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Born 103 Years Ago Today in England, the Wartime Songbird Who Lifted the Spirits of British Soldiers During World War II
Anne Shelton, the English singer whose broadcasts and performances lifted British soldiers’ spirits during the Second World War, was born in Dulwich on 10 November 1923. Her wartime work made her an enduring voice of comfort for service personnel, while a later chart-topping hit extended her success beyond the war years.
Born Patricia Jacqueline Sibley, Shelton began performing as a teenager and joined bandleader Bert Ambrose’s orchestra. She sang on radio and at military bases, and performed with Bing Crosby; her 1956 recording “Lay Down Your Arms” reached No. 1 in the UK. She also had US chart entries, a UK Top 10 hit with “Sailor” in 1961, acted in films and continued performing into the 1990s. In 1990 she received an OBE for charity work supporting disabled servicemen; she died in 1994, aged 70.
In short
- Anne Shelton sang for British troops during the Second World War.
- “Lay Down Your Arms” topped the UK chart in 1956.
- She received an OBE for charity work supporting disabled servicemen.
Explained simply
During the Second World War, radio and live music helped keep people connected and entertained while many British troops served away from home. Singers who performed for service personnel became familiar voices for listeners and audiences far from their families.
Anne Shelton, born Patricia Jacqueline Sibley, began singing as a teenager and joined Bert Ambrose’s orchestra. She performed on radio and at military bases, and also sang with American entertainer Bing Crosby.
Shelton’s career continued after the war, with recordings, film roles and live performances. Her 1956 recording of “Lay Down Your Arms” topped the UK chart, and she received an OBE in 1990 for charity work supporting disabled servicemen.
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