Pegasus Bridge

About

Pegasus Bridge, located in the picturesque Normandy countryside, stands as a living monument to one of the most daring operations of World War II. Originally constructed in 1934, the bridge spans the Caen Canal between Caen and Ouistreham and was captured by a unit of D Company, 2nd (Airborne) Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry on the very first day of the Allied invasion, 6 June 1944. This swift glider‑borne raid, led by Major John Howard, secured both Pegasus Bridge and the nearby Ranville Bridge (later renamed Horsa Bridge), preventing German armour from threatening the eastern flank of the landings on Sword Beach and allowing the 6th Airborne Division to remain connected with the main invasion force. In 1994 a modern, wider bascule bridge replaced the original structure, which was then donated to the town of Ranville for a symbolic one‑franc price. The original structure now lies within the grounds of the Pegasus Memorial Museum, a museum inaugurated by the Prince of Wales on 4 June 2000. The museum hosts a café and a small shop selling souvenirs and replicas of bridge memorabilia. Visitors can walk along the original bridge’s remains, view exhibits detailing the airborne assault, and reflect on the pivotal role the bridges played in securing the Normandy landings. Today, Pegasus Bridge is not only a tribute to bravery and engineering but also a popular tourist attraction. The site welcomes visitors year‑round, and the museum offers insights into the Battle of Normandy and the broader war effort. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a family on a day‑trip to Normandy, or a solo traveler eager to walk in the footsteps of airborne troops, the bridge and its memorial provide a moving experience that brings the past vividly into the present. The peaceful surroundings, combined with the dramatic backdrop of the Caen Canal, make it a memorable stop for any visitor to the region.