Keep Smiling Through by Dame Vera Lynn

Author:Dame Vera Lynn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House

Interestingly, although Ma noted in her diary that she had gone as far south as Elephant Point at the mouth of the Rangoon River, a claim repeated in various places over the years, I cannot see how this could have been the case, as Elephant Point and Rangoon were held by the Japanese almost up until the end of the war in 1945. I realised that Ma instead must have gone to the mouth of the Naf River, where there is a settlement called Teknaf, not far from where she had sung at Bawli Bazar the previous day. There are some wonderful photographs of her at the seaside there, wearing a bikini and looking happy and carefree far away from the fighting. More importantly, the men who are with her also look like they are having a wonderful time and have forgotten their troubles.

There is one rather amusing story that was sent to Ma in 2012 that relates to a performance she gave at Bawli Bazar. Sergeant Arthur Webberley of the 1st Somerset Company Regimental Police told the story of how his friend managed to get my mother’s autograph.

Whilst based at Bawli Bazar we were entertained by a touring concert party that had as its star – the forces’ sweetheart – the one and only Dame Vera Lynn. Ern – known as the smart crafty lad from Somerset – has recorded how using his initiative against all the odds managed to secure Dame Vera’s autograph.

I would like to read you a shortened version of how his ruse paid off.

After sitting with approximately 1,000 troops and thoroughly enjoyed the show the sergeant in charge of the concert party announced that anyone with a decent piece of paper or suitable item was welcome to stand in an orderly queue to receive an autograph.

Due to where we were sited Ern quickly ascertained that there was no way he would be receiving an autograph on the 10 rupee note he had in his pocket. Quick as a flash Ern removed his jacket, vest and one shoe. He fashioned a bandage, made from his vest, put it around his foot, put his jacket back on, stuffed his shoe in the pocket of his jacket and then using myself and Bill as supports Ern directed us to the head of the queue. The sergeant in charge was just about to blow his top when he spotted Ern’s bandaged foot … the sgt thrust out his regimental cane to the next lad in the queue shouting hang on, hang on, hang on, and beckoned us forward for Ern to receive his autograph which Dame Vera kindly did. Ern thanked the sergeant profusely and with the help of his supports trundled back up the incline laughing our heads off.

While not condoning queue jumping moments like these with men like Ern helped maintain morale and spirits during what was a very difficult time.

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