An appeal has been launched to find the relatives of Burslem's Second World War hero, Lance Sergeant John Baskeyfield. 

The Burslem hero was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his remarkable courage during the largest airborne landing in military history – into Nazi-occupied Netherlands.  

During the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944, Lance Sergeant Baskeyfield, known as Jack, single-handedly manned two anti-tank guns and refused to leave his post. 

Jack was a very dear friend of George and Anne Price. Their grandson, Andrew Felton, is trying to find relatives of the war hero who was killed at the age of 21, ahead of events Stoke-on-Trent council is planning around Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day to commemorate Mr Baskeyfield. 

Mr Felton said: "My Grandad George and Nana Anne spoke often about Jack, and always with deep affection and reverence. 

"I never forgot their stories, which sparked my interest in his incredible bravery at Arnhem during World War II. 

"A few years ago, I started researching Jack's remarkable service in the South Staffordshire Regiment after he signed up aged 19."

It is believed Lance Sergeant Baskeyfield was killed during the battle by a shell from an enemy tank.

A statue now stands at Festival Park in Etruria, ensuring his bravery is permanently remembered.

"Last September I travelled to the Netherlands to join the 80th anniversary commemorations of Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem. 

"It was very sobering and humbling visiting the places I had read about where so many brave men fell.

"Walking from the John Frost Bridge over the Rhine at Arnhem to where Jack had last stood in Oosterbeek, commemorated by the Jack Baskeyfield Tree, was hugely poignant. 

"It would be wonderful to trace any of Jack's relatives so they can join the special events being planned to honour this very special man during the city Centenary year." 

 Cllr Lyn Sharpe, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: "Our city is proud of Lance Sergeant John Baskeyfield. His bravery will never be forgotten in Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.  

"We hope any relatives can be found so they can be part of the special events we're holding later this year in his memory."  

The events in November are expected to include an expanded exhibition in the Spitfire Gallery at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery with items Jack's family gifted to the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, and an Act of Remembrance at the Jack Baskeyfield memorial at Festival Retail Park. 

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