COMMANDOS AND PARATROOPERS
An essential element of D-Day planning & execution was the advance airborne landings into Normandy; this included the use of gliders. Operation TONGA was the commando attack on the Benouville & Ranville bridges which spanned the Caen Canal and Orne River east of Sword Beach. These strategic crossings would be the primary route for German armoured reinforcements to reach the landing areas along the Ouistreham road.
Control of the bridges was vital for the allies to protect the eastern flank and capture of the Benouville Bridge was the first triumph of the day.
Honouring the courage displayed by the British 6th Airborne Division, on 26th June the Benouville Bridge was officially renamed “Pegasus Bridge”, taking the new name from the Division’s classical insignia of the
winged horse. The mere fact of landing troops behind enemy lines would spread confusion in the enemy and contribute to the impact of the landings...
