A Stoke-on-Trent Second World War hero is set to be honoured this week to mark the anniversary of his death. 

Lance Sergeant John Daniel Baskeyfield, known as Jack, from Burslem, died in the Battle of Arnhem, in the Netherlands, on 20 September 1944 at the age of 21. 

Part of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne landing in military history, Lance Sergeant Baskeyfield single-handedly manned two anti-tank guns against advancing enemy forces after his unit became overwhelmed. 

Although badly injured, he refused to leave his post and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary courage. 

Lance Sergeant Baskeyfield's body was never recovered and he has no known grave. A statue was erected at Festival Park in his honour in the 1990s.

Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Cllr Steve Watkins, 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."

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 Lance Sergeant Baskeyfield – who was a Port Vale fan, followed by a wreath laying with his family on the pitch before kick-off.

Lance Sergeant Baskeyfield will be honoured at Port Vale this weekend. (Nub News)

The following day, Sunday 21 September, a remembrance service will take place at the Jack Baskeyfield statue 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.

Earlier this year, a campaign was launched to track down the relatives of Lance Sergeant Baskeyfield. 

The city council says Stoke-on-Trent'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.