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.

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#dday #ww2 #history

[sof]

Came across this video looking for some Pegasus Bridge information. Great video by the way. I like the story about the disgruntled German turning back over in his sleep. Subbed.

[MrJrv]

The craziest part of this operation was how close they were able to land to the bridges, flying with just stopwatch and compass bearings in pitch black.

Well, “flying” is a generous term, more like lawn darting into the ground in a controlled manner.

[jacobeyres]

Really great video! Major Howard is my great uncle so this ones in naturally close to heart

[rdub]

I love how you talk about less famous stories

[thefreakingc]

Was not very active the recent month, thats great content you

[gazza]

"All gave some.
Some gave all." 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇫🇷 🇬🇧

[Pte.Fletcher]

I'm always happy when I see videos about Pegasus, because we never learned about it in school, or any other time, and it's a shame that it isn't known, because it was so important to the war. I do my part, by re-enacting the 2nd Oxf. and Bucks, as well as keeping any of my families history, and items which go along with it, safe with me. My step-great grandfather fought at Pegasus Bridge, I have the cap badge for his beret, and a picture of him on top of my chest of draws. I really hope that the way schools teach history, especially the second world war, is changed a lot. we focus on big stuff, Battle of Britain, Pearl Harbour, a tiny bit on the eastern front, then straight to the 6th of June, missing Pegasus and Orne entirely. I wish I could thank every person who keeps the story in people's heads individually, but sadly, I can't.

[Andyuk]

Hold until relieved… hold until relieved…

[sercancelenk]

My grandpa was in this mission with Captain Price, they destroyed 10 odd German tanks with a Flak 88 gun and a few Panzerschrecks while defending the bridge head.

[notniko]

I have simmilar voice to you, but when i record my voice i sound like a kid

[wolfiqwokami]

Can you animate something about poland or the polish army during ww2?

[SkubbYT]

This is actually playable in the first Call of Duty game from 2003!

[tigermoth]

Men in gliders are not paratroopers. They are classed as airlanding. Sorry I'm a nerd.