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Baskeyfield VC

This is a newly digitised version of the feature-length drama filmed and produced by Bill Townley in the 1960s.
It's an accurate account of the gallant stand against advancing German tanks by two gun crews. When both crews were put out of action by the advancing tanks, and survivor Jack Baskeyfield found his own gun was jammed, he crawled to the unmanned gun and - single handedly - held the German advance at bay until he was killed by a direct gun on the gun he was manning.
Thrillingly filmed in locations in North Staffordshire, this feature film is supported by extras including an insight into its making and a visit to the location of filming by director Bill Townley.
John "Jack" Daniel Baskeyfield VC (18 November 1922 – 20 September 1944) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces.
Born in 1922, Baskeyfield initially became a butcher but was called up to the army in 1942. He served with the 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, an airlanding unit of the 1st Airborne Division, in Sicily and Italy in 1943 before returning to the United Kingdom. The division was next deployed in Operation Market Garden and fought in the subsequent Battle of Arnhem.
While defending the Oosterbeek perimeter three days into the battle, Baskeyfield commanded a pair of anti tank guns that destroyed several enemy tanks before the crews were killed. Baskeyfield subsequently fired the guns alone before he too was killed.
“The superb gallantry of this N.C.O. is beyond praise. During the remaining days at Arnhem stories of his valour were a constant inspiration to all ranks. He spurned danger, ignored pain and, by his supreme fighting spirit, infected all who witnessed his conduct with the same aggressiveness and dogged devotion to duty which characterised his actions throughout.” (from his citation).

Engels gesproken, geen ondertiteling.

De orginele DVD is te bestellen bij Hans Udo. Prijs: EUR 15,-- (exl. EUR 2,-- verzendkosten). Contact: udo29623@gmail.com