D-Day Stories: Pegasus Bridge

[Weatherman2020]

Movie in production right now is the story of Pegasus Bridge. On the night of the D-Day invasion a small group of British soldiers landed gliders in enemy territory to take control of a key bridge before the Germans could blow it up. You can see two gliders in the background of this photo used by the British troops. A seesaw battle took place with a lot of details I hope the movie captures. Steve Ambrose did a good job on his book on this battle.

The next day after the battle was over the bridge was in control of the allies and the Allies could move inland. Suddenly a lone German plane appeared diving towards the bridge. Everyone watched as a bomb hit the bridge. And nothing happened. It was a dud. The dent from the bomb is the other photo.

 

[Camp]

The battle was featured in the old D-Day movie "The Longest Day". Portions of the movie, including the Pegasus Bridge Battle can be viewed on youtube.

 

[Oddball]

 

[harmonica]

AMAZING piloting of non-powered aircraft--at night! and they land dead on target
this attack shows what ''shock'' means in shock troops, and what can be accomplished

 

[Camp]

AMAZING piloting of non-powered aircraft--at night! and they land dead on target
this attack shows what ''shock'' means in shock troops, and what can be accomplished

Records indicate four sticks of the Independent 22nd Parachute Company (Pathfinders) were dropped about an hour ahead of the landings. One stick was lost but the one assigned to the Pegasus Bridge appears to have reached it's assigned area and was able to guide the gliders in with transponders and lights.

Further details can be pieced together by searching 22nd independent parachute company d day france. All I could find was an after action report but it appeared that further searching might be fruitful.