D-Day History in France: Pegasus Bridge | EUROtoday

This yr marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy that occurred in June 1944. Pegasus Bridge was the stage of 1 explicit operation led by the British and is right now a museum in addition to a remembrance website.

Here are 5 causes to go to.

1. A dedication to the sixth British Airborne Division

The Pegasus Memorial presents the missions of the lads of the sixth British Airborne Division. This division, commanded by General Richard Gale, was composed of paratroopers and troops transported aboard Horsa and Hamilcar gliders. It was to carry the japanese flank of the touchdown seashores in opposition to German counterattacks.

2. Not only a museum, a memorial website too

One of the missions entrusted to the Division was the seize of two bridges. The Ranville bridge on the Orne and the Bénouville bridge on the Caen-to-sea canal. This second bridge is healthier recognized underneath the identify “Pegasus Bridge”. The 180 troopers of the Oxs and Bucks regiment commanded by Major John Howard landed aboard Horsa gliders simply subsequent to the bridges on the night time of June 5 to six, 1944.

3. A group steeped in historical past

Several hundred objects and images, historic and transferring recollections of the liberation of the area are introduced contained in the museum. The collections are consistently enriched by donations from veterans or their households. In the 12,000 m2 park you will see: the unique Pegasus Bridge, the life-size reproduction of a Horsa glider, Bill Millin's bagpipes, and so on.

4. Transmitting the reminiscence of struggle

The ambition of the Pegasus Memorial is to transmit to guests the story of its younger women and men who through the Second World War paid the excessive worth for our freedom. This museum will be visited as a household, it’s best for passing on this web page of historical past to youthful generations.

5. Ideally positioned for visiting the touchdown seashores

Due to its historical past and its geographical location (10 minutes from the Ouistreham Ferry), the Pegasus Memorial is right for beginning a go to to the touchdown seashores in Normandy.

For extra concepts on what to see in Normandy, learn 12 Must-See Seaside Sites in Normandy.

For extra Remembrance websites to go to in France, learn our Remembrance part.