Wednesday 28 June 2017

Pegasus Bridge

This afternoon we have made our way to Pegasus Bridge.
Pegasus Bridge is a bascule bridge (a type of movable bridge), that was built in 1934, that crossed the Caen Canal, between Caen and Ouistreham, in Normandy.  Also known as the Bénouville Bridge after the neighbouring village. In 1944 it was renamed Pegasus Bridge in honour of the operation. The name is derived from the shoulder emblem worn by the British airborne forces, which is the flying horse Pegasus.
The children have been taking in all the information and searching for a particular important person... CONNECTED TO MERROW... Major John Howard led 'D' Company and an engineer detachment, in a glider-borne assault in the early hours of 6 June 1944.Released at 8,000 feet over the Normandy coast, three gliders, each carrying about 28 heavily armed troops—in total 90 men, pilots. The German defenders were taken completely by surprise for they had almost no time to react and attempt a defence of the objectives; since the British force had, in effect, landed within the boundary of the objective.
Following the attack, Howard, from Merrow, was nominated for the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership during the capture of the bridges. He was later presented with the medal by Field Marshal.