Dame Vera Lyn, the endearingly popular “Forces’ Sweetheart” who serenaded British troops abroad during World War II, has died at 103. Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, was surrounded by her close family when she passed away early this morning.

During the war and long after, Lynn got crowds singing, smiling and crying with sentimental favorites such as We’ll Meet Again, and The White Cliffs of Dover.

“The family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103,‘' her family said in a statement. “

Lynn possessed a down-to-earth appeal, reminding servicemen of the ones they left behind. “I was somebody that they could associate with,” she once told The Associated Press. “I was an ordinary girl.”

In September 2009, long after her retirement, Lynn topped the British album chart with a best hits collection titled “We’ll Meet Again — The Very Best of Vera Lynn.” It reached No. 1, despite competition from the release of remastered Beatles’ albums.

The singer, songwriter and actress was nonplussed at becoming the oldest living artist to lead a British music chart.