OVERLORD

[Baldrick62]

Operation DEADSTICK commences!

If I’ve managed to judge the timestamp correctly, at this time 68 years ago (00:07 Double British Summer Time on 6 June 1944), Horsa gliders carrying D Coy, 2nd (Airborne) Bn Ox & Bucks Light Infantry with RE support were released from their tows as the opening act of the Normandy landings. They landed at Bénouville (now Pegasus) Bridge in German-occupied France, commencing the operations that would finish less than a year later with the liberation of NW Europe. The first gilder, piloted by S/Sgt Jim Wallwork, from C Sqn, Glider Pilot Regt, landed 47 metres from the bridge at 00:16 after a 10km glide. It was, according to Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, C-in-C Allied Expeditionary Air Forces “one of the most outstanding flying achievements of the war”.

So, please join me and raise a glass to their skill and courage!:salute:

[Kugelblitz]

I'll drink to that.

[CappyTom]

Cheers
:pint:
Thomas

[Nightbomber]

I was in Normandy during the 65th D-Day anniversary, near the landing places, in museums and on the beaches, so I'll gladly join you for a drink on that occasion.
We took a picture of us with two British veterans (father and son!) in Bayeoux military museum whom we had a nice chat with:)


48607

[Baldrick62]

I was fortunate enough to be at Pegasus Bridge in 2004 to see the Parachute Regt jump on the 60th anniversary.

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/album.php?albumid=1472

48903

[Naharaht]

It is commemorated by a piece in the film 'The Longest Day'.

[skystalker]

Of interest, Richard Todd, the actor who plays John Howard in the film, was actually a soldier in 2nd (Airborne) Bn Ox & Bucks Light Infantry that participated in the Pegasus Bridge coup de main that day.

[gully_raker]

:salute: I am proud to raise a glass to that great piece of History!
Well done that crew!:pint: