When she died in 1993, her wartime role had largely been eclipsed in the public mind by Dame Vera Lynn and others.

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The cliffs were further embedded in the national psyche during World War II following the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk and Dame Vera Lynn's famous song, The White Cliffs of Dover.

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Further east more dramatic cliffs beckon: the day walk (12km) from Alfriston to Eastbourne rollercoasters over the Seven Sisters, a series of chalk-white, up-down cliffs that would make Dame Vera Lynn burst into song.

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In 2000, along with Dame Vera Lynn, he played a leading part in a British Legion campaign to obtain payments for surviving prisoners of war who had been held by the Japanese.

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The appeal was supported by singer and World War II forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn who is famous for her wartime classic song (There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover.

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Singer and World War II forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn, actor Richard E Grant, yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur, comedian Paul O'Grady, and actress Dame Judi Dench are among well-known figures who have given their support to the campaign.

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