The bridges over the Caen canal and River Orne were the first objectives of the Normandy invasion. They were strategically important as they were the only crossings of the waterways between Caen and the sea.
Their capture by gliderborne assault was achieved brilliantly in the first 30 minutes of the D-Day invasion by D Company Group, 2nd Battalion. A number of years ago we came across the museum and wanted to stop by again.
Six Horsa gliders carrying the assault troops were cast off from tug aircraft over the coast, six miles from their targets. Three gliders landed with great precision and courage very close to the canal bridge. Below is a Horsa glider replica found on the grounds of the museum. Today, no Horse glider remains intact. A group of French aeronautical enthusiasts were commissioned to build this copy. The material and method of construction were those used during the war.
The pilots were later said to have performed one of the finest feats of airmanship of the war. The bridge featured below was the actual bridge captured.
It was moved onto the museum grounds upon the roadway being upgraded and the original bridge replaced.
The troops were soon hard-pressed to counterattack from the west but managed to hold them off until reinforced as planned.
There is a tribute on the grounds indicating the first British soldier to die on D-Day.
A plaque and statue honor his sacrifice.
Inside the museum are a number of vignettes of individual Brits that really brings this story to life. A short film shares additional info and footage. This museum is a must visit for those in the area, really bringing recognition to some of individual components of D-Day. I’m glad we could fit it into our most recent Normandy visit.
Darden Travels 