05/06/2026
82 years ago In the opening minutes of D-Day (June 6, 1944), British airborne forces successfully captured two vital bridges—the Caen Canal and Orne River bridges—to prevent German armored counter-attacks against the invading Allied seaborne forces. The capture of the Caen Canal crossing, later named Pegasus Bridge, is one of the most celebrated operations of World War
The Mission (Operation Deadstick): Under the cover of darkness, 181 men of D Company, 2nd (Airborne) Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, commanded by Major John Howard, departed from England in six Horsa gliders.
Pinpoint Landings: Towed by Halifax bombers, the gliders were released in the early morning hours and achieved complete tactical surprise by landing within yards of their targets at 00:16.
The Fight: The troops swiftly overcame the outnumbered German defenders in a fierce 10-minute firefight, securing both bridges completely intact by 00:26