D-Day History in France: Pegasus Bridge

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy that took place in June 1944. Pegasus Bridge was the stage of one particular operation led by the British and is today a museum as well as a remembrance site. 

Here are five reasons to visit.

1. A dedication to the 6th British Airborne Division

The Pegasus Memorial presents the missions of the men of the 6th British Airborne Division. This division, commanded by General Richard Gale, was composed of paratroopers and troops transported aboard Horsa and Hamilcar gliders. It was to hold the eastern flank of the landing beaches against German counterattacks. 

2. Not just a museum, a memorial site too

One of the missions entrusted to the Division was the capture of two bridges. The Ranville bridge on the Orne and the Bénouville bridge on the Caen-to-sea canal. This second bridge is better known under the name “Pegasus Bridge”. The 180 soldiers of the Oxs and Bucks regiment commanded by Major John Howard landed aboard Horsa gliders just next to the bridges on the night of June 5 to 6, 1944. 

3. A collection steeped in history

Several hundred objects and photos, historical and moving memories of the liberation of the region are presented inside the museum. The collections are constantly enriched by donations from veterans or their families. In the 12,000 m2 park you will find: the original Pegasus Bridge, the life-size replica of a Horsa glider, Bill Millin’s bagpipes, etc.  

4. Transmitting the memory of war

The ambition of the Pegasus Memorial is to transmit to visitors the story of its young men and women who during the Second World War paid the high price for our freedom. This museum can be visited as a family, it is ideal for passing on this page of history to younger generations. 

5. Ideally located for visiting the landing beaches

Due to its history and its geographical location (10 minutes from the Ouistreham Ferry), the Pegasus Memorial is ideal for starting a visit to the landing beaches in Normandy.

For more ideas on what to see in Normandy, read 12 Must-See Seaside Sites in Normandy.

For more Remembrance sites to visit in France, read our Remembrance section.