PEGASUS BRIDGE 5TH JUNE 1944

At about 2300 Hrs on June 5th 1944, the day before the main assault on the Normandy beaches Major Howard with D Company and two platoons of B Company of the 52nd, along with a detachment of Royal Engineers set off in six gliders, concealed in a fleet of bombers proceeding on a raid. The task was to seize Benouville and Ranville Bridges over the Canal and River Orne.

Both Bridges were seized and held by the 52nd. On Benouville Bridge the small party were eventually joined by men from the 7th Parachute Regiment, and the main body of the 52nd who reinforced the bridge.

In memory of this operation Benouville Bridge has now been renamed 'Pegasus Bridge',

and the battle honour 'Pegasus Bridge' added to the 52nd's many honours.