World War Two history writers James Holland and Al Murray are in Oosterbeek, near Arnhem, at the site where Lance Sergeant John 'Jack' Baskeyfield single-handedly destroyed two advancing German Tiger tanks in an incredible act of bravery for which he was the posthumous recipient of one of five Victoria Crosses awarded to men who fought in the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944.

Baskeyfield served as the Gun Commander of 2 Anti-Tank Platoon, Support Company of 2nd (Airborne) Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment in the Battle of Arnhem. He died on 20 September 1944, aged 22 years old. He is commemorated on the Memorial for the missing at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, near Nijmegen.

From John Baskeyfield's Victoria Cross citation:

"On 20th September, 1944, during the Battle of Arnhem, Lance-Sergeant Baskeyfield was the N.C.O. in charge of a 6-pounder anti-tank gun at Oosterbeek.

During the early stages of a heavy enemy attack, the crew commanded by this N.C.O. were responsible for the destruction of two Tiger tanks and at least one self-propelled gun, thanks to his coolness in allowing each tank to come well within 100 yards of his gun before opening fire.

Lance-Sergeant Baskeyfield was badly wounded and the remainder of his crew were either killed or severely wounded, he refused to be carried away from his post, and when the attack was renewed he manned his gun alone and fired round after round until his gun was put out of action. His activity was the main factor in keeping the German tanks at bay, and his example and his courage were responsible for keeping together and in action the surviving men in his vicinity.

When his gun was knocked out, he crawled to another nearby which was left without a crew, and succeeded in putting out of action another self-propelled gun before being killed.

Lance-Sergeant Baskeyfield's supreme gallantry is beyond praise. During the remaining days at Arnhem stories of his valour were a constant inspiration to all ranks."