INFORMATION:

Pegasus Bridge a Bascule type bridge built in 1935 across the Caen Canal 3.5miles inland from the sea. By 1944 it became a very important river crossing for D-day to secure the eastern flank of the landings. A parachute and glider force was due to land to the east of the river around the village of Ranville, but the bridge needed taking and holding before the airborne and seaborne forces landed .