Baskeyeld was in command
of two anti-tank guns at a
vital road junction. Despite
intense German shelling, he
directed re that destroyed
several enemy tanks and
self-propelled guns. As
the battle raged, both of
his crews were killed or
wounded, and Baskeyeld
himself was badly injured.
Refusing evacuation, he
manned the anti-tank
gun alone, loading and ring despite his wounds. He succeeded in
knocking out more German armour before his position was nally
overrun. Witnesses reported seeing him still attempting to load the gun
as German infantry closed in. He was killed at his post at the age of 22.
Baskeyeld’s extraordinary determination held up the German
attack long enough for other British positions to consolidate their
defences, saving countless lives. For his unparalleled bravery, he was
posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
Aftermath of Arnhem
The 1st Airborne Division was surrounded. On 25 September 1944,
out of options, the survivors withdrew across the Rhine in “Operation
Berlin.” Out of about 10,000 men who had landed, only around
2,000 escaped. The rest were killed, wounded, or taken prisoner.
Although Market Garden failed, the stubborn defence at Arnhem — and
particularly acts of deance like Baskeyeld’s — became legendary
examples of courage against impossible odds.
The Dutch people of Arnhem and Oosterbeek have never forgotten
the sacrices made in the streets of their towns. Every year, since the
war ended, local children lay owers at the graves of airborne soldiers.
A wrecked self-propelled gun on the Benedendorpsweg,
Oosterbeek. is is one of the vehicles that was destroyed by
Baskeyeld on Wednesday 20th September.