Lady Angela Forbes, a forces sweetheart during World War I
Forces Sweetheart (orForces' Sweetheart) is an accolade given to entertainers, actors and singers. Originally the term was used in the United Kingdom to note popular showbiz personalities that became a favourite of soldiers in the British Armed Forces, though the term is also used in other countries.
The role of being a favourite among armed forces personnel started during World War I. During this time, novelist Lady Angela Forbes was considered a "Forces Sweetheart" as a catering organiser for the British army from November 1914.[1] The British Soldiers' Buffets, nicknamed "Angelinas", met every train of wounded as it arrived and were often open 24 hours a day, and food never ran out.[2][3]
Present-day sweethearts for the British serving forces include Nell McAndrew, Katherine Jenkins, Kirsten Orsborn and Cheryl Cole, and Sarah Dennis was named as The Veterans Sweetheart in 2014. [1][4]
In 2011 London drag queen Richard Rhodes became the first man to be awarded the title.[5]
Frances Langford, nicknamed "The GI Nightingale" a popular US entertainer during the World War II years, and Korean and Vietnam Wars
Frances Langford, an actress and singer, was billed as the "Singing Sweetheart of the Fighting Fronts" from World War II to the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
