The First Airborne Assault on D-Day! (WW2 Documentary)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ค. 2023
  • Shortly after midnight on June 6th 1944 men of the 2nd Battalion Ox & Bucks Light Infantry touched down in Normandy to capture two vital bridges, today known as Pegasus and Horsa. Their actions, the very first of D-Day have since been written into Second World War legend. In this video, we use the latest technology to share that story right here on TH-cam.
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    Written Sources:
    • N. Barber, The Pegasus and Orne Bridges (2014)
    • N. Barber, The Day The Devils Dropped In (2008)
    • C. Shilleto, Pegasus Bridge & Horsa Bridge (2011)
    • D. Edwards, the Devil’s Own Luck (1999)
    • J. Howard & P. Bates, the Pegasus Diaries (2006)
    • B. Parr, What d-ya do in the war Dad? )2007)
    • R. King, ‘Pegasus Bridge’ (1983 painting), Army Flying Museum
    Video/Audio Sources:
    • D. Edwards, Interview - IWMSA (2002)
    • J. Howard, Interview - IWMSA (1990)
    • W. Parr, Interview - IWMSA (1990)
    • N. Barber, 6th Airborne - Pegasus Bridge (WW2TV Paul Woodadge) (2019)
    General archive Sources:
    • Imperial War Museum Sound Archive (IWMSA)
    • Bundesarchiv (German National Archives)
    • US National Archives (NARA)
    • National Archives NextGen Catalog
    • Paradata Archive - www.paradata.org.uk/
    • Army Flying Museum
    Want to support our work?
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    Credits:
    Research: Dan Hill & Ben Mayne
    Historical Consultant: Neil Barber
    Script & Narration: Dan Hill
    Editor & Sound Design: Shane Greer
    Thumbnail Design: Linus Klassen
    Music & Sound Effects: Envato Elements

ความคิดเห็น • 727

  • @vsmicer
    @vsmicer ปีที่แล้ว +335

    My adoptive Dad and his twin were both involved in this action - both survived, though dad got a bit of grenade shrapnel that split his lip and his knee open. They told me their stories over the years, and I was replaying them in my head watching this. I am 63 now, and those brave brothers are both long gone.

    • @Maskedmoronmadness
      @Maskedmoronmadness ปีที่แล้ว +24

      You were one lucky kid hearing them stories . Thanks for posting

    • @Jakobvielsted
      @Jakobvielsted ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Respekt to you’r dad and his brother for that assault 🫡💪🏾

    • @jimreilly917
      @jimreilly917 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      It is wrong to mourn or weep for these men who died. Thank God that such men LIVED.
      -General George Patton, USA, WWII., Third Army.

    • @ramay1210
      @ramay1210 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I salute your dad, what a man. And if it wasn't for him and many other like him, we weren't be here today ❤❤❤

    • @dokkenratt
      @dokkenratt ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Make sure you pass the story on to other younger members of your family. Don't let their memories of bravery die out!!

  • @frankknight7968
    @frankknight7968 ปีที่แล้ว +227

    My father was with No 3 Commando on this day and crossed the bridge with the unit. He went on to Amfreville, Bas de Breville etc and was the victim of a mortar bomb attack during the breakout in August. He ended up in hospital for a period and then was assigned duties at the POW camp outside Tilly Sur Seulles. He met a young woman who was visiting her grandmother who lived there and the rest is history. Dad died in 1985 and mum in 2004. Thanks for this, a brilliant depiction of events.

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Thank you so much Frank.

    • @christrotter3052
      @christrotter3052 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Thank you for sharing. Your father is still with you

    • @davidrushworth8286
      @davidrushworth8286 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      My father was also with 3 Commando who landed at Sword beach and was with Lord Lovatts group that relieved the Paras on the bridge . He fought all the way into Holland , where he got injured and lost a leg . Despite this he worked for many years until he was succumbed to MS . He passed away in 1998 .

    • @nuggetella
      @nuggetella ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Thank you gentlemen for the sacrifice your families made to relieve my family from oppression..!
      My respect shall remain eternal...
      ZWH FRL Nederland. 🇳🇱

    • @johntomasik1555
      @johntomasik1555 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I love talking to vets from way back. I had a friend whose mother was in a retirement facility. I loved going there, because the elderly people there had the best stories and experiences. It's a shame much of our culture in the States throw away those people, essentially..
      My dad lived in Czechoslovakia before and during WWII. The Germans occupied and put the boys in their military. He fought on the Russian front, got hit by a grenade, miraculously survived, then the Russians started coming through to gather up the boys and take them off to labor camps to die. The stories my dad had....holy crap. Throughout my life, anytime I heard someone here in the States bitch that they had it tough, I'd laugh.

  • @brianford8493
    @brianford8493 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +56

    Landing those gliders at night was the finest piece of flying in ww2 in my humble opinion

  • @crcomments8509
    @crcomments8509 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    My Grandfather was part of the British Airborne division for this, he landed successfully but was shot not long after landing, he survived and passed away two years ago aged 97. He was presented with his Legion De honours medal a few years ago.

  • @theallseeingmaster
    @theallseeingmaster ปีที่แล้ว +296

    It bothers me that I no longer know any veterans of either World War, I used to know so many growing up; I miss listening to the unimaginable first hand accounts of their war and survival.

    • @sammymartin7891
      @sammymartin7891 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      They are fading fast even the youngest would be in their 90's today

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +22

      @@sammymartin7891 indeed... all the more important to tell these stories.

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Agreed... time waits for no man.

    • @steveclark5357
      @steveclark5357 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      such is the cycle of life sir, I dream of these things every night

    • @Kickyourass484
      @Kickyourass484 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      I'm a combat Vietnam vet '68. If I tell any descriptive story, most roll their eyes and won't believe it.

  • @denis9450
    @denis9450 ปีที่แล้ว +91

    My dad was badly wounded defending the Bridge he was a PARA he was blown up by a mortar and had a chunk out of his elbow which meant for the rest of his life he could not fully extend his arm he also had a large chunk blown out of his calf. He had nearly a full war pension because of his injuries but when trying to get work later he used to have friends attended the medicals for him. Dads picture is on the wall of the cafe he returned once and met the daughter he met as a child at the time.

    • @stuartwyness9807
      @stuartwyness9807 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      He was part of the down fall of the natze grip on our country. Arram bridge was taken and held by great men like your dad. God bless him and all the brothers he fort along side him. RESPECT ❤ them.X

    • @susanpoe7446
      @susanpoe7446 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I wonder if he knew my dad

  • @kenowens9021
    @kenowens9021 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    Richard Todd, the actor who lead the assault in "The Longest Day" movie, actually participated in the real assault on that bridge.

    • @freddieclark
      @freddieclark 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Todd as a member of the 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion participated in the defence of the bridges after the initial coup de Main had been successful.

    • @eskihaile8246
      @eskihaile8246 26 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      simply amazing!!

  • @markl2815
    @markl2815 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    I’ve been there, met the daughter in question
    Speaking as an ex military pilot, the flying on that day was incredible, they put semi airworthy, overloaded, unpowered, crates within meters of the bridge in pitch black night
    No margin at all for anything
    Bloody incredible and hats of to them all. Hell of a job

    • @nigeljames3491
      @nigeljames3491 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Pitch black, no radar or GPS, just a map, a compass, and a stopwatch and the pilots, and navigators landed within metres of their target.
      Air Chief Marshall Leigh-Mallory called it the greatest flying feat of the Second World War.

  • @petehalsey2103
    @petehalsey2103 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    My great uncle Arthur Lawrence flew Glider 4. The video says he flew off course but this is untrue. The Halifax towing his glider accidentally released the glider early. The landed about 8 kilometres away from the true target but fought numerous fights with landing paras to get the bridges within 24 hours.

    • @georgethepatriot2785
      @georgethepatriot2785 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The glider crew normally release the glider from the bomber.

  • @mlose50
    @mlose50 ปีที่แล้ว +62

    Never ceases to amaze me how, not withstanding the professionalism and shear bravery, was so much left to luck.
    Truly wonderful analysis.

  • @mitchmahoney5586
    @mitchmahoney5586 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

    🇺🇸 82nd Abn (Ret)
    A salute of Honor to my British 🇬🇧 Paratrooper Brothers.
    We Had HUGE boots to fill.
    Great documentary.

  • @dondouglass6415
    @dondouglass6415 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    This mission never ceases to amaze me... The horsa pilots did such an amazing spectacular job and the actual assault troops did their jobs without thought and again achieved such a spectacular result.. It's stuff of legend's ..

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      We agree and it was one of the reasons we decided to share their story!

  • @rodintoulouse3054
    @rodintoulouse3054 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    I was going to skip this one thinking that it is a story i’ve seen a lot and a place i have visited. But yet again you surprised me with your research, battlefield depiction and focus on the individuals as a means to tell the bigger story. Thank you for your hard work.

  • @nathalievee3473
    @nathalievee3473 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    As a Norman, with a family who lived though WWII, this era is rooted deep inside of me. Thank you so much for this clear and lively description of the coup de main. Neil Barber is indeed a font of knowledge on the subject, and a humble man. Keep making such videos.

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thank you Nathalie

    • @user-ze5tu4ck1t
      @user-ze5tu4ck1t วันที่ผ่านมา

      We are your Brothers. Except in 1066 When Norman's kicked are Arse ,William the Conqueror, But Look at Legercy he and Norman Left all across Britain.

  • @martinalford5131
    @martinalford5131 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Excellent video, my Dad was in the 6 th airborne division and was one of the brave men who flew into France in a glider, He never talked much about the assault and. I do wish I talked to him more about it when he was alive. He came home and met my Mum and as they say the rest is history and. I was born March 1962. Thank you Dad for what you did.

  • @Stand663
    @Stand663 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Those Paras holding that bridge were just tremendous. Top boys. Amazing stuff.

  • @jackthebassman1
    @jackthebassman1 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I with a bunch of bikers visited Pegasus Bridge a few years ago, when you realise how extremely close the gliders landed next to the bridge it really hits it home to you how brave the troops were.

  • @Nicksonian
    @Nicksonian ปีที่แล้ว +45

    Fascinating that in the famous film about D-Day, The Longest Day, actor Richard Todd played Maj. John Howard. Todd took part in the actual battle and was played in the film by a minor actor, Patrick Jordan.

    • @IntrospectorGeneral
      @IntrospectorGeneral ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Lieutenant Todd arrived with the paratroops after the glider landings and participated in the defence of the bridge. His commanding officer was the splendidly named Lietenant Colonel Richard Pine-Coffin (and apparently nick-named "Wooden-Box" by some of his men). The Regimental padre, Captain Parry, landed with them. The popular officer, often referred to as Pissy Percy, the Parachuting Parson died defending the wounded when the regimental aid post was overrun.

    • @Nicksonian
      @Nicksonian ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@IntrospectorGeneral Thanks much for the additional history. Very interesting!

    • @karlharrison6544
      @karlharrison6544 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Indeed, there is a scene featuring Todd in the role of Maj. Howard arriving on Pegasus bridge and (I believe,) speaking to Patrick Jordan playing Todd himself...essentially Todd respectfully relieved himself (of duty,) on the bridge in the Movie, a rather nice twist.

    • @normanpotts3169
      @normanpotts3169 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      He was first offered to play himself but turned that role down. Fun fact: The beret he wore in the movie is the actual beret he wore during the real attack, but with a different insignia.

  • @fryfrysk
    @fryfrysk ปีที่แล้ว +90

    The original 1944 Pegasus bridge was replaced in 1994 by a brand new one resembling the original one . The old bridge had become to weak for modern traffic, but was preserved due to british veterans collecting money for over 6 y and today is to be seen at the nearbye Memorial Pegasus, the Pegasus war museum..

    • @mrh678
      @mrh678 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I was about to write the same. I visited the bridge and some beaches during the 75th anniversary as well as some nearby wargraves and Merville battery. So much was laid on during my stay, with so many world leaders present, it was an amazing sight.

    • @lindenwatson846
      @lindenwatson846 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes I was fortunate to visit this in 2014.

    • @georgesouthwick7000
      @georgesouthwick7000 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You can see where bullets struck the bridge.

    • @anglerfish1001
      @anglerfish1001 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@georgesouthwick7000 I think a single bomb was dropped on it too. I don’t think it exploded but you can see the big gash it made on the old bridge.

    • @theallseeingmaster
      @theallseeingmaster ปีที่แล้ว

      It is a good thing that that veteran, the original bridge, will survive for generations yet to be born.

  • @georgemurphy1966
    @georgemurphy1966 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Thanks for sharing. my father in-law was part of the brave men who took Pegasus Bridge, an amazing man who's medals are proudly displayed in my home.

  • @thermomeds
    @thermomeds ปีที่แล้ว +56

    Those men are beyond brave. Salute to them. Thank you for honoring their memory with this video.

  • @KenjiMapes
    @KenjiMapes ปีที่แล้ว +15

    My parents visited Normandy & Pegasus bridge right around the annual anniversary in June several years ago. My father was an Air Force officer & huge military history buff which was part of the influence that made me join the US Army & become a huge history & military history buff. The Roman Empire & WW2 are my two favorite eras.
    Anyway during their trip they ran into Major John Howard who led the assault on Pegasus bridge & got his autograph. I also read Colonel Hans Von Luck’s memoir “Panzer Commander” which describes his experiences as a commander under Rommel in the 7th Panzer Division & other commands which led to him earning a Knight’s Cross. Anyway, Von Luck & Howard became close friends after the war & often hung out at the Pegasus Bridge cafe yearly to reminisce & catch up on things until Von Luck passed at the ripe old age of 86 in 1997. Von Luck was fluent in German obviously but also French & English.
    We often over simplify things like the war by framing it as “Allies good” & “Axis Bad” but life is far more nuanced & gray as we all know. I think it’s amazing when former adversaries become close friends as we learn so much from the differing perspectives. Von Luck was respected as capable & just man. Another great story is the Stigler-Brown incident in which Luftwaffe fighter pilot Franz Stigler escorted Brown’s ravaged B-17 to safety at great personal peril to Stigler. Stories like this are amazing.
    It’s a shame how quickly we forget history. Now we have so many spewing toxic rhetoric & divisive nonsense as they take so much for granted in modern times. We have people picking fights & claiming victimhood over the pettiest things. 60million perished in WW2 often brutally & painfully yet they way many speak of modern times, it’s the most hateful, genocidal, & violence period in history. 🫤🤔
    Anyway, be kind everyone & stay safe. My single best advice that I give it to keep learning & experiencing in order to reduce your hypocrisy & limit your ignorance. We’re all hypocrites & ignorant on some things but it’s a matter of degrees. Sadly, it seems like the most ignorant & toxically hypocritical among us are the ones who are propped up & praised the most. We live in backwards & upside times but that doesn’t mean you have to follow this nonsense. Avoid complacence & stat vigilant. 🙂👍

  • @chrisdrake447
    @chrisdrake447 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Like other comments, my wife and I had the privilege of meeting John Howard at Cafe Gondree, summer of either 1993 or 1995, as we toured Normandy following my father-in-law’s unofficial (& possibly illegal) personal diary and route plan of his Normandy campaign. He landed on D+6 with the 92nd Light Anti-Aircraft Regt. Major Howard was clearly a seasoned raconteur and we thoroughly enjoyed him sharing his stories for a good 20 minutes. He even graciously autographed a couple Pegasus Bridge postcards. We gave one to my father-in-law, which he was very pleased to receive from such a famous veteran.

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว

      Fantastic story thanks for sharing.

  • @MrPlankinton
    @MrPlankinton ปีที่แล้ว +8

    This is the Best condensed documentary of Pegasus Bridge I ever seen. Great narrator voice, ariel views, and voices of veterans was excellent.

  • @debrareplogle651
    @debrareplogle651 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    It sad that they are gone, such brave men, who were mostly just boys, like my daddy and uncles. I miss them..

  • @thirtytrap
    @thirtytrap หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    OUTSTANDING. 82nd Airborne vet here. Once a paratrooper always a paratrooper no matter what country.

    • @35t10b
      @35t10b 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

      1\508 here. 1980-1983

  • @mechsgtpuma938
    @mechsgtpuma938 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I visired Pegasus Bridge 30 years ago on a school trip and was very lucky to of met Major Howard he answered all our questions and told his story of the fay that was D day.

  • @user-nt5cb3lf1z
    @user-nt5cb3lf1z ปีที่แล้ว +17

    As a former airborne ingeneer officer I can only express my full respect to those guys who succeed to make this fantastic assault.

    • @dexus8762
      @dexus8762 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Haha ingeneer

  • @lukebrewerton7105
    @lukebrewerton7105 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    My grandfather was in the Ox and bucks light infantry during ww2 this is the first documentry on Pegasus bridge that I have found that is very detailed. Thank you

  • @peterwhent66
    @peterwhent66 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I was at Pegasus Bridge last summer. The assault and capture is an even more incredible story when you stand on the terrain and see what they achieved. Your video brings it alive brilliantly. Thank you and well done.

    • @patryan1375
      @patryan1375 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @Peter Whent. My mother and her friends went to the cinema three days running to see Gone With the Wind, and finally got in. Her friend's brother was in the Airborne attack and they didn't know if he had survived. When the Pathe News came on, it showed British troops being relieved by the Commando brigade under Lord Lovat, and the brother was in the footage. They jumped up to go home and tell the mother and when they were half-way there, they realized they would have to start queuing the next day to see the movie again.

    • @peterwhent66
      @peterwhent66 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@patryan1375 Lovely story. I'm sure they didn't mind queuing again after giving the mother the happy news.

  • @LeeDH22
    @LeeDH22 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    A fantastic video of one of my favourite stories of World War 2. I highly recommend Stephe E Ambrose's book 'Pegasus Bridge' - not mentioned in this video, but covered in the book, is the fantastic story that even though there was still a firefight going on, the glider party first knew that Lord Lovett and the 1st Special Service Brigade had arrived was when they heard the sound of bagpipes playing and saw Lovett and his piper Bill Millin, in berets, simply marching across the bridge with the rest of the SSB behind them. Different breed entirely.

    • @jimreilly917
      @jimreilly917 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      When they landed, German soldiers refused to fire on Millin…because, according to them, they thought the man playing the pipes in that horror had to be INSANE. He was…insanely brave.

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Thanks for the kind comment!

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@jimreilly917 nothing like the skirl of bagpipes across a battlefield to raise the heckles.

    • @marka87
      @marka87 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Fantastic book that

    • @wisconsinfarmer4742
      @wisconsinfarmer4742 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      To have witnessed it would be unbelievable.

  • @ivanlussich8146
    @ivanlussich8146 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I am from Uruguay, 84. In the 50s and 60s I had a neighbor of British descent here who had served in WW1. Fine person he was, never talked about war but I learned from others that he was a pilot. Name Teddy Davenport. His British-born father, name Arthur D., was co-founder of the famous Uruguayan football club Peñarol. I also knew another Anglo-Uruguayan who had trained in Canada to become a RAF Spitfire pilot in WW2, name Mr John Hyland. Both men made it back to Uruguay.

  • @alasdairduke2052
    @alasdairduke2052 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I had the pleasure of knowing lt Dennis Fox later major Fox from #6 glider, he related his experience of this operation to me and in his home he showed me the books he was mentioned in. He was a great character a regular in the local pub and always carried two hip flasks one vodka one whisky which he was happy to share. He now rests in Harkstead church yard, even his dog was called whisky.

    • @user-ci8jc6bt5t
      @user-ci8jc6bt5t 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

      My uncle jack lally was in #6 If you have any info on the operation I would love to hear about it

  • @haalstaag
    @haalstaag ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Great video, I met John Howard a few years ago, before he died. He was so happy that I knew who he was. So proud to of had Pegasus Bridge as my battle honour

  • @awjvdheide
    @awjvdheide ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Stil on my bucket list is a pelgrimage to the Normandy beaches.
    This video stirred up the smeldering ashes to a bum fire to finaly take action and go and plan for it.
    I salute you for your fine work with this report on this heroic action on a the finest day of WWII.
    From a Dutch man who is now free because of these brave man.

  • @DougCaldwell
    @DougCaldwell ปีที่แล้ว +39

    Outstanding production and very entertaining. I had read Pegasus Bridge: June 6, 1944 by Stephen Ambrose so I had a general idea of what happened and where. Your use of Google maps and drone with places marked completed the story. Inspired that you got the recordings of so many principal players to augment your narration. Keep up the good work. Two thumbs up and I subscribed

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว

      Brilliant Doug thanks for subbing!

    • @macblastoff7700
      @macblastoff7700 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Came here to write exactly this comment.
      Now I've got a new travel goal and target date to visit Bénouville.
      Thank you for the inspiration.

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@macblastoff7700 Thanks for the kind comment Matt.

    • @seagrave7336
      @seagrave7336 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Ditto, Ambrose”s Pegasus Bridge is an excellent read and your video provides great detail from the use of current day mapping. Well done and God Bess the Ox and Bucks!

  • @JakeTheBear1
    @JakeTheBear1 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    All the effort to show the aerial visualization is epic!
    Amazing vid!

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks Jake, it was great fun to build and glad you enjoyed the video!

  • @oml81mm
    @oml81mm ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Superb, and very well researched, account of this small, but important event. I was there some 30+ years ago and was astounded by the fact that three gliders landed safely, in a very small field, at night, and with obstacles on their approach. All due to many hours of meticulous training.
    Excellent video!

  • @ZedsDeadOK
    @ZedsDeadOK ปีที่แล้ว +6

    When I was about 14 or so my mother would take me to Tarrant Rushton to watch the glider flying by the Dorset gliding club, and whilst on the perimeter tracks would let me drive to learn control of the car, not knowing at the time of the historic importance of the airfield during WW2. loved watching this video and have so much respect for those brave allied soldiers who fought for our freedom.

  • @AllanGildea
    @AllanGildea ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Marvellous. Thank you. And of course, to those exceptional men who protected us from Nazi tyranny.

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It was quite an undertaking!

  • @michaelsalt4565
    @michaelsalt4565 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    The first seaborne landing troops to reach the paras at the bridge was the 17 Field Company RE from Sword beach. There are numerous sources that record this including Richard Todd's autobiography. Lovats commandos arrived about an hour later.
    Great video great story well told.

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thank you Michael.

    • @jameseadie7145
      @jameseadie7145 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hurrah for the CRE

    • @malcolmdonnison3987
      @malcolmdonnison3987 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Except the first troops on the bridge were not paras they were from 1st battalion oxs and bucks LI which became part of the Royal Green jackets ham Nd jam swift and bold 😮

    • @michaelsalt4565
      @michaelsalt4565 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@malcolmdonnison3987 I didn't say the first troops on the bridge were paras, but perimeter secured around the bridge was the paras as they reinforced the glider landings. Cheers

  • @TheEulerID
    @TheEulerID ปีที่แล้ว +6

    One of my favourite stories is about the filming of this episode in The Longest Day. Major John Howard was played by Richard Todd, who, as a junior officer had been part of the 7th Parachute Regiment force that relieved the the Ox and Bucks at Pegasus Bridge. He was offered the part of playing himself, but opted for the part of John Howard, who was a consultant on the film.

  • @CiaranIrl
    @CiaranIrl ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I know this channel isn't really new anymore, but its new to me. The content is outstanding. Thanks for all ghe work you're putting into it - really fantastic

  • @davidcrawford1616
    @davidcrawford1616 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My mate went in on a glider and fought with the commandos . What a brave man he was ,he took out a pillbox on his own and I am so proud of him and his memory

  • @gillleach4082
    @gillleach4082 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My dad was in the 12th Para (Yorkshire). He had just turned 18 when he jumped into Normandy in the early hours of 6 June. He passed away in 2018 just before his 92nd birthday❤ He often mentioned Breville and how important that was.

  • @daledavies_me
    @daledavies_me ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I don't know why the Pegasus Bridge story hasn't been made into a short TV mini series. It's a fantastic story

    • @razorback9374
      @razorback9374 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes it is. Funny enough, I remember this story very well from playing call of duty.

    • @daledavies_me
      @daledavies_me ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@razorback9374 which CoD? I don't remember playing that

    • @razorback9374
      @razorback9374 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@daledavies_me it was the first one that came out on console. In
      2003.

    • @paulcochrane1028
      @paulcochrane1028 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Ambrose, who wrote Band of Brothers, started his DDay journey with a book called Pegasus Bridge. Howard became a good friend.

    • @daledavies_me
      @daledavies_me 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@paulcochrane1028 it's a decent read. I've read it a few times.

  • @wolfhound45
    @wolfhound45 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Best documentary I have ever seen on this particular operation. Well done. You have honored these heroes with your superb work.

  • @paulbowers1040
    @paulbowers1040 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Wow .. I’m blown away at the detail and actual pictures. Thank you

  • @_RandomPea
    @_RandomPea ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The ages of these brave guys are staggering. Great docu, thanks for a great watch.

  • @AG-cg7lk
    @AG-cg7lk ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Amazingly well produced. A great tribute to the incredibly brave people involved.

  • @DKlompsma
    @DKlompsma 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    A really more than excellent reconstruction of the event! Showing the viewer both a good overview and the necessary details so anyone has a realistic picture of what happened and of the heroes involved.
    Excellent job!
    And for the British heroes, I salute you and know i am eternally indebted. Something I won’t be able to repay.

  • @davidtaki2430
    @davidtaki2430 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I am feeling shame to watch this documentary for free... Nicely made

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks David, glad you enjoyed it! You could always check out our Patreon ;)

  • @jamieevans6395
    @jamieevans6395 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    My grandad was part af the parachute regiment who took this bridge, my dad used to go to the original one every year ❤

    • @georgethepatriot2785
      @georgethepatriot2785 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The OX and Bucks Light Infantry?

    • @jamieevans6395
      @jamieevans6395 ปีที่แล้ว

      @George the Patriot unfortunately i dont know his regiment i know he ended up in Greece as he was awarded freedom of the city he built a armoured car to carry the prime minister around i believe its in a museum out there somewhere

    • @tigermoth7580
      @tigermoth7580 ปีที่แล้ว

      Parachute Regiment or Ox and Bucks Regiment??

    • @jamieevans6395
      @jamieevans6395 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@tigermoth7580 parachute regiment

    • @tigermoth7580
      @tigermoth7580 ปีที่แล้ว

      @jamieevans6395 so I guess he came in later to support the Glider troops at the bridge? Was he member of 7th Para Bn? This Bn is not associated with WW2 in Greece

  • @robert-trading-as-Bob69
    @robert-trading-as-Bob69 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have read a couple of books on the taking of the bridges and found your video giving me a better view of the terrain and the actions of the soldiers on the ground.
    Thank you.

  • @johnfigueira8778
    @johnfigueira8778 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    An excellent production illustrating the absurdity of the plan that somehow was pulled off. I have visited the bridge and museum on three occasions and each time I am in awe of what was achieved - most definitely a must for any D-Day enthusiast!

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @anotheryoutubechannel4732
    @anotheryoutubechannel4732 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this video, particularly the integration of the veterans' interviews and the helpful bird's eye views. I drove across "Pegasus Bridge" recently while on holiday and this has been most informative.

  • @jeanmoore3997
    @jeanmoore3997 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Excellent video, thank you. Having been to the bridge and stood where the first glider landed you appreciate what a stunning piece of flying it was by the pilots . Very brave men all of them.

  • @marka87
    @marka87 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Brilliant video - thanks for posting. So much bravery on that day, it really does bring tears to the eyes.

  • @papasmodelcarroom8450
    @papasmodelcarroom8450 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    That was great, learned alot. My dad was there on D-day. Wish I could remember all his stories 😢
    Thank you 😊

  • @banzi403
    @banzi403 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Great video. Would love to see you do a documentary on the 1st Canadian parachute battalion. My dad was in the 1st and jumped on d day.

    • @artlevert181
      @artlevert181 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      What was your Dad's name? I have the "jump list"...my friend Jock Hendrie may have sat beside him in the plane!

    • @banzi403
      @banzi403 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@artlevert181 j.r. Alcorn. If you got the full list, check if there was a Ronald McDonald.

  • @mcfontaine
    @mcfontaine ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great little video. I was lucky enough to work with Billy Grey, a Bren gunner and the first man out of glider 1 on the night. He was best friends with Wally and they got up to some crazy stuff that Billy told me about. Such brave men and each year I still raise a glass of something at 00:12 on June 6th.

  • @rainmanmainplan4421
    @rainmanmainplan4421 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've walked across the original pegasus bridge..... riddled with bullet holes.... visited point du hoc, omaha gold sword and juno it is a memory that will live with me forever

  • @johnasti5239
    @johnasti5239 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was an outstanding video. The attention to detail is wonderful, with a great voice to narrate. These men were incredible, true hero's and I hope through the ages they are remembered for their courage and bravery.

  • @savethezombies
    @savethezombies ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love how this is put together. Also love hearing those old guys tell their accounts.

  • @memirandawong
    @memirandawong ปีที่แล้ว +2

    As a towed glider pilot I am totally impressed that these guys could set their gliders down where they did. I kept saying to myself..."no frigging way" as I watched the simulation on the video!!! It's true you only get one shot at the landing. But that's exactly what thrilled me about this type of flying. More incredibly, these were nighttime landings with people shooting at them!!! True heroes!

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว

      Indeed it was some achievement!

  • @orwellboy1958
    @orwellboy1958 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is probably the best account of the action I have ever seen, no wait it is the best. Cheers mate, very well done.

  • @nicktalbot3310
    @nicktalbot3310 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video! Really love the way you use Google Maps (or whatever) with additional graphics (arrows etc) to describe the action. The aerial pics with the super imposed photos from the period are put together seamlessly & give you a good insight into how the battles evolved. Thanks for sharing!

  • @Thepoacher58
    @Thepoacher58 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I took part in a charity walk in 2004 for the British Legion and The NVA and on the 6th of June had the honour to meet Wally Parr and his son Barry in the middle of Pegasus Bridge,a moment I treasure, thanks for this excellent and detailed account of the action.

  • @DavidMayOnline
    @DavidMayOnline ปีที่แล้ว

    Exceptional work, I thought I knew this engagement inside and out, yet your attention to detail and veteran commentary provided an insight rarely seen in military documentary's.
    Well done and thankyou

  • @brucemunro8598
    @brucemunro8598 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    In the mid 80s I visited Ouistreham with my girlfriend who'd previously worked as an au pair for a family there. We borrowed bikes and cycled up the canal to Benouville, and found Café Gondree. The door of the café was open and we headed in to get a beer at the fabled location, passing a small group seeing an elderly man into a car just outside. Inside the café it was empty, and we waited for someone to serve us, and eventually one of the group outside came in. She turned out to be the daughter of the Gondrees who'd been a girl at the time, and the old guy getting into the car was none other than Major Howard!! I'd walked straight past one of the great heroes of WW2 without realising.

  • @nickbarsby3378
    @nickbarsby3378 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What an exceptionally well made video. The script, graphics, editing and narration are of the very best quality; more than equal to anything produced by the major TV channels.

  • @mjc11a
    @mjc11a ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Brilliant presentation! A fitting tribute to a breed of extraordinary men. Thanks for posting and be safe 🙏

  • @hakanjarnvall5934
    @hakanjarnvall5934 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Had the great pleasure of meeting with Mj Howard and Gen von Luck at Pegasus bridge 1995 as part of my education at the Swedish military naval academy. To hear the stories first hand from those two former enemies was very interesting. Forgot to ask them to sign my copy of the book however and that I regret to this day.

  • @kernicole
    @kernicole ปีที่แล้ว +1

    An excellent video. I visited the site a few years ago, and I remember the sense of sheer, total disbelief that I had when I saw the tiny size of the actual landing-ground. What piloting!

  • @garyk1334
    @garyk1334 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome job ! Thankyou gentleman for all you did for us 🍻

  • @samuelmoore1635
    @samuelmoore1635 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You have the best battle break downs on yt! keep up the good work, dude!

  • @ltlarrow1
    @ltlarrow1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Although our time in Normandy was limited, I think we could have squeezed this one in, had I known about it. Thanks for a another wonderful video!

  • @mozart579
    @mozart579 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fascinating and detailed. Thank you 👍🏼

  • @AsteroidM749A
    @AsteroidM749A 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Bloody hell. Showing the tactical overview and ground, and then the way you overlay the photos with google earth, absolutely spot on. Really glad to have found your channel!!

  • @kimhansen8615
    @kimhansen8615 วันที่ผ่านมา

    This is bloody well done! Very exciting - thorough researched and editied. thanks for posting...

  • @jayo3074
    @jayo3074 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I really love your unique way of portraying these events. It gives me a better perspective on how these battles were fought.

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks so much Jay... its great to receive feedback like this.

  • @GetUpTheMountains
    @GetUpTheMountains ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Well done video again! I really hope you're finding these worthwhile to make, because they are most certainly entertaining and very well presented. Keep up the great work!

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The team are really enjoying making them.. even our seasoned historians are learning more by taking a really close-down look at the action!

  • @wehappyfewkd
    @wehappyfewkd 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Daaamn, I have seen maybe all the ww2 documentaries that there are out there! But this made me actually understand exactly what and how happened. Please keep on!

  • @aliasales
    @aliasales ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you soo much for great presentation of the that part invasion. Hope you will uploaded more. Big like!

  • @rzr2ffe325
    @rzr2ffe325 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent storytelling. Having been there in person, you explained the situation incredibly. Great work.

  • @keithorbell8946
    @keithorbell8946 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The actor Richard Todd played Major Howard in the film “The Longest Day”. He was offered another part, to play himself, he was an officer in 7 Para who linked up with the Ox & Bucks, but he refused stating that, as an actor it would be too arrogant for him to play himself.

  • @stephenpegum9776
    @stephenpegum9776 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My family & I visited this site in 2019 on our way back to Calais after a camping trip to the Loire valley. We had drinks in Cafe Gondree. Whilst there a large ship sailed along the canal, so we got to Pegasus Bridge lift up - it was pretty impressive. 😎

  • @lostinfens
    @lostinfens ปีที่แล้ว +7

    A brilliant video of a fantastic achievement.

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for taking the time to watch :)

  • @yaarge2
    @yaarge2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent presentation, combining period photography and film, modern footage , digital mapping and compelling personal accounts. Subscribed 👍👍

  • @mickambler3151
    @mickambler3151 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    What a fantastic video, thank you my friend

  • @pirated8557
    @pirated8557 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video and nice use of graphics!
    I was lucky to be able to visit the Normandy battlefield 15 years ago and was amazed at how close the gliders landed to the bridge. Amazing level of skill.
    👍🏼🏴‍☠️✌🏼

  • @Licong11
    @Licong11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Absolutely brilliant video, thanks for producing this. I find it so moving! I visited the Memorial Pegasus and the original location.....but was not made aware of Cafe Gondree. There is always a next time!

  • @garypeyman932
    @garypeyman932 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've only just discovered this channel and ive already started binge watching videos. There are so few videos on Pegasus Bridge that i was so happy to find such a good one

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Gary, hope you enjoy the others, next one coming soon!

  • @Hawaiian80882
    @Hawaiian80882 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thankyou for the sharing their story, their History, Hero's forever remembered....Semper Fi

  • @OregonMikeH
    @OregonMikeH 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS, ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT VIDEOS ON THE PLATFORM. BLESSINGS YOUR WAY, ... MIKE.

  • @MurphZx501
    @MurphZx501 ปีที่แล้ว

    great visualisation! I've been to Pegasus twice during the 72nd and 75th anniversary your video really puts it into perspective. I'll be going back next year for the 80th and I'll be sure to remember your video! thanks

  • @dwaynekoblitz6032
    @dwaynekoblitz6032 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Absolutely love this! So fantastic and detailed!! The bravest men ever possibly!! Such incredible work. Heartwarming through and through.

  • @Crow_Friend
    @Crow_Friend ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Excellent analysis, well enjoyed. Thank you.

    • @BattleGuideVT
      @BattleGuideVT  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks very much for watching.

  • @quickloris
    @quickloris หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    An excellent video and account of this Operation, thank you. And thank you to the brave men that undertook this incredible feat of bravery, skill, and determination. Never to be forgotten.

  • @johnnyevans8641
    @johnnyevans8641 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My dad was at Okinawa . He never talked about he is 97 and fading. He is a good man and respected. He has been a good father.