take place on Friday 10 July, with the cortège departing the family home in Ditchling at 11:40 en route to Woodvale Crematorium north of Brighton.

The cortège bearing Dame Vera will pause at the crossroads in the centre of Ditchling to acknowledge her long and happy 50 year association with the village and to allow residents to pay their respects. A flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, consisting of a Spitfire and a Hurricane will take place during the pause at twelve noon, overhead the centre of the village.

Finally the cortège will move on to the Crematorium in Brighton where a tri-service route-lining party will wait outside the chapel, together with a military bearer party ready to receive the coffin. A bugler from the Royal Marines will provide a musical tribute inside the chapel. The Ministry of Defence will be represented by a senior officer who along with the bugler and the small family group will be the only people to attend the funeral service.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Dame Vera Lynn’s family respectfully ask any visiting media representatives to observe strict social distancing and to be mindful of Ditchling residents on the day. There will be no media/film access to the chapel during the service. Out of courtesy, please let me know if your media outlet will be sending crew to film elements of the cortege.

A full memorial service will be held at a later date.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Susan Fleet, Dame Vera Lynn’s PA

Tel: 01444 235475/07885 373394