"The family is deeply saddened to announce that one of Britain's most beloved entertainers has passed away at the age of 103," the relatives said in a statement, according to the BBC.

Vera Lynn is perhaps best known for her efforts during World War II, when she toured around British troops. With songs like We'll Meet Again and The White Cliffs of Dover, she inspired both military and civilians during the war years.

Started as a seven year old

Vera Lynn was born in 1917 in a London suburb, the daughter of a plumber. As a seven-year-old she started performing at local clubs, and at the age of eleven she quit school to work full time as an artist and dancer.

But in 1939, World War II began - when the news came, Vera Lynn thought her career was over, according to the BBC. Instead, she was facing her big breakthrough.

Quoted by the Queen

When Vera Lynn wanted to volunteer in the war, she was told that the best way to help was to continue to entertain.

During the war years she appeared before troops and in hospitals, and went as far as India and Burma. Although she visited several dangerous areas, she said afterwards: "It was so important to maintain the boys". Eventually, Vera Lynn was nicknamed The forces' sweetheart.

Even when peace reached Britain, the successes continued. Vera Lynn became the first British artist to have a listetta in the US, then with the song Auf wiedersehen, sweetheart. In 2009, she became the oldest artist to top the UK album list, when her compilation album We'll Meet Again: The Very Best of Vera Lynn took first place.

When the British Queen spoke out for a virus-stricken UK earlier this year, she brought up Vera Lynn's message from the war years, assuring her friends and families would reunite, with the words We will meet again.