City's salute to VC hero Jack

Wreath-laying before Vale match and service at statue as Potteries remembers his courage

- Sentinel Reporter

ONE of Stoke-on-Trent's most celebrated war heroes will be remembered this weekend - on the anniversary of his death.

Commemorative events are taking place in memory of Lance Sergeant John Daniel Baskeyfield, who was awarded the highest award for gallantry in the British Army.

The 21-year-old, who was remembered in his home town of Burslem as Jack, 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.