Pegasus Bridge: The First Assault on D-Day | History Traveler Episode 177

This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
Part 3 of the "Normandy 1944" Series
Along the Normandy coastline, there are a few iconic locations from D-Day that stand out above the rest. One of those is undoubtably Pegasus Bridge, which was the first objective to be taken on June 6, 1944 by Major John Howard and the men of the British 6th Airborne Division. In this episode, we're taking a visit to the location where Howard and his men assaulted this key position over the Caen Canal as well as the museum nearby which houses some fascinating artifacts associated with the attack. We'll also get the story about how a piece of Pegasus Bridge ended up with Erik Dorr at The Gettysburg Museum of History. Much to see!!!
Get your History Underground MERCH at www.thehistoryundergroundstore.com
Set yourself up with a 10% DISCOUNT on all Origin gear and nutritional products by entering the code "history10" at www.originmaine.com!
Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- The Guns of EASY COMPANY!!! (Band of Brothers) | American Artifact Episode 1: • The Guns of EASY COMPA...
- Staying in a 16th Century French Manor!!! (EP 49): • Staying in a 16th Cent...
- Exploring the FORGOTTEN 6th Beach of D-Day (EP 175): • Exploring the FORGOTTE...
- The Private Collection of Major Dick Winters (EP 151): • The Private Collection...
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Facebook: thehistoryunderground
Instagram: the_history_underground
Help spread history and share this with a friend. And be sure to SUBSCRIBE to catch all of the latest content when it drops. Thanks!

[@chrisr9380]

Thanks for not forgetting us Brits. Many Americans dont venture anywhere near the British or Canadian sites. Fascinating place and a great museum. The cemetery at Ranville is worth a visit too.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. I find the contributions of the British and Canadians to be extremely fascinating and in the U.S., very underrepresented. Hopefully people are sharing these videos!

[@jasonjackson1100]

Believe it or not my friend... Many Americans had no clue about Dunkirk..... Remember Dunkirk was before the Americans were in the war.... Yes I know lame excuse.... America's just weren't taught about the allies simple as that

[@northwalesmod]

Shame on you ,We where at war trying to free the poor people of Europe from the Devil for many years ,Before you lot turn up !!?

[@Yabbers403]

I had the pleasure of meeting Major John Howard DSO back in 1994. I was lucky enough to meet him at Pegasus Bridge. And spent the an afternoon with him drinking coffee at cafe gondree. His opening words to me were 'why does a young man like you want to talk to an old man like me' I said your not just any old man, you are a very brave special old man. He was really lovely. He told my friend and I all about the mission. And nothing was to much trouble for him. I will always remember meeting this special man!

[@williamrussell9601]

WOW -- how lucky were you, that must have been amazing!!

[@JJherne]

A friend of mine’s uncle was sent to France in 1939 with the BEF, was captured during the Dunkirk evacuation and later escaped. After that he got involved with the Resistance in the area around Pegasus Bridge, getting to know the family who ran the cafe near the bridge. My friend is still in contact with and knows that family all these years later. Thankfully his uncle wrote his memoirs and they are something else - captured, escaped, captured again, escaped again, joined the Resistance and saw some action with them, eventually made his way to Spain where he was interred and mistreated, finally released back to Blighty and was promptly arrested under suspicion of being a German spy! Later exonerated, rejoined his regiment and saw further action at Monte Cassino where he was injured and saw out the rest of the war in England. Extraordinary things done by an ordinary man.

[@robertmorey4104]

Great story! If it wasn't a war - yuod say he had a grand adventure!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! Thanks for sharing that.

[@MotionMcAnixx]

Incredible - as you say, an everyman, but wow what a story!

[@sowhoareyou]

Hi, what is the title of the published memoirs, if they were published? Faszinating story!

[@johnfradgley7368]

No my friend, definitely not an ordinary man!!

[@rg20322]

The glider pilots that landed this that close is absolutely amazing!

[@mikeybreakz6292]

how they even got the gliders off the ground with the weight of the brass balls on those men is amazing. they were truly the greatest generation of men.

[@davepalmer146]

My father landed in Normandy on June 6th 1944 in a Horsa glider as part of the 6th airborne division. Thanks to history underground for making this video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Those guys were something else.

[@ericharmon7163]

Wow, thank you to him. I hope he was able to live a peaceful life after the war.

[@davepalmer146]

@@ericharmon7163 Hi Eric, yes he did have a peaceful life after the war but left us too early at age 66.

[@RubyBandUSA]

Dave, did he ever talk about the landing being a bit bumpy? (trying my best to be tongue in cheek)

[@leonjoffe6380]

My father in law Major Arthur Rowe was a Halifax pilot and Squadron Commander who towed gliders on D Day. Maybe he towed your father. Thanks for your comment Mr Palmer. And thankyou for the video to the historians

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Seriously, how is there even a SINGLE thumbs down on this video, let alone 21 of them? People are clueless or just trying to be jerks. This is some fantastic stuff right here.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Probably has something to do with ugly dude pointing the camera at himself. 😅

[@ChillPillDyl]

@@TheHistoryUnderground nah they’re just upset you didn’t give tips on how to be equally as handsome 😂

[@sdebeaubien]

They appear to have disappeared. I don't see any "Dislikes" on the count at all now. They must have been spoofed, or spam equivalents. Maybe they got there from bots or something as well. But they have gone away, as is appropriate.

[@Zaluskowsky]

@@sdebeaubien if i lift my rock a bit, it seems youtube disabled the dislike counter?

[@blackvulcan100]

@@sdebeaubien Utube have done away with "dislikes," a new policy, not sure why.

[@MrDavidht]

Excellent. I read a book by a US historian who met and be-friended Major Howard whilst on a visit to Pegasus Bridge. In the book he relates that in 1940 the cafe owner at the bridge buried his stock of champagne on the basis 'the Nazis can have his country but certainly not his champagne'. On June 6th he liberated the champagne from its hiding place and served it up to the men of D Company of the 2nd Ox & Bucks.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome story.

[@reggriffiths5769]

Congratulations on a very fine video. It's a sad fact that in almost all American documentaries about D-Day and the Normandy Landings, no credit whatsoever is given to the British and Canadian troops who actually outnumbered the American contingent - it is always about Omaha and Utah. In fact, what usually comes across is that D-Day was ONLY fought by the Americans! I think the presenter on this video was alo the gentleman who toured and videoed the D-Day beaches a year or two back, and how refreshing it was to see him cover the British side of things. Full marks all round, and thank you for putting the British effort on record.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yep, I was in Normandy early in 2020 and really hated that I wasn’t able to cover more of the British and Canadian sectors. Fixing that this time around 😄

[@reggriffiths5769]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Ahh, you've restored my faith in humankind. Thanks again.

[@RubyBandUSA]

Reg, speaking as a Yank ... I speak for 10's of millions of American who totally recognize and are totally in awe of all the British efforts, inventions, manpower, ingenuity, victories, heroics, and courage in WWII. Not to mention, bagpipe music during the battles!

[@reggriffiths5769]

@@RubyBandUSA While I welcome your comments, millions-by-ten is pure hyperbole, and doesn't show in the hundreds-to-one American Histories. Even the best of these will simply state "America and her Allies" (which Allies?), and then go on to give chapter and verse about Omaha, Utah and the Germans, totally ignoring the contribution of British and Canadian troops. Having conversed with a great many American visitors, I discovered that the "Allied" effort is not even mentioned in American schools. In a recent documentary, a number of American Highschool students were asked questions about the war, and not one of them thought it was anything but a war between America and Europe, with one student believing it was fought between "America and 'England'!" What a damming indictment on American education! Even the guy who made this video has recognised the one-sided accounts and has tried to correct the imbalance. If you check out any American account of the Bulge, Bastogne, Arnhem, The Rhine, Sicily, Italy, North Africa, you'll find little-to-no mention of any forces other than American - some of which the Americans were not even directly involved! The reason is very simple: Your historians and governments have never liked to give credit to anyone else - and it shows!

[@sscriver]

I'm in Canada, and I always say: Maybe we should do as good a job as the Americans in blowing our own horn. Thanks to "The History Underground" for giving this nod to us.

[@rustymacneil3227]

I was 9 yrs old when my parents took me to see the Longest Day. I still remember the line " hold until relieved". Thank you for this, God bless those brave lads.

[@jiz65]

My Uncle was in the 6th Airborne Division on June 6th 1944, sadly I didn’t find this out until after his death, he never ever spoke about it, but I am immensely proud of him and all those who took and held Pegasus, this year I want to visit as my cousin says the cafe has photos of my uncle from that time hanging on the wall

[@itsonlyme9938]

Amazing how they managed to land in the dark and know where the bridge was, the whole of D Day operation was a masterpiece of outstanding planning.

[@renard801]

Yes, it was astonishing to land so close to the bridges in the dead of night. It was due to the amazing flying skills of the glider pilots. Staff Sergeant Jim Wallwork piloted the lead glider. Air Chief Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory said it was the most outstanding flying achievements of the war and eight of the glider pilots were awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal.

[@paulorchard7960]

Imagine being a german defender and seeing 3 gliders within 3 minutes drop right on your doorstep giving you no time to react!

[@crikey6981]

This is the comment of the entire D-Day landing....well done Sir in correctly pointing out the pilots of the aircraft. Their amazing skill enabled then attack to succeed.

[@andrewfischer8564]

Richard Todd, who took part in the action at the bridge at Benouville (later renamed Pegasus Bridge), was offered the chance to play himself, but joked, "I don't think at this stage of my acting career I could accept a part 'that' small." He played the commander of the bridge assault, Maj. John Howard, instead. In a strange twist of fate, in one scene of the battle for the bridge, a soldier runs up to Todd, plying Maj. Howard, and relays information about the battle to him. During the real battle, Todd actually did run up to Howard and relay information to him. So the film showed a soldier playing Todd run up to Todd playing Howard and relaying information that the real Todd gave to the real Howard.

[@91Redmist]

In the movie, Todd wore his actual beret from the battle. Pretty neat little factoid.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for that extra info!

[@orbtastic]

@@91Redmist I have read that too. I understand that the majority of the casualities on the attack were down to them not wearing helmets i.e. wearing the berets. I don't know if it was mandated in later battles that a helmet be worn but I know the medics did comment on the amount of head injuries, can't recall off-hand which book has that in.

[@91Redmist]

@@orbtastic Perhaps "A Bridge Too Far" by Cornelius Ryan? Yeah, I was thinking the same thing, why did they drop not wearing helmets? Those WW2 British paratroopers were some real men. Up against miserable odds,, they fought tooth, nail and claw against enemy armored units at Arnhem. They have my deepest respect.

[@orbtastic]

@@91Redmist I genuinely can’t recall. I’ve read so many ww2 books they all merge into one after a while. I think it was specifically one about Pegasus bridge. There’s 100s of photos of Arnhem and they show mostly helmeted paras but there are still plenty of berets on show. I’ve maybe 20 Arnhem books so I can’t really remember the detail.

[@julianroberts7116]

Another great video - thank you for your efforts. It's good to see you covering stories from D-Day that don't involve American forces - with respect, so many Americans don't seem to know next to nothing about any other country's efforts in the war, seeing it as 'America vs Europe and Japan' or whatever. I worked on a Summer camp in Connecticut in the mid 90's, and in one conversation with my group of twenty 14yr olds, most of them thought WW2 started with Pearl Habour. Seriously. So, I respectfully thank you again for your work, it's interesting, intelligent and eloquently narrated - I love your channel.

[@apacherider7110]

I've visited Pegasus Bridge 3 times and visited all 5 beaches, and many other sites. To visit the British & commonwealth graves at Bayeux is very emotional. All schoolchildren should visit these sites as part of their education. In some hope it doesn't happen again. Nice to see the Americans showing what us Brits did. We were the first to declare war on Nazi Germany so a fitting tribute to be the first to liberate the first building in mainland Europe. Great vid.👍

[@billydonaldson6483]

My mother’s younger brother Billy whom I’m named after was in the Green Howard’s who were part of the 6th Airborne. They captured Ranville and Breville after fierce fighting and counter attacks. They then reinforced the troops on the bridge. He lost his life on the 8th of July 1944 in the battle for Caen.He is buried in the Ranville War Cemetery, most of the officers and men of his regiment had been killed by the end of July. The survivors said that it was the withering mortar fire from the Germans that had accounted for a large proportion of the casualties.

[@aebirkbeck2693]

An excellent video I am impressed on your accuracy of the narrative. I am an ex British Para and a bunch of us were visiting the site 80s and the cafe was "cafe Gondree " and when we were there it was run by Madam Gondree the daughter who was 4 or 5 at the time of the landings. She recounted to us the whole family were hiding in the cellar when the shooting started and she was told to be quite when her family were hiding in the darkness and then the cellar was opened and she saw strange looking men in strange patterned clothing and speaking a strange language which was the airborne soldiers and at her age she didn't know what to make of them. That was a great trip and to meet her and hear story was also a great privilege.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate those kind words. Thanks for that extra info!

[@worldwarwill1278]

Really great story thanks for sharing it here. I went on a trip to Normandy in April 2022 and Madam Gondrée (the daughter) is still there serving and talking to people.

[@denisrobertmay875]

The Gondree family descendants still give a privileged service to current British Servicemen ( this is not to be exploited and mutual respect is due). I sure they do to other Allied Servicemen. Currently serving British Servicemen are expected to do Unit Staff Rides to Normandy Sites having done their own research into their Service Roles in the Overlord Operation.

[@clivep500]

Lovely to see an American covering other allies contributions to D Day. One of the best joint forces campaigns of all time.

[@jordancollins1227]

Fantastic series! I love hearing stories of battles that our Allies fought in. Those British troops were some tough gentlemen. 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Got a lot more to come!

[@jak493]

According to my dad who was there- there were a couple of bridges and he was involved in one of the others. Flew a glider which he described as a flying coffin. I lost him many years ago but his stories made me so proud to know him.

[@foxtrotromeo25]

Excellent video, JD! I think Churchill described the gliders landing so close to the bridge as the single finest piece of flying of the entire war. All done using stopwatches, compass bearings and sheer grit.

[@renard801]

The comment was actually made by Air Chief Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory. He said it was among "the most outstanding flying achievements of the war". In recognition of their skill that night, eight of the glider pilots were awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal.

[@Legendary_UA]

The actor portraying MAJ Howard in the movie, "The Longest Day", was part of the actual battle. " Hold until relieved..... hold until relieved"

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇬🇧

[@hmoffatt1389]

That was Richard Todd . Fabulous actor (also played Wg Cmdr Guy Gibson in the Dambusters) He actually met Maj Howard on the bridge and helped repulse counter attacks. Quite a guy.

[@inisipisTV]

@@hmoffatt1389 - Yes, Todd played his commander in the movie then they have a young actor playing him in the movie too.

[@emolachance]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6W2gqF4e9NgfMU

[@emolachance]

Interesting and thorough video about Todd.

[@dukeofoven]

Beautifully described and filmed as ever. Can't help thinking that the men who made such sacrifices that day would be grateful to you for keeping their stories alive.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@53handyman]

On june 7th 1994,I had the great honor to meet major Howard at café Gondrée,he was signing autographs.As I was watching this,a man near John Howard came toward me and asked me what I was waiting for.I answered him:I just wanted to thank him.He went back and told him what i Sais.Major howard invited me to do what I was expected.I thanked him for what He and his men did for my country freedom this very day,it was very emotionnal.Then I joined my family not far from the place.My wife asked me how I felt.I just said to her:I shaked the hand of an history page!

[@cliffmgrungi]

Great video. My grandad was a paratrooper involved in this and loved the war stories he told us when I was a child. I will never forget the scars he showed me from the assault. Shot through the hand on his way in.Everything his generation fought for is all gone now so I’m sure he would be ashamed of the world today. There is no way our grandads would have fought so hard if they had known what a pathetic country we have become. Great Britain isn’t so great anymore.

[@ddjay1363]

Aye.

[@rodneyanderson2037]

Your history vlogs are top notch. Not only do the show the history, and you tell it, but if anyone wants to see it, your vlogs tell them where to go and what to see. Awesome!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them! Feel free to share them out from time to time :)

[@asian3369]

Thank you for this video. I have a Uncle who was a Glider pilot and was at Pegasus Bridge although I never got to meet him I hear stories about him all the time.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! 🇬🇧

[@asian3369]

The History Underground and June 6th 1944 was his birthday. My favorite story is that when they were flying over Normandy a bullet came up in the cockpit like a inch from his foot and his Co-Pilot said happy birthday Martin

[@malcolmcook1915]

Another interesting piece of trivia is that during the Pegasus Bridge action depicted in The Longest Day shows a panicked young German soldier firing a flare gun, but the flare hits and bounces off the underside of the bridge lifting structure. This really did happen, and the soldier firing the flare in the movie was the actual person that fired it for real during the attack.

[@billinns7676]

Just there. The staff at the Museum were the best! They were so helpful and wanted us to have the best experience.... even so much as coming and find us when the video they play was goint to be in english. what a great museum, and what an unbelievable tribute to the bravery of the Brits! warriors

[@davidmathie9512]

Great video. Churchill is quoted as saying the landings at Pegasus bridge were the most daring and precise flying of WW2 . Looking forward to the next installment . Many thanks for posting .Brave brave men.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I would have to agree with Churchill. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisr9380]

Inside the Pegasus Museum there is a story of Russian officers visiting the bridge and being shown around. They refused to believe the gliders landed that close and thought the gliders had been moved there after the fact. Even the Russians thought it was impossible! Haha.

[@palerider4015]

Another interesting story attached to Pegasus Bridge, is that after the bridge was captured by Howard’s men, it had to be held until he was relieved. This was done later that morning by the 1st Special Service Brigade Commandos commanded by Lord Lovat. The commandos were accompanied by their bagpiper Private William Millin (better known as Piper Bill). Piper Bill piped the British Troops into and during the battle for Sword beach. It is said the Germans didn’t know what to make of this man as he played Highland Laddie as the battle was going on. Millin continued to play as they made for their objective to reinforce Pegasus Bridge from John Howard’s troops, whilst still under enemy fire.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Might see a bit more on that in the future 😉

[@michaellendzian2655]

Heroes

[@edgaraquino2324]

Yes, Pale Rider - the Germans were so surprised that this "crazy man" was playing while the bullets were flying that they didn't cut him to pieces...British courage at its finest!!

[@stetomlinson3146]

A little bit of myth meets reality. He didn’t actually play on the approach to the bridge. At the museum there is film of him being interviewed. He says he wasn’t stupid! He carried the pipes and ran like hell for cover!

[@rogerwilliams2902]

@@stetomlinson3146 Said hello to Bill Millin many times, he was in the same care home as my mother. His bagpipes are in our local museum.

[@chriscaviness5296]

My great uncle was killed in the battle of Remagen while defending the Ludendorff bridge. He died the day before the bridge fell. I know this isn’t that bridge, but it definitely reminded me of it. Awesome video! Can’t wait for the rest!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. Thanks for sharing that. Got A LOT more Normandy content on the way.

[@brandonwestbrook6003]

Sorry for your family’s loss. He will live on, as a patriot who defied Tyranny. Respect

[@russjohnson8228]

Hero , they all are

[@TEXCAP]

My uncle was killed just south of that bridge, crossing with Patton near Bad Kreuznach, Germany just 3 days after your Great Uncle. 19 March 1945. Lot of good men lost their lives in that bloody mess. God Bless them all.

[@chriscaviness5296]

@@TEXCAP great men fighting for something they believed in! Very grateful for men like them!

[@Hegshot87]

It's fascinating see these places and the stories behind them. Thanks for taking us along to see it 👊👍

[@davidking6172]

I went here with my Father ages ago. It was great because we are both X British Airborne. You can feel the History in that place it is very moving. Thanks for sharing this it has brought back good memories. I swapped a set of webbing for a Commando Dagger that was carried by a 6th Airborne Division soldier, so I gave it to my Dad for his collection. He has lots of original US Airborne Uniforms and equipment. He was over the moon. Another item saved for life

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow! That is amazing.

[@michaelalexander2306]

There are marker stones to indicate where the gliders landed. It is amazing how close they got.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yes. Very impressive.

[@tonymccake3057]

And at night. That's what's mind blowing. No radar, no engines!

[@John2E0GTU]

Major Howard said the German's didn't hear the crash landings because they were playing music very loudly in their room.

[@hllywd964]

I've always wanted to travel to Normandy...Was going to last year on my 50th birthday had the world not been shut down...awesome series JD!!

[@iiiiiMILLYiiiii]

i remember walking over the bridge one hot day june 6th 2004. i was walking behind 2 English veterans and being younger caught them up.i turned to them and polighty said thank you for you service , and by the way do you ever get fed up with people stopping you all the time ? and in his fantastic cockney accent replyed....to be honest son...it makes you feel like a fa....ing superstar .....lolol god bless them both....i will never forget that... great video as always keep spreading the History....

[@samash1704]

props to the British for this well planned and executed mission

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻 🇬🇧

[@jetsons101]

That's amazing that the original Pegasus Bridge was saved and not scraped, the museum is a good home for it. This epode really reminded me of the Longest Day movie. Thanks to The History Underground for another fine video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Wish that more from that era would have been saved instead of scrapped.

[@inspirationalvideos1966]

A great video, thank you for posting this. When l speak to people under 35 today in my own country, l despair when they put down our country. We are discouraged from even dislaying the Union flag. They don't appreciate what Howard and his nen did on the night nearly 80 years ago, and what it meant to the liberationof France.

[@johnhoward563]

Loved this video, I visited the same location with my wife a few years ago, and was moved by the experience. It leaves you in awe of these brave men. My father server in ww2, and spent time as a pow at stalag. V111c at Sagan.. they should never be forgotten ordinary young men who stepped up and did tier bit,,,, total respect. Jh. Uk

[@davidwaddell9772]

I love watching the videos over again. Thank you for all your work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!!!

[@marcuswardle3180]

In the museum you showed a British paratrooper. The parachute release mechanism was much admired by the American paratroopers as the British just simply turned the mechanism and hit it releasing the parachute. It had been designed with pilots in mind if they fell into the sea. The American parachute 'rig'was held together with hooks. Many American paratroopers drowned when they landed in the flooded areas behind the beaches and couldn't get out of there harnesses quick enough.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Funny that you should mention that. We'll be tackling that on the next American Artifact video.

[@marcuswardle3180]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Can’t wait to watch it!

[@oregonoutback7779]

JD, you never cease to amaze, with the stories you find to share with us. I was aware of this bridge and the significance, but had NO IDEA how close the gliders landed to their target. Can you imagine what went thru the minds of those guarding the bridge that night? I have to say, it was pure military genius for the first building captured during this invasion, to be a coffee shop. Brilliant :)

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! That's hilarious. And yes, it's pretty stunning how close they landed.

[@jonhoggard691]

Us Brits will do anything for a cuppa, even mid-battle ;)

[@brandonwestbrook6003]

AND the exact landing times. Great stuff!

[@markhaward8753]

Stephen ambrose who wrote Band of Brothers wrote a book on it believe it was the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire light infantry 6 gliders, 5 landed all within 47 yards of it the 6th landed 7 miles away. They lost 2 men 1 drowned and 1 shot but captured the bridge and held it plus a second a few hundred meters away as well. 1st action of D day if my memory is correct

[@rows10]

The Germans guards had been guarding the bridge 24hrs a day for months, Mainly to prevent it's damage or destruction by the French Resistance (the main reason that the demolition charges had not been fitted to the bridge, they were found in a bunker nearby). On the night of 5/6 June as part of the allied plan a bombing raid to place not far away. The gliders came in silently but would have made a lot of noise when they landed. The initial thought of the guards was that this noise was from a damaged bomber crashing. As the British troops were on the bridge seconds after landing there was no time to mount a real defence hence the death in action of only 1 soldier Lt Brotheridge. Who was killed after crossing the bridge not before the bridge as stated on the video. (L/cpl Fred Greenhaigh) drown in a pond after being thrown from glider 2 so not killed by enemy action)

[@andrew6978]

Great video. In 1995 I was on a school trip to Normandy during the 50th anniversary of D-Day, I was standing alone on Pegasus bridge when an old guy walked up to me and we started chatting. It was Major John Howard. Only years later was I told he'd sent a letter to my school saying he enjoyed our chat.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow!

[@TheFreebrid]

Love it thank you again for teaching the real stories of History by going to the places it happened brave men gave there lives for the freedom of the world from a mad man let's make sure no one ever forgets there sacrifice BRITISH AND AMERICAN 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇬🇧🇬🇧🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. Got a lot more to come from all of the landing beaches.

[@RubyBandUSA]

hitler was no man, he was subhuman filth. nothing but biological waste that one normally flushes down a toilet. Byron, say hi to Lynyrd

[@GuyPipili]

That was incredible. I have read stories and saw documentary about this particular part of the invasion but forgot about it until now. I am awed by what these men accomplished on D-day against a very heavily defended area held by the Germans. Just incredible to visit through your lens JD. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad that you enjoyed it!

[@32shumble]

The museum at Pegasus should be, IMO, top of the list of museums to visit on a trip to Normandy. It's simply so well done. And you can run across the original bridge shouting 'Ham and jam! Ham and jam!'

[@philangell1403]

Thanks for this. Mum pointed your video out to me. Dad was in the Ox & Bucks, landing by glider on D-Day and at Hamminkeln in March '45 for the Rhine Crossing. He didn't fight in D company for Pegasus Bridge but remembers going over it once it had been cleared. Dad did fight around Ranville though and then spent weeks around Caen. Nice video. Well done.

[@randyg4288]

This is my favorite channel to follow. I am a huge WW2 buff and i enjoy everything this channel shows us

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that!!!

[@mikelitorous5570]

My great uncle was involved in this. It’s so crazy to think 181 brits were chosen for this mission and a close relation of mine was one of them, this mission alone helped save the western world, him and 181 men helped save millions of peoples lives, it’s crazy when you think about it. Makes me so proud of my family to know we had someone like him in it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty amazing what those guys did.

[@RubyBandUSA]

the whole free world is proud of men like your great uncle

[@michaelmarcus2318]

When living in France about 20 years ago I signed up for a sailing trip from UK to Normandy Beach area and then up the coast to Honfleur and back to UK. I was the only Yank along with 3 Brits on the boat. I had never heard of Pegasus Bridge, but it became clear how sacred ti was to the Brits on the boat and how Americans only focus on our part of the Normandy landing. The visit to the site with the Brits was very moving. Emotionally to the Brits it was like Pointe du Hoc to Americans - the highlight of the landing area.

[@aldershotborn2824]

My great uncle was in glider no.5. Such a quiet spoken, humble man.

[@grahamhodge8313]

I enjoyed such a sympathetic treatment of this subject. I think most Americans are taught that D Day was just about American troops and this provided a nice balance to that narrative.

[@RubyBandUSA]

Graham, speaking as a Yank ... I speak for 10's of millions of American who totally recognize and are totally in awe of all the British efforts, inventions, manpower, ingenuity, victories, heroics, and courage on D-Day and throughout WWII ... well before the US arrived. Not to mention, bagpipe music during the battles!

[@claregale9011]

@@RubyBandUSA bless you , we all fought side by side for one common purpose ..🙂from the u.k. ✌

[@Ozefan2580]

​@@RubyBandUSATotally agree! This American agrees that the Brits and Canadians kicked some serious butt on D-Day.

[@joeysausage3437]

Guess what Graham, you are wrong. The situation is to many brits are like you and are mistaken. There was criticism of Band of Brothers by people like you. That series was about Easy Company not the whole war. In the movie Battle of Britain was there mention of Volunteers from North America? Want to talk about WW1? Most Europeans never bring up the United States.

[@grahamhodge8313]

@@joeysausage3437 I don't think you will hear too many people complaining about the lack of Brits in Band of Brothers, it was, as you say, purely about the experiences of Easy Company. Yes, there were some volunteer Americans flying for the Royal Air Force, there were also volunteers from other countries, but their numbers were small. There is no equivalence here. On D Day, most of the naval forces, most of the air forces and most of the troops that went ashore were British and Canadian. As for WW1? The war began in August 1914, the US declared war in April 1917 and the US Army did not see any serious action until the last week of May 1918 The war ended five and a half months later in November. So, in terms of actual action in WW1, the US contribution was not that large.

[@peterkossits4794]

Love all of these Normandy videos (and the Gettysburg ones too!). One of the main reason the gliders were used is that they were totally silent. If you drop paratroops, the sound of all the planes in the air alerts the enemy. Apparently when you landed in one of those gliders, it was normal to be temporarily knocked unconscious. What's cool is that they landed that close and the sound of the crashes was not enough to really alert the Germans. They had enough time to recover and start their attack before things got a little hairy.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for the extra info!

[@CEng-ge6sw]

What about the noise from the aircraft that towed the gliders?

[@peterkossits4794]

@@CEng-ge6sw They were released over the channel and they glided quite a distance without the towing planes.

[@renard801]

@@CEng-ge6sw The Germans were used to Allied planes flying over France, every night. What they didn't reckon on was gliders being silently released and landing . . .

[@gerryg1056]

Thank you for an interesting and respectful film. As a little side story many, many years ago, as a child living just outside Banbury in Oxfordshire our family doctor was called Pat Hewlings. On a house call one day he asked me if I knew what the aircraft in the picture in my room was, "yes, it's a Horsa glider" I replied, "that's right, wonderful bit of kit" he said. That was it, nothing else. I remember him as a relatively kind old man (everyone is old when you're a kid!) with huge grey bushy eye brows and dressed in a tweed three piece suit. Your typical country GP. Liked his model railways too! He was there, 6th June 1944. He was later awarded a DSO for his part in he crossing of the Rhine. 225th Parachute Field Ambulance, RAMC Commander : Lieutenant-Colonel Norman James Patrick Hewlings, RIP

[@realwealthproperties5671]

I was fortunate to meet Major John Howard when Stephen Ambrose brought him to speak to a World War 2 class I took from him at the University of New Orleans in the early 90’s. He gave a great talk about the Pegasus Bridge operation and I just remember him saying ham and jam ham and jam during the talk. It was amazing hearing it firsthand from him.

[@jimwiskus8862]

Thank you for your continuing efforts to keep this battle in the minds of another new generation. Blessings!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you! Hopefully people are sharing it out.

[@bmorton50]

A great remembrance of the battle for Pegasus Bridge and the artifacts that survive. There's a great depiction of this battle in the movie The Longest Day and Maj. Howard's orders to "Hold until relieved" which he poignantly reflects on when he is in fact relieved. Thanks again JD for all you do to keep history alive and relevant to our story!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@mrtecsom6951]

Went to Caen on a rugby tour in 1991 when I was and my most of my mates were young men. The older guys made sure we detoured to Pegasus bridge. Us youngsters were thinking wtf , there are loads of French hotties awaiting us in the flesh pots of Caen. Anyways , we spent the whole day there and it was the best day of my life , drinking calvados at the cafe , there was a veteran called Wally there , one of the last , the French owner of the cafe who I think was the daughter of the owners when the gliders came in always gave free drinks to British soldiers who visited. Beautiful day and we were lucky that our visit was far more more memorable than those boys had to endure and I will never forget them

[@HankD13]

Great history! I visited and saw much of the Normandy landmarks in May 1984, including St Marie Eglise. But my favourite was Pegasus Bridge. I was fortunate and honoured to be served my beer by the formidable Madam Therese Gondree - who was being hounded by a TV film crew! (just the idea that this lady was in the cellar that night - blew my mind!) Stephen E Ambrose wrote Pegasus Bridge - and highlights the remarkable accuracy of the glider landings, and how the killing of a Panzer IV by a Sergeant Thornton - with their remaining PIAT, was probably the most important single tank kill on D-Day. Richard Todd, a Lt who reinforced Howard from 7 Para and later playing him the film! Amazing stuff.

[@Armchair_Commanders]

Stephen E Ambrose's book on this operation has always been in my top 5 list. Love the video.

[@sdebeaubien]

Stephen Ambrose wrote a wonderful account of the "Pegasus Bridge" assault, by that name. I was captivated and enthralled by the level of training and attention to detail of the British Airborne soldiers. There was apparently, a TON more preparation and training for this mission, as opposed to say Operation Market Garden which turned into a bloody shambles in a hurry. Of note in the book is the story of one of the German counterattacks, where a Sargent used the British hand-held version of an anti-tank weapon that they termed the "PIAT" (Projector, Infantry, Anti Tank). The German counterattack was gaining steam, and several tanks were approaching, the Sargent got in position and waited until almost the leading tank was on top of him, and then he fired to insure he would not miss. This successfully stopped the counterattack, as the disabled tank remained blocking the bridge approach all night, while it burned and ammunition inside exploded and so on.

[@senseofthecommonman]

That was probably the most important single antitank shot of the war.

[@stephanrabai2479]

The build up of troops and supplies and training for D-day took over a year. Monty dreamed up Market Garden one night when he was stoned and then got Ike stoned and sold him on it. They rushed it together in 6 days against advice from their best intel officer. Haven't been able to find "Pegasus Bridge" have read the rest of Ambrose's works, cracking good

[@terrysmith9362]

Stephan Rabai What utter drivel. Not even Hollywood invented this crap

[@theoraclerules5056]

@@stephanrabai2479 Monty, actually was a ‘strict-teetotaler,’ but I concur with the point I think you’re making here that Market Garden should have been cancelled or maybe deferred until a later date! Freeing up the Scheldt Estuary of Germans, to open up the Port of Antwerp should have had greater priority there then in late 1944!

[@stephanrabai2479]

I've searched for that book and can't seem to get my hands on it. I believe I have read all the rest of his works

[@msn6793]

Hats off to those westerners for there love of history... hats off to there unmatched dedication and hardwork to preserve all those historic relics for future generations. ... most importantly westerners have not forgotten courage of there fallen heroes...

[@aanunkitch2426]

Thanks for this. From a Brit. Who loves this story !

[@THEADVENTURECHANNEL11]

YES!!!! Thank you for this. No one talks about this fight, but I got Stephen Ambrose's book on it and it is wonderful. I must visit here.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hoping to hit a lot of spots like this in this series.

[@48Nugget]

Great video, thank you. Apologies if this has been shared already, but Air Chief Marshall Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory (at the time of D-Day, C-in-C Allied Expeditionary Air Force) said of Staff Sgt Jim Wallrork's skills in landing Glider #1 so close to the bridge that it was "the greatest feat of flying of the second world war". Having visited the bridge myself and seen the marker you visited, it is hard to argue with that! My parents live in Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, UK and for several years, our neighbours used to be Mr and Mrs. Frank Lowman. On D-Day, 'Mr' Lowman was Lt. Col. Lowman, Commander Royal Engineers, 6th Airborne and he parachuted into Normandy on D-Day. Some days after D-Day, he approached Major General Richard Gale, OC 6th Airborne, and asked for permission to a) erect a sign at Pegasus Bridge (the original sign which features at 11:18 in the video and is now in the Airborne Museum in Benouville) and b) for a cross to be erected in the cemetery in Ranville. It is the smaller cross which he himself designed and which is made of cement mixed with ash to give it a marble look (as real marble wasn't available at the time!). Mr Lowman's paratrooper pocket knife is also on display in the museum. He was a lovely, humble English gentleman - he and his wife are much missed by us.

[@loridangel7622]

Very good book by Stephen Ambrose on this operation. A must have for us WW2 nerds!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@davedowling8469]

The actor who played Major Howard in the film “The Longest Day” was Richard Todd a former officer in the 6th Airborne, who after jumping in, met Major Howard on the bridge.

[@markwilliams5606]

My Dad was 17 when he joined the Army. 82 Airborne. In 1940. Road with Patton. Retired in 75.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@davidsparks9032]

Little bit of trivia. Richard Todd who played Major John Howard in the longest day actually took park in this operation during the war. Although he was not at Pegasus Bridge he was assigned to the other bridge.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for that extra info!

[@renard801]

Lieutenant Todd was a Parachute Regiment officer who jumped on D-Day to relieve the glider troops holding Pegasus Bridge. He most definitely was at Pegasus.

[@davidarchibald50]

I kinda pigged out on your channel today. Mostly while I love history, these war stories can overwhelm me with the passing of time, the sometimes futile loss of life, and the massive material waste. However, your respectful enthusiasm and handling of the subject have allowed me to enjoy these essential stories. Keep them coming.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@colinvos4443]

Thank you for taking us to Pegasus Bridge. Another well done video. Great comments too.

[@manfredgrieshaber8693]

One very astonishing item is missing, the small scall 3D modell of the environment between the coastline and the brigdes which was used as a part of a mechanical flight simulator to train the glider pilots. This modell not only survived the war but was also used in the movie "The longest day" to show the approach of the gliders. The craftsmen created a moving brigde which could be pulled over this modell, on top of it was a glider cockpit and the whole system was installed in a hangar in Britain. With this the pilots trained how to approach from the north towards the coast, then to fly in a parallel way along the river orne, pass the bridges, then perform a U turn and finally to land nearby the bridges. That's the reason why they were able to land so close to their objectives.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@RubyBandUSA]

Manfred, I think you scooped ol' JD on that one!

[@dennisummels2386]

Great video. Loved watching it. I visited Normandy and the Pegasus bridge last year and was very impressed. I first visited the new bridge and the actual landing site, like you did, and then I visited the museum.The display of Major Howard's belongings also holds a picture of his troops. It is sad to see how many of those young and brave men lost their lives. Some during the raid on the bridge, others later in the war. I also visited lt. Brotheridge's grave in Ranville to pay my respects. In that graveyard is also the grave of 19 year old Emile Corteil, who was a paratrooper and jumped with his paratrooper dog. Both got killed in action during d-day. Perhaps you also visited this site. If not, you really should. Please keep making these great videos. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@georgethepatriot2785]

Brilliant should be shown in all US schools

[@speedster2464]

A simply un believable feat of navigation and piloting, probably the best individual example of piloting during any war. A Flt Sgt as pilot flew his stick within metres of their objective, during darkness and without any engine power. One chance to make the LZ and he nailed it. Simply incredible!

[@mikehawthorne3374]

Looks like the start of another great series, thanks to you I watched the 2 hour Battlefield trust episode on Gettysburg , something I never would have done before History Underground.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Cool, thanks! Got A LOT more content coming from Normandy.

[@jared1870]

Thank you once again JD! You inspire me. You also keep me from accomplishing my work, but fortunately I have today's video viewed and now I am free to work on my history project. In fact, you have prodded me to work hard on it today. Also I was glad to see you did not injure yourself this time. Take care!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

😅👍🏻

[@jeffkeith637]

That was very moving - to see you walking across the original bridge that was the first objective of D-Day. So many young men losing their life and future for the sake of strangers like us. Terrible.

[@leelo1972]

Thank you so much for putting this video together my late uncle fought alongside Mr Todd he suffered PTSD from this right up to his death I look around at people today and what is going on in the world I sincerely hope their bravery was not in vain in the face of this evil that has somehow remerged!!! But again a tearful and heartfelt thank you for taking the time and respect on this👍👍👍👍👍

[@nancyannirvin4507]

I love your channel because of all the unknown you bring to light. We had never heard of this place. It is a great story!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad that I could put it on the radar for you!

[@STL2steppin]

This is why we subscribe JD. Yet another terrific history lesson. When I think about Normandy, the beaches automatically come to mind...and always have. Thank you for this lesson on something I've never known but is such an important part of history. Guided tours by you and Erik would be amazing!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for that! Glad that you're enjoying it. Much more to come!

[@alancollins4403]

Very good. You missed one piece of trivia. In the film Longest Day Major Howard was played by actor Richard Todd who also played Guy Gibson the the Dam Busters. Richard Todd was Major Howard’s 2nd Lieutenant on the raid on D Day. A fine film. I’ve enjoyed much of your work.

[@cmdrbuttface9020]

Richard Todd was a Lt in 7 Para whose orders were to relieve Howard at the bridge and form a defensive perimeter on the West side of the bridges

[@donculver153]

A neighbor, now deceased, was dropped over Omaha on DDay. Every time we spoke on the subject you could still hear the fear in his voice and see a scared young man in his eyes. He told me that as he was descending into hell the only thing he could think was to bargain with God that if God would let him hit the ground alive that he would go to Church everyday of his life. After his tour in Europe he returned home never to miss Mass a single day until his death at 85. How soon we forget those Heroes. As I am old now I look back and am grateful to have known several of the men that were true patriotic Heroes. Hopefully their stories will be passed from generation to generation and I will certainly do my part. Thanks for this video. God Bless “OUR” United States of America.

[@leesimpson1677]

I was interested to hear your comments regarding parachute troops. When Lieutenant Colonel Otway arrived at the nearby Merville Battery on the same night, out of the 650 men of his battalion only about 150 were available to take part in the actual assault, the remainder of his force and a lot of their equipment was scattered over a wide area. It is a testament to their courage that they were still successful in capturing the position. There is an excellent book by Carl Shilleto which covers both the action at Pegasus Bridge and the Merville Battery which I can recommend.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I’ll have to check that out. Thanks!!!

[@PaulSpencerImages2012]

Would be very interested to know the title of those books?

[@leesimpson1677]

@@PaulSpencerImages2012 It's called Pegasus Bridge & Merville Battery from the Battleground Europe series of books. Unfortunately I have checked it out and it is not in print at the moment. It is a well written and illustrated book if you can get a hold of a copy.

[@stephenlwright2855]

I recommend two books by Neil Barber: 'The Pegasus and Orne Bridges: Their Capture, Defences and Relief on D-Day' and 'The Day the Devils Dropped In: The 9th Parachute Battalion in Normandy - D-Day to D+6: The Merville Battery to the Château St Côme'.

[@bobgrewe988]

Absolutely incredible. I got goosebump watching you cross that bridge. Well done on the series so far, and it continues…

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@dawndickson2156]

The structure of the glider certainly offered little protection for the occupants. Those men had to have had nerves of steel! Always learn interesting details in your videos JD! Thank you!

[@dem2788]

Another nice story is how quietly the German paratroopers conquered Fort Eben Emael Belgium in May 1940 using gliders. 4 years before this insane mission. Thnx for your nice documentaries... keep it up!

[@bladesausteel]

You really make history come alive for those of us who watch your videos. You have inspired a friend of mine and I to do a “nerd trip” to the US and visit historic sites there (we’re Canadian). Thank you for everything.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Thanks!!!

[@greghackenberg1209]

Well done. I was in Normandy in 2004. I had recently read Stephen Ambrose's book, which is a good account of the operation, and had to go. It was great to see it again.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!!!

[@bonkerslez91]

These men make me proud to be British 🇬🇧

[@user-kp4ts4mc8l]

Staggering bit of history really. I can't believe they got that close to the bridge. Great story.

[@MURDOCK1500]

I've been here a couple of times. My dad was a sapper in the Royal Engineers and landed on Sword beach. Apart from the museums around Normandy, I can recommend the museum nr Falaise. It's full of original as found items from the Falaise pocket. And not far away there is a Tiger tank as a roadside monument

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely plan on getting to the Falaise pocket at some point in a future series. Thanks!

[@barrysnelson4404]

The Parachute Regiment didn't need reserve 'chutes. They told the soldiers not to worry and that if their 'chute didn't open they could bring it back and it would be replaced free of charge.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha!

[@jack80kiwi]

Thank you for that. My uncle was in No 3 Commandos and I have a picture of him just by the cafe taken at 1900 hours on the 6th June , his birthday was the 10th June when he turned 20 yrs old. Underage for being in the commandos. On the 1st August he was wounded in Amfreville.

[@brutter602]

If you ever visit the bridge at the museum, look for the battle damage on the bridge. Fantastic museum and a fantastic video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@jefsantamonica641]

Thank you for this. So amazing to see all the Allied landings.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@acruise55]

I am glad you covered this one of my best friends served in wwii and was an engineer and he talked often about helping to out bridges where there was none.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow!

[@andrewclayton4181]

Been there. It really is worth seeing. The same French family still own the cafe at the end of the bridge that was liberated first. They always welcomed returning veteran's, though there are few left now. The cafe is a bit of a museum too. It's full of memorabilia.

[@johnmills1816]

Dig a little deeper and when you find out how they navigated their way you will be even more amazed that they got so close. Great video, many thanks/

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very true! Thanks!