Dame Vera questions Afghan mission

12 April 2012

Dame Vera Lynn has questioned the point of the conflict in Afghanistan.

The Forces' Sweetheart singer, who found fame with songs such as White Cliffs Of Dover and We'll Meet Again, told The Times: "I don't know what Afghanistan's all about. I don't know what we are doing there."

She said she could understand why so many lives were sacrificed in the Second World War but could not comprehend the strategy in Afghanistan.

"At one time, our soldiers would fight for the country they came from to stop the enemy invading, but now they are involved in other countries' problems," she said.

She added she was still fully supportive of "our boys", despite her reservations.

Writing in the New Statesman, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "We cannot allow Afghanistan to become again a haven for terrorists who inspire, plan and provide support for attacks like those of 9/11, of 7/7 in London and more."

Dame Vera, 92, who performed for troops in the Far East in the 1940s, acknowledged the contemporary threat from terrorism but said: "That simply didn't exist in my day."

Dame Vera was also critical of the Ministry of Defence's recent attempt to use the courts to seek a ruling over payments to Light Dragoon Anthony Duncan, who was shot while on patrol in Iraq, and Royal Marine Matthew McWilliams, who fractured his thigh in a military exercise.

Cpl Duncan was originally awarded £9,250, which was increased to £46,000 by a Pensions Appeal Tribunal, and Marine McWilliams's £8,250 award was increased to £28,750.

Dame Vera said: "I don't know why there should be a problem. I mean, they are out there fighting, helping other people. They are our boys and they should be looked after. The money that is wasted on stupid things and then they quibble about this."

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