tanks and self-propelled guns with the obvious intention to break
into and overrun the battalion position. During the early stage of
the action the crew commanded by this nco was responsible for the
destruction of two Tiger tanks and at least one self-propelled gun,
thanks to the coolness and daring of this nco who with complete
disregard for his own safety allowed each tank to come well within
100 yards before opening re.
In the course of this preliminary engagement Lance Sergeant
Baskeyeld was badly wounded in the leg and the remainder of his
crew were either killed or badly wounded. During a brief respite after
the engagement Lance Sergeant Baskeyeld refused to be carried to
the Regimental Aid Post and spent his time attending to his gun and
shouting encouragement to his comrades in neighbouring trenches.
After a short interval the enemy renewed the attack with even greater
ferocity than before, under cover of intense mortar and shell re.
Manning his gun quite alone, Lance Sergeant Baskeyeld continued
to re round after round at the enemy until his gun was put out of
action. By this time his activity was the main factor in keeping the
enemy tanks at bay. The fact that the surviving men in his vicinity
were held together and kept in action was undoubtedly due to his
magnicent example and outstanding courage. Time after time the
enemy attacks were launched and driven off. Finally when his gun
was knocked out Lance Sergeant Baskeyeld crawled under intense
enemy re to another six-pounder gun nearby, the crew of which had
been killed and proceeded to man is single handed. With this gun
he engaged an enemy self-propelled gun which was approaching to
attack. Another soldier crawled over open ground to assist him but
was killed almost at once. Lance Sergeant Baskeyeld succeeded
in ring two rounds at the SP gun, scoring direct hits, which rendered
it ineffective. Whilst preparing to re a third show, however, he was
killed by a shell from a supporting enemy tank.
The superb gallantry of this nco is beyond praise. During the remaining
days at Arnhem, stories of his valour were a constant inspiration to