LYNN SLAMS WARS

Former forces’ sweetheart DAME VERA LYNN has blasted the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, insisting soldiers are dying for no apparent reason.

The legendary singer, 92, whose performances inspired troops during World War II, became the oldest living artist ever to appear in the U.K.’s top 20 album chart on Sunday (30Aug09) with her “best of” CD.

Now she has blasted the current conflicts in the Middle East and demanded to know why British soldiers are dying on the battlefield.

She says, “It’s very sad because every war is supposed to be the war that finishes all wars, and it’s terrible to think that after all young people have gone through they’re still going through it and having wars.

“I don’t understand it. For what purpose are our boys being killed? We’re all at home safe and sound, they’re out there saving the lives of complete strangers. And our boys are the finest in the world.”

But Dame Vera admits some good does come from global conflict – because future generations can learn from the hardships Britain suffered in the 1940s.

She adds, “There’s a lot learnt because of the war and a lot learnt because of the way we lived and what we put up with. I’m pleased to see the schools have it in the curriculum, teaching about the Second World War.”