Pegasus Bridge

 

Perhaps the first French territory liberated on D Day.

 

This essential strategic bridge had to be taken and held until troops came inland from Ouistreham / Sword Beach and strengthened the hold.

 

Richard Todd, of Damnbuster fame, was actually involved in this operation and came back to play the commanding officer in The Longest Day version of accounts.

 

The Horsa Gliders landed on the riverbank very close to the bridge - and the surviving troops took the German guards by surprise.

 

The original bridge has been replaced by a replica - though the original is now housed at the museum based very close by.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe White: Photographic Collection

 

www.joe-white.co.uk

 

Email: joseph.white@btinternet.com