One of Stoke-on-Trent’s most celebrated war heroes will be remembered this week, on the anniversary of his death, with a series of commemorative events in his home city.
Lance Sergeant John Daniel Baskeyfield VC, from Burslem, was just 21 when he gave his life during the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944 – part of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne landing in military history.
Born in 1922, Lance Sergeant Baskeyfield, was called up to the British Army in 1942 and served with the 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment. He saw action in Sicily and Italy before returning to the UK with the 1st Airborne Division.
During Operation Market Garden, Jack fought to capture bridges across the Lower Rhine in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. After his unit was overwhelmed, he single-handedly manned two anti-tank guns against advancing enemy forces. Though badly injured, he refused to leave his post and continued fighting.
For his extraordinary courage, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross – the highest award for gallantry in the British Army. His body was never recovered and he has no known grave.
His citation in the London Gazette of 23 November, 1944 says: “During the remaining days at Arnhem stories of his valor were a constant inspiration to all ranks. He spurned danger, ignored pain and, by his supreme fighting spirit, infected all who witnessed his conduct with the same aggressiveness and dogged devotion to duty which characterized his actions throughout.”
This week, the city of Stoke-on-Trent will pay tribute to his sacrifice. On Saturday 20 September, ahead of Port Vale FC’s League One match against Mansfield Town, the club’s armed forces community group will hold a breakfast and church service dedicated to Jack – who was a Port Vale fan, followed by a wreath laying on the pitch before kick-off.
The following day, Sunday 21 September, a remembrance service will take place at the Jack Baskeyfieldstatue at Festival Park. The service will be led by Port Vale Chaplain, Father Andrew Swift, and family member, Captain Jason Peach of the British Army D Company, 4th Battalion, The Mercian Regiment.
Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent and Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Steve Watkins, who will lay the wreath at Vale Park alongside Jack’s family, said: “Our city is immensely proud of Lance Sergeant John Baskeyfield. His remarkable bravery will never be forgotten here in Stoke-on-Trent or in the Netherlands.
“As a veteran myself, it means a great deal to ensure that the legacy of heroes like Jack lives on for all future generations. He was an ordinary young man who showed extraordinary courage in one of the darkest moments of the Second World War – and his sacrifice will always be honoured.”
The city’s two First World War Victoria Cross holders - Lance Sergeant John Harold Rhodes VC and Sergeant Ernest Albert Egerton VC - will be honoured at a service later this year.
