The Pegasus and Orne Bridges: A Pivotal Moment in World War II

The Pegasus and Orne Bridges: Their Capture, Defences and Relief on D-Day

by Neil Barber

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	39358 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	597 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Pegasus and Orne bridges were two key objectives for the Allied forces during the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944. The capture of these bridges was essential to the success of the invasion, as they would allow the Allies to establish a foothold on the mainland and move inland.

The Pegasus Bridge was a small, wooden footbridge located over the Caen Canal near the village of Bénouville. It was defended by a heavily armed German force, but it was captured by a small group of British paratroopers in a daring raid. The Orne Bridge was a much larger, steel bridge located over the Orne River near the city of Caen. It was also heavily defended by German forces, but it was captured by a combined force of British and Canadian troops.

The capture of the Pegasus and Orne bridges was a major victory for the Allies. It allowed them to establish a foothold on the mainland and move inland. The bridges also played a crucial role in the subsequent Battle of Normandy, which led to the liberation of France and the eventual defeat of Germany.

The Pegasus Bridge Raid

The Pegasus Bridge raid was a daring operation carried out by a small group of British paratroopers from the 6th Airborne Division. The paratroopers were tasked with capturing the Pegasus Bridge and holding it until reinforcements arrived.

The paratroopers dropped into Normandy shortly after midnight on June 6, 1944. They quickly made their way to the Pegasus Bridge and captured it with minimal resistance. However, they were soon counterattacked by a larger German force.

The paratroopers held the bridge for several hours, until reinforcements arrived. The reinforcements helped to secure the bridge and allowed the Allies to establish a foothold on the mainland.

The Capture of the Orne Bridge

The capture of the Orne Bridge was a more complex operation than the Pegasus Bridge raid. The bridge was defended by a larger German force and it was located in a more heavily fortified area.

The Orne Bridge was captured by a combined force of British and Canadian troops. The troops crossed the river in assault boats and then attacked the German defenders from both sides.

The fighting was fierce, but the Allies eventually managed to secure the bridge. The capture of the Orne Bridge allowed the Allies to move inland and continue their advance towards Caen.

The Impact of the Pegasus and Orne Bridges

The capture of the Pegasus and Orne bridges was a major victory for the Allies. It allowed them to establish a foothold on the mainland and move inland. The bridges also played a crucial role in the subsequent Battle of Normandy, which led to the liberation of France and the eventual defeat of Germany.

The Pegasus and Orne bridges are still standing today and they are a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied soldiers who fought on D-Day.

The Pegasus and Orne bridges were two key objectives for the Allied forces during the D-Day landings. Their capture was essential to the success of the invasion and it played a crucial role in the subsequent Battle of Normandy.

The bridges are still standing today and they are a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied soldiers who fought on D-Day.

The Pegasus and Orne Bridges: Their Capture, Defences and Relief on D-Day

by Neil Barber

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	39358 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	597 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE