Anne Shelton; Radio Singer Known as ‘Forces’ Favorite’

Anne Shelton, 66, a singer who earned fame as a teen-ager known as the “Forces’ Favorite” on the radio during World War II. Her 50-year career began when a London bandleader spotted her in a British Broadcasting Corp. amateur talent contest. She recorded the hauntingly popular German song “Lili Marlene” in English at the suggestion of Winston Churchill, and it was an instant hit. World War II pilots particularly enjoyed her songs “Silver Wings in the Moonlight” and “Coming In on a Wing and a Prayer.” After the war, she topped the bill at the London Palladium, sang with Bing Crosby and received a gold bracelet from bandleader Glenn Miller in recognition of her “pure gold voice.” One of her last performances was in June at observations of D-day’s 50th anniversary. On Sunday near London of a suspected heart attack.