The Mémorial Pegasus is a historical museum and memorial dedicated to the British airborne forces and their actions during the Normandy Invasion (D-Day) of June 6, 1944. Located in Ranville, near Pegasus Bridge in Normandy, France, this museum focuses on the crucial role played by the 6th Airborne Division of the British Army in the Allied liberation of France during World War II.

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Mémorial Pegasus

Avenue du Major Howard

14860 Ranville

France

https://musee.memorial-pegasus.com

info@memorial-pegasus.org

+33 2 31 78 19 44

The Mémorial Pegasus is open everyday from 1st February – 15th December

• 1st February – 31st March from 10.00 – 17.00
• 1st April – 30th September from 9.30 – 18.30
• 1st October – 15th December from 10.00 – 17.00

Admission fee

Aircraft collection

– PF800

Airspeed Horsa I (fuselage wreck) Airspeed Horsa (replica)

The Mémorial Pegasus Museum, located between Caen and the sea, tells the story of when the very first liberators from the British 6th Airborne Division landed on Norman soil on the night of the 5th to the 6th of June 1944.

Pegasus Bridge, originally called the Bénouville Bridge after the neighbouring village, is a road crossing over the Caen Canal, between Caen and Ouistreham in Normandy. The original bridge, built in 1934, is now a war memorial and is the centrepiece of the Mémorial Pegasus museum.

In 1944, this field was the site of one of the most spectacular landings of the 2nd World War. Three Horsa gliders, each carrying 30 men, landed here in the assault on Pegasus Bridge. The pilots, using only a stop watch and a compass, landed the first glider 47 meters from the bridge. The commander of the D-Day Allied air forces commented that it was the greatest feat of precision flying of World War Two.
Today, monuments mark the emplacements of the gliders.

Bill Millin’s Bagpipes
Bill Millin was the bagpiper of the legendary Commando leader Brigadier Lord Lovat.
On D-Day, Millin played his pipes, under gunfire, as the Commando Brigade landed on Sword Beach. He subsequently led the brigade up to Pegasus Bridge where it made the junction with 6th Airborne Division.
The images of the piper were immortalised in the 1960s film “The Longest Day”.

Key Highlights of the Mémorial Pegasus:

1. The Battle for Pegasus Bridge:
   • The Pegasus Bridge was a key strategic objective during the D-Day invasion, as it controlled access to the city of Caen and the surrounding area. The bridge was a vital link for the German forces to move reinforcements.
   • The British 6th Airborne Division, led by Major John Howard, was tasked with capturing and holding Pegasus Bridge and its nearby counterpart, Hérouville Bridge, in the early hours of June 6, 1944. This mission was part of a larger airborne operation to secure key positions ahead of the main Allied landing.
   • The success of this operation was critical to the success of the D-Day landings. The soldiers captured the bridges, preventing German reinforcements from reaching the beaches, and thus played a vital role in securing the success of the landings.
2. The Pegasus Bridge and its Connection:
   • The Mémorial Pegasus is named after the Pegasus Bridge, which was the primary target of the British paratroopers’ mission. The bridge itself was famously captured by glider-borne troops under the command of Major Howard.
   • The bridge was the first Allied objective captured on D-Day, and the museum showcases its significance in the operation. The original bridge was moved to the museum site in 1994 and is on display for visitors to see.
3. Museum Exhibits:
   • The Mémorial Pegasus museum offers a comprehensive look at the airborne assault on Pegasus Bridge, with a focus on the British 6th Airborne Division and the Royal Engineers.
   • The museum’s exhibits feature a wide range of artifacts, including:
     • Personal items from soldiers involved in the operation
     • Historical photographs, documents, and diaries
     • Original equipment, weapons, and uniforms used by the airborne forces
     • Models of the Horsa gliders used to transport soldiers and equipment
   • A large part of the museum is dedicated to telling the stories of the soldiers who took part in the operation, including the bravery and heroism displayed during the capture of the bridge.
4. Interactive Displays and Multimedia:
   • The museum has several interactive displays, films, and multimedia exhibits that provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the events surrounding D-Day and the airborne operations.
   • One of the highlights is the flight simulation that allows visitors to experience what it might have been like for the paratroopers to glide into Normandy and capture the bridges.
5. The Pegasus Memorial Garden:
   • The museum also features a memorial garden dedicated to those who fought and died in the operation. The garden is a peaceful area for reflection, where visitors can pay their respects to the soldiers who participated in this pivotal event.
   • Memorial plaques and dedications to the airborne forces are displayed here, honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who were involved in the battle for Pegasus Bridge.
6. The 6th Airborne Division and D-Day:
   • The Mémorial Pegasus provides a broader context about the 6th Airborne Division‘s role in the larger scope of the Normandy landings and their operations following the success of the bridge capture.
   • The division was tasked with securing the eastern flank of the Normandy beachhead, preventing German counterattacks, and safeguarding the landing zones for subsequent Allied forces.

Practical Information:

• Location: The Mémorial Pegasus is located in Ranville, Normandy, about 15 km from Caen. It is near the Pegasus Bridge, which is a significant landmark in the area.
• Guided Tours: The museum offers guided tours and audio guides in several languages, which are highly recommended to enhance the visitor experience.
• Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, and there is parking available for visitors.

Nearby Attractions:

• Pegasus Bridge: The actual Pegasus Bridge, now preserved as part of the museum, is a key site for visitors interested in the history of the airborne assault.
• Juno Beach Centre: Another significant D-Day site, this museum is dedicated to the Canadian soldiers who landed on Juno Beach during the invasion.
• Sword Beach: One of the other major D-Day beaches where the British forces landed, located nearby.
• Normandy American Cemetery: The cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer is the final resting place of thousands of American soldiers who died in the Normandy Campaign.

Conclusion:

The Mémorial Pegasus is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the British airborne forces and the pivotal role of Pegasus Bridge during the D-Day invasion. It offers an immersive and educational experience, bringing to life the bravery and determination of the soldiers involved in the success of the Normandy landings.

Photos Rob Vogelaar

Mémorial Pegasus Ranville, France | Rob Vogelaar