The Battle of Pegasus Bridge - D Day 1944

[@uncleheavy6819]

The PIAT shot by Sgt Thornton has been described as being arguably the most important single shot of D-Day.

[@TheHistoryChap]

That’s an interesting point and you could very well be right

[@nigelprice3885]

He was spot on 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@karlsenula9495]

That raises another question. Had the D-Day landings failed could the Germans have been defeated by Allied air power, the advance through Italy, possibly an invasion of Southern France (as later happened) and the Soviet advance alone?

[@talpark8796]

nonsense

[@thedisabledwelshman9266]

@@TheHistoryChap brillian always chris. enjoyed it. see you tomorrow.

[@hollin220]

“Hold until relieved … Hold until relieved.” The Longest Day was always one of my favorites. Great video

[@woodrowpreacely7521]

For some reason that phrase always stuck with me from that flick too - like a way to live through life. But too how that actor looked nothing like the real John Howard.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your comment, glad you enjoyed my video

[@AnotherSale]

@@woodrowpreacely7521 That actor was "Richard Todd" who incidently was a Para and was actually there that night. He parachuted after the glider landings and he fought with them through the night. In the film, he actually nods at the person who was playing his part in the war!

[@niallfitzpatrick6568]

​​@@AnotherSale That's true, and I think his senior officer's surname was Pinecoffin! I thought Richard Todd was excellent portraying Major Howard myself.but that's just my opinion.

[@jamesomaha5330]

@@woodrowpreacely7521 Major Howard told once, in a interview, that after that movie his men could not stop pulling his leg.

[@haalstaag]

I have Pegasus bridge on my cap badge and I met Major Howard in the mid nineties….him and his wife were lovely people

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks so much for sharing. You’re a lucky man

[@mariantaylor7109]

Some years after the war Richard Todd bought and worked a farm in Lincolnshire . When ,after his death, the farm was cleared for sale they found the army webbing he had been wearing at Pegasus Bridge during that heroic fight . I understand that it was placed at the cafe along with other memorabilia of the Paras . We will remember them .

[@baronoflivonia.3512]

Thank You for this video. We must never forget this Greatest Generation that fought for our future,

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Brilliant video. My mum had a cousin Jack Chatterton in the gliders on D Day then he was at Arnhem. Swam the river to escape and lived in a barn eating turnips for 9 days. A very modest unassuming man. My wife had an uncle in the Green Howards in one of the first waves and was wounded. Lastly my mum’s brother my Uncle Tom landed in Normandy with the York and Lancs around day 6 or 9, I can’t remember which. He was a Sgt Major and was wounded and buried in a cellar at Caen. He was trapped for several days. All very brave men.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your family story. Brave men indeed.

[@JohnHopkins-hn7hu]

My dad, sailed from Falmouth, on the 4th. 300 or so troops! Half the regiment, believing they were to join the invasion for the 5th. As we know, it was postponed till the next day. Their ship lost power somewhere in the channel. Eventually they were towed, but arrived 3 days late. No rations and a shortage of drinking water. Very rough seas, but they got there. Only to find the other half of the regiment had taken all the supplies! From what I remember of the conversations, dad and his army friends, was the fact that they had nothing to eat and drink upset them the most!

[@uncleheavy6819]

I have always thought that it was a smart idea to land the British soldiers on the other side of the bridge to the pub.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m chuckling away, thanks for posting

[@jonathannorris8992]

Yup that’s bloody funny, and oh so true

[@maryholder3795]

😂😊😂

[@danielvanmol5655]

Don't forget that they also liberated the first cafe in France :-)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Indeed, they did

[@nobbytang]

They needed a cup of tea ….haha …brilliant

[@charlieyerrell9146]

A few years ago I visited that cafe and the daughter madam gondre and I talked and it showed that she still did not like the Germans. And she did not like the euro money she called it German money.

[@davidperry7128]

@@charlieyerrell9146 She took it though I dare say. Jacques Delors was probably the most influential person in the monetary union project, a Parisian.

[@janberings7743]

🍷

[@charliemansonUK]

Another great tale excellently told! My ex wife's grandad used to go back every year and stay with a family he met just after the fight about 1km from the bridge. He was a Cumbrian in the Ox and Bucks. They where life long friends and I still have a windmill made from cow horn the family gave him on his annual pilgrimage in the 1960's

[@DaveSCameron]

Wonderful comment. Best wishes. 🇬🇧📚👏

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your family story.

[@waltCW3ret]

Absolutely brilliant!! ...or in my American English, out-frikken-standing!! Thank you for honoring the D-Day heroes with this video. Lest we ever forget....

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@unstablegenius7808]

Excellent presentation, these men were beyond brave, truly the greatest generation!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@robertpalmer3235]

​@@TheHistoryChap You need to do a bit of editing/correcting in the video and commentary. Deadstick NO PIAT "rocket launcher" NO Simple things, but shows that you need to put more research into your videos. From the son of a D.Day Ox and Bucks soldier, that landed that day.

[@moobaz8675]

It's just a bonkers story. The glider pilots skills and accuracy in landing their gliders bang on target was truly amazing. The courage and bravery of the glider troops and the speed of execution of their task was staggering.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@aberavon]

Yes indeed, sent into battle with WWI 3.03. rifles and having to use captured German machine guns due unsuitable rifles in that condition. I have seen as a National Service men when firing those rifles being pushed back from rifle kick back, then wasting time reforming into firing positions, that's what they had to put up with on the bridge.

[@timec2002]

An excellent piece Chris, these men were pivotal to the whole operation and it’s important that their contribution to the liberation of Europe is never forgotten. Ham and Jam..!! 👍🏻

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@steveinthemountains8264]

I'm also in awe of the glider pilots...and the rest of those brave guys who captured and held Pegasus Bridge. I could not have done what they did.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@danielvanmol5655]

Have been there 3 times. You have to see the bridge and the places where they landed. Even today, with gps, it would be hard to do better the these pilots. And in gliders!! Top job.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Those pilots were the same age as my son!

[@harryshriver6223]

It was a wonderful presentation of the first battle of the D Day invasion. Major Howard and the glider pilots deserve to be commended for their legendary deeds along with all of the troops, I salute them, huuah, Essayons from one old combat engineer to his fellow Sappers! 👏

[@TheHistoryChap]

Harry, I’m glad that you enjoyed it. I really regret not getting over to Normandy this year for the celebrations.

[@georgebailey98]

One of the best missions in the original 2003 Call of Duty is Pegasus Bridge, back when the game was set during WW2. Waves of Germans attack from both sides of the bridge, the Panzer turns up and the mission ends with cinematic music as the relief arrives.

[@oteliogarcia1562]

yes, well said.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@ProfessorM-he9rl]

Thank you. They will not be forgotten and always remembered. RIP.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@mattheweagles5123]

I visited many years ago, the original bridge was in the field nearby. It's notable that the first building liberated in France by the British was a pub.

[@stephenmcdonald7908]

Naturally.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your comment.

[@nathanappleby5342]

May all of the Allied soldiers who died that day rest in peace.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@jgonzalez101]

Yes, absolutely! 👍

[@GregWampler-xm8hv]

Amen.

[@daniellebcooper7160]

A truly inspiring story, told in the spirit of an old 1960's 'Commando' paperback. Well done.,

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@gareththomas9461]

I’ve just come back from the bridge, as a former commando this is one of the most amazing mission on WW2

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@ramblingbunnyable]

I'm sad that I can only leave one 'thumbs up', as usual your videos deserve more.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.

[@craigevans4575]

This is possibly the best yet! Absolutely love it and was presented perfectly. Cheers Chris

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@annehersey9895]

Those glider landings were so spot on it amazes me still! Bravo to all who saved Democracy one bridge at a time! I always learn at least one new thing from your videos-usually more! Today, I learned there were only 6 gliders-YIKES!! So much could have gone wrong-Market Garden springs to mind, but they couldn’t have done better! Hitler’s men’s fear of waking him was the Greatest German performance in support of D-Day. Reminds me of how by the time of the Stauffenburg failed bomb plot weeks later, the Allies put out the word that they wanted NO more attempts on his life as he was doing such a good job of mucking things up!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & fornyour interesting feedback.

[@antonypelling9194]

Brilliantly stated.

[@andrewfischer8564]

just love in the movie "the longest day" an actor playing lt. richard todd speaks to major howard played by an actor lt. richard todd.. wore his own battle worn beret

[@andrewfischer8564]

i really need to watch the whole video before i comment. bad habbit

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback.

[@SimonParkes-ud4jn]

In 1988 I was working at a small photographic shop in Guildford. A little old man, walking with the aid of two sticks, brought in a single negative of a painting and asked us to print it for him. We did so, thinking little of it. When he came in to collect it he said we had printed it the wrong way round. “Are you sure?” I said. “Yes” he replied “look, the magazine on that Sten is on the wrong side”. “And” he said “that’s me, there, in the painting”. The little old man was Major John Howard and the painting was of the assault on Pegasus Bridge. An extraordinary man and an extraordinary operation.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your really interesting story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your really interesting story.

[@TechnikMeister2]

Its always the feats of heroism committed by largely unknown soldiers that are the most moving. 2025 I hope to travel from Australia to meet up with my daughter who lives in the UK now, and visit some of these special places as well as my late great uncle's grave, who lost his life at Armentieres in late 1916 after just 2 days on the front. Thank you for your moving and well researched videos that bring history to life again.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your kind comments. Hope you have a lovely time in 2025.

[@venividiviking]

A documentary without drums and horns in background..Excellent job old chap 👌 On top of that, outstanding docu itself. Thanks from a new subber from Denmark

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support, glad you enjoyed my video

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

What heroes these men were. How cool that you got to see the site. Cheers Ron

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your comments & for watching my video.

[@cleophusA]

AMAZING feat of daring and courage! We truly stand on the shoulders of giants.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@michaelstraker1027]

Thanks, Chris, for a wonderfully entertaining and poignant story. I am always in awe of these brave men, and I wish I had the words to adequately convey my respect and admiration for them.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@alanwood7373]

I'm watching this. Just gone midnight, morning of the 6/6/2024. I love watching the film "longest day".

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@HarryWHill-GA]

The cafe should serve a Pegasus Sandwich: Ham and Jam on a French Baguette. Thanks Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Good menu choice. I had a beer and a packet of rips when I visited!

[@martinhogg5337]

Terrific retelling of the story of Pegasus bridge! A great tribute to those brave men involved.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed my video

[@Fred-px5xu]

I enjoyed your video lecture on the assault on Pegasus Bridge . Brilliant example of planning, timing, and training. Not to mention pure elan of the British Glider Troops. Continue on Sir producing brilliant video lectures. God bless and have an extremely successful year.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video & for your feedback. Thanks for watching.

[@MichaelSmith-mc8bd]

Superb presentation! I visited the Pegasus bridge around 10 year’s ago, a very moving and humbling experience meeting with the owners of the café.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & thanks for your interesting comment.

[@robertbowers9856]

I have a pair of Pegasus Airborne Patches and my wife loved them because of the Pegasus' and I loved them because of what they did!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your comment.

[@kingjoe3rd]

I remember reading the Steven Ambrose book on Pegasus Bridge when I was in the Marine Corps and reading about how tough of a man Major Howard was and how hard they trained before the operation. The hikes they would do put our distances to shame, but we also carried heavier equipment.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your comment

[@niallfitzpatrick6568]

This is one of my favourite KZbin channels (I'm giving the Leeds United ones a miss until i recover from the hurt that was last season lol).. Keep up your fine work!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@josephnardone1250]

Great video! They were truly the men of The Greatest Generation.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@jimfell7147]

Had the great honour to visit Normandy a number of years ago and the Pegasus Bridge was one of the high points, what a tremendous sacrifice those young men made along with all the people invoved in the D-Day landings, I hope todays youth eventually get an education that reminds them of the price paid to get them their freedoms they are abusing now. By the way if you go pack a lunch the restaurant mentioned is not cheap.

[@jonthinks6238]

What ham and jam? I've learned in my travels around the world, spend a few dollars more an enjoy the experience to the fullest. Order the champagne and what the fellows had. Maybe take a C Ration.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@frankjaeger1877]

Fantastically told and explained. I have visited Pegasus Bridge several times, including this year at the 1st of June for the 80th anniversary of D-Day on our way to St. Mere Eglise. It was only this year I realised, that these were the first fightings on D-Day and that the bridge was liberated before the American paratroops liberated French towns. I am so happy and fortunate that I can celebrate the free and peaceful Europe with people, no, friends from all over the world. Great encounters with wonderful people. Greetings from Germany.

[@olengagallardo8551]

Richard Todd who played Maj Howard in the Longest Day was a LT during D day and actually took part in this battle!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@SteveHB59]

A thought today for an uncle, Wally Red Mullet Sgt glider regiment

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@tommytraddles]

Wonderful story superbly told. What incredibly brave men. Moving and inspiring. May they rest in peace and never be forgotten.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@markfrommontana]

Chris, brilliant research and presentation. What a treat on the eve of D-Day. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@walkingwithstephen]

It was Operation Tonga. Deadstick was the training excercise for the gliders. Thee operation to capture the Orne river and canal bridges was known as 'Coup De Main'.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting feedback.

[@kennydalglish8072]

Yet another great video. Please continue to make content about lesser known but crucial moments in British history mr.Green.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your kind comments, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@tomrees4812]

I’ve passed through Pegasus Bridge lots of times at the beginning and end of holidays for maybe 30 years or more and now I know the significance. Thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@Katmando007]

Thank you, Chris, for another fascinating video.Your narration is top class.💂‍♂️🫡👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@staffofdagda6238]

Thank you for a enlightening video of major event in history.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@pbrobotspbrobots1710]

me and my wife were visiting here on the 75th D-Day anniversary, the locals had put on a great reception for everyone who was visiting that year, food and drink in plenty of supply. it was hard to get into the café as it was the place it visit though we did manage to slip in and out. the airborne museum was also packed with people and it was hard to really take it all in, but that said I will be going back when its less congested to really experience it all.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your interesting experience.

[@CraneofBoulogne]

The art work really makes this story more understandable!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks

[@philipopperman7570]

You treat us with a lot of amazing content Sir. Much appreciated

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video

[@sameyers2670]

I went to Pegasus Bridge and the Cafe Gondree in 2010 as part of a trip to the D Day beaches, a very interesting trip

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@tonywaterhouse5291]

up to your first class standard Chris, really enjoyed it, you have a great way of story telling

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thank you for taking the time to post.

[@MartinHopkinson]

An excellent video, Chris. You tell the story so well. I’m also inclined to agree with Leigh-Mallory: an astounding piece of flying!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching my video

[@IndianaDel1]

My Grandfather appears in one of the photos you used, he was a member of the 6th Airborne Division at that time.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the information, & thanks for watching my video

[@fireykev]

Excellent presentation, thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@richardrae5049]

Went there several years back and it certainly has a special sort of atmosphere.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@Mookie1340]

Such an amazing story to hear, as we commemorate the 80 year anniversary of the few, that sacrificed their life’s for us today. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@muondude]

We all owe a debt to these young men. Saw the bridge when visiting Normandy. Very emotional. Thank for a wonderful tribute to these brave men.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you & thanks for watching my video.

[@milt6208]

I like reading about great engagement of D-Day. This is one of the greatest of the War.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@edweatherup8569]

Excellent video, thank you very much! (note to advertisers: every time your product advert interrupts a video, I make sure never to buy anything from you, ever.)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@paulrichards2350]

Thank you for this video, may we never forget what these brave men did for us❤️

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@derickl436]

Thank goodness the Austrian painter was a sound sleeper!

[@walkingwithstephen]

No relevance. Every commander had orders to act the instance an invasion occured in their sector. 7th and 15th Armies were on alert. 21st Panzer was under control of 716 Division. The panzer reserves were not planned to counter attack until 24-72 hours and it would be a 3 Panzer Division counter attack. The German commanders in Normandy were not able to co-ordinate a coherent defence. Units of 21st Panzer were split either side of Caen. Some 21st Panzer units were chasing shadows neaer Troarn. One company had blank rounds as they were still training.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@jonny7491]

If you can’t get to Normandy There is a bridge called Countess Wear lift and swing bridge similar to Pegasus bridge on the A379 south of Exeter crossing Alpine Brook is where they also trained, there is a plaque commemorating this event.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Absolutely correct. Thanks for sharing.

[@critcalreader4160]

Thank you for bringing us this amazing story. This is yet another story of WWII that I had not heard before.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@warrenmilford6848]

It's really touching that those glider troops at -39, wrote the names of presumably their wives or girlfriends on their glider. Going into battle, and a very possible death, with their loved ones being connected to them.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment.

[@wolfu597]

A very interesting event that night was after one glider crashed in the river, and their medic came up on the German side of the river. As he approached the other side, soaking wet, with gunfire still around them, major John Howard spotted him and said "Well I'll be.... Hey doc, doc. Doc, what the hell are you doing over there? That's the German side?" "Sir. Anybody can make a mistake."

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting feedback.

[@JonniePolyester]

That was absolutely fantastic. I have had the postcard of Pegasus Bridge since I was a kid on my wall & I have never heard the story behind it till now. It is truly humbling to learn of the immense bravery and skill of those amazing young men. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@JonniePolyester]

@@TheHistoryChap what’s not to enjoy? ☺️

[@michaelellard4664]

I had the pleasure of being at the Bridge and eat in the Cafe. A brilliant experience.

[@TheHistoryChap]

It is quite special, isn’t it?

[@rob-caskie]

Fantastic story, Chris. The collection of literally unbelievable moments is staggering. And the unreliable PIAT launcher serving them so well - TWICE! When I visited the bridge and Gondree' Cafe', I thought the proprietor needed some improvement in customer relations? May Howard and his men Rest In Peace.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@OzoneTuna]

Thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support, & for watching my video

[@andrewmcfarlane5040]

'In awe' indeed. We will remember them. Thank you for this lovely tribute to these men.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@davidgray3321]

That was a really first class episode, well done, the whole thing started on the right foot due to the excellent pilots. Good show, and the later conduct of the excellent troops. Britains best.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@localbod]

Thank you for a very enjoyable video presentation. Most informative and interesting.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@IamNasman]

Ive been to Pegasus bridge and the museum, very moving. Amazing when you have a look at the Horsa and the kit they had.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your feedback.

[@stumpyfishermen6991]

My grandfather was in the gliders on pegasus bridge, Tom Miskell. He made it through to Arnham , then was shot in the leg but medically evacuated

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & sharing your family story.

[@simonnoble7589]

Hi , chris thank you so very much for your hard work .....

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.

[@stigg333]

Fantastic story of many very brave soldiers, can't imagine what was going through their minds or how the kept it all together when they were sitting in those wooden gliders waiting to land in enemy territory. Thanks for that and stay well.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video and for taking the time to post a comment. I appreciate your ongoing support

[@danielvanmol5655]

Von luchs wrote a good book about his career. The fight about ranville and caen is part of it. Great book

[@TheHistoryChap]

He and Howard met on several occasions in later life

[@grahamwaz4689]

Excellent presentation, professionally scripted and delivered. Far superior to some of the mainstream. Many thanks for your efforts

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching my video

[@JoeRitchie-e5l]

So brave and disciplined. True heroes.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@normtrooper4392]

I went to this bridge on a tour. Honestly a bit of a miracle they managed the task. Cheers for the video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & for the feedback.

[@michaelcoughlin3828]

What an excellent video, told with awe, respect , accuracy and humour. Well done the “Ox and Bucks”

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@Augh98-nt2zn]

This part of the movie The Longest Day was always one of the most exciting for me as a young boy. It was the best battle scene besides the French Marine Commando assault on the port.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@canary_in_a_coalmine]

Love that the cafe is still there run by that family. Somehow that also serves as a memento to those heroes.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@DaveAinsworth-y8h]

The 'D'' Company 2nd (52nd Foot) Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry carrier of gliders from RAF Aylebury to Capture of Pegasus and Horsa Bridges. The RAF Aylebury is now many houses where there is Pegasus Ave

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing that info.

[@allanburt5250]

Excellent Chris

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.

[@catdude5567]

My grandfather was in the 90th division, the Tough Hombres. Part of that division stormed the Utah beach. The rest of the division, along with my grandfather, went ashore on D4. He finished the war in Czechoslovakia, a Sargent, a bronze star, an arrowhead with 5 combat stars (maybe 4 stars) on his infantry badge. The 90th division was part of Patton's 3rd army.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your interesting family story.

[@WolfKnight-y3v]

Where else would you expect to find the British army but next to or in the pub god bless all of our service personnel and thank you for what you did for us and the people of all the world it's a shame that the government never look after them when they leave the service , great Chanel and great presenter Ty 👍🐺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@DaveAinsworth-y8h]

There is a great book The Pegagus Bridge by a American historian. The King's Shropshire LI was the Young Bucks, one of the pilots was Staff Sergeant Ainsworth. The Gliders was from RAF Aylesbury. Both my older and myself was a Rifleman in Aylesbury son's of Ainsworth born in RAF HALTON

[@brasstacks4801]

It is a very good book written by Stephen E. Ambrose who also wrote the brilliant book Band of Brothers

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your family story.

[@andrewadius142]

Great documentary!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@HandyMan657]

Howard was a true legend.

[@tommytraddles]

A real hero. A fitting memorial to him by the bridge but is he commemorated in the UK?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@danielvanmol5655]

And i really doubt it could be outdone even today!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Awe inspiring feat.

[@QALibrary]

Wonder what happens to the pilots flying the gliders? Were they expected to get out and fight? were they trained by the army/parachute regiment?

[@frankanderson5012]

I believe they were usually solders trained as pilots, so yes they got out and fought once landed.

[@TheHistoryChap]

They carried ammunition from the gliders up to the bridge.

[@AndrewJones-bk4sl]

Yes they were soldiers trained as glider pilots and fought with the rest when they landed. When they were relieved by Lord Lovat and moved to the Orne river bridge Major Howard ordered them to make their way to the beaches to be taken back to England to fly more gliders over in the subsequent waves.

[@frankflegg8968]

What a fantastic video. Thank you so much.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thans for watching.

[@alancranford3398]

I first learned about this operation in the 1960's when the movie, "The Longest Day," was televised. I was in third or fourth grade at the time and had limited library access, had limited history lessons in school, so television was a major window to the rest of the world--and to history. Crashing a glider almost onto the bridge impressed me because I had experienced a bicycle accident and woke up wearing my bike. Crashing in a canvas and wooden glider? Thanks for your presentation on this glider assault. You explained why gliders were used despite Rommel's Asparagus instead of parachute infantry. Two other options were relying on the Maquis to capture those bridges and sending commandos in motorboats up the canal and river from the ports--both were rejected in the planning stages as unlikely to succeed. I liked the speculation over using gliders during Market Garden. Gliders landed airborne troops as a unit and they were pre-assembled, didn't need to shed parachutes and hunt around for weapon containers and for other paratroopers. All the glider infantry's weapons and equipment went with them on the glider, which made it much easier to find in the dark. Crashing through the barbed wire obstacles and skidding to within fifty feet made it possible to take over the bridge before the alarm could be raised, before anything more than piecemeal resistance mounted.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting comments.

[@spiritofgroot1999]

Brilliant again thank you. I was hoping that my hometown bridge in Grimsby would get a mention as it was used as Pegasus bridge for training for the operation (according the the local paper) - Corporation bridge

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting feedback.

[@craiggemmell2738]

Great research and delivery as always, Old Boy! Looking forward to more👍😎🇬🇧🇳🇿

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.