The First Fight On D-Day - Pegasus Bridge | World War 2

The assault on Pegasus Bridge (Operation Deadstick) took place on D-Day by the British 6th Airborne Division in World War 2. Using Horsa Gliders, D Company from the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry landed at the bridges over the Caen Canal and the Orne River. Codenamed Pegasus Bridge and Horsa Bridge respectively.

These bridges were essential to the success of the entire D-Day operation. The two bridges provided the only way for the Germans Panzer reserve units to cross the Orne river between the coast and Caen. If the Panzer reserves reached the D-Day beaches at the narrow, vulnerable flank on Sword Beach, they would inflict massive casualties, potentially derailing the entire D-Day operation.

Major John Howard was the Commanding Officer of Operation Deadstick. Howard was ordered to capture Pegasus Bridge and Horsa Bridge in tact. Not just to stop the Germans using the bridges but so the Allies could use them to advance the D-Day invasion Eastwards from the beaches.

Despite outnumbering the German soldiers 3 to 1, the mission won't be easy as both bridges have been rigged with explosives.

The mission was the first action on D-Day and would see the first Allied soldier to die on D-Day, Lieutenant Den Brotheridge.

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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