Pegasus Bridge
Normandie
Pegasus Bridge, originally known as the Bénouville Bridge, is a bascule bridge over the Caen Canal in Normandy, France. Constructed in 1934, it became famous during World War II when British airborne troops captured it in a daring glider assault on June 6, 1944, minutes after the D-Day landings. This operation was crucial in preventing German counterattacks against the eastern flank of the Allied invasion. The bridge was renamed Pegasus Bridge in honor of the British airborne forces whose emblem featured the winged horse Pegasus. The original 1934 bridge was replaced in 1994 by a modern bascule bridge of similar design. The original bridge is now preserved as a war memorial at the nearby Pegasus Museum in Ranville, inaugurated in 2000. The capture of Pegasus Bridge remains one of the most celebrated feats of the Normandy invasion, symbolizing bravery and strategic ingenuity. Today, visitors can explore the museum grounds and see the historic bridge, which stands as a testament to the airborne troops' heroic actions.
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Tip: The best time to visit Pegasus Bridge is during late spring to early autumn for pleasant weather and commemorative events. It is advisable to purchase tickets for the Pegasus Museum in advance, especially around June 6th when D-Day anniversary ceremonies take place. The museum offers discounts for seniors, students, and groups. Guided tours provide deeper insights into the battle and the bridge's significance. Visitors should allow at least one hour to explore the museum and the original bridge memorial.
Interesting facts
- •Pegasus Bridge was captured in a surprise glider assault just after midnight on D-Day, making it one of the first objectives secured during the Normandy invasion.
- •Lieutenant Den Brotheridge, who died during the assault, was the first Allied soldier killed by enemy fire on D-Day.
- •The bridge's name comes from the Pegasus emblem worn by British airborne forces.
- •The original bridge was sold to the Pegasus Museum for a symbolic price of one French franc after being replaced in 1994.
- •The operation to capture Pegasus Bridge was codenamed 'Euston 1' during planning.
History
The original bridge at the site dates back to 1857 as a swing bridge over the Caen Canal, replacing an earlier ferry crossing.
It was expanded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to accommodate increasing traffic and tram lines.
The current bridge was built in 1934 as a Scherzer rolling lift bascule bridge.
During the night of June 5-6, 1944, British glider-borne troops led by Major John Howard captured the bridge in a surprise coup-de-main operation critical to the success of the Normandy landings.
The bridge was renamed Pegasus Bridge later in 1944 to commemorate the airborne forces.
It was replaced by a modern bridge in 1994, and the original was preserved as a war memorial and museum centerpiece.
Place Guide
Original Pegasus Bridge1934
The 1934 Scherzer rolling lift bascule bridge captured by British airborne forces on D-Day. It now stands preserved at the Pegasus Museum grounds as a war memorial.
Pegasus Museum2000
Located near the bridge in Ranville, the museum houses exhibits on the airborne operation, the battle for the bridge, and the broader Normandy invasion. It was inaugurated by the Prince of Wales in 2000.
