We had met a lovely couple at Moulin de Campech who had highly recommended the Pagasus Bridge Museum that is close to what was formerly called Benouville Bridge but is now known as Pegasus Bridge as a memorial to its capture by members of the British Airborne (Glider troops) – they wore an emblem of Pegasus – the winged horse as their shoulder flash on their uniforms. The road trip from Omaha Beach was only some 40 miles, travelling around the outskirts of Caen.

We drove over the modern replacement for the original – it was replaced only because it was considered to small, and unusually for a tourist site in Normandy, there was no dedicated parking spot for Motorhomes – but there was ample space along the lane by the museum. Unlike Overlord Museum, this was incredibly personable – this was the story of a few brave men. Five gliders landed with in 50 metres of the bridge at 0016 on 6th June 1944. They took the bridge with in ten minutes – hence being the first “capture” of D-Day by 0030. The museum tells the story of the bridge, and the men who fought there – and their stories are amazing. Many of these individuals uniform tunics and medals are on display. Jock Pearson’s Battle Dress is there – DSO and three bars! The external displays are static, while the interior exhibits are eloquently described, and the sheer bravery of these young men is unreal. I was also struck by how small the uniforms were – I do not think there was a battle dress larger than a 38″ chest.

Also outside was a large part of the original bridge. Along side that was a recovered and part restored Bailey Bridge. Inside some display sheds was a detailed explanation of how the Bailey Bridge was built, including a scaled model to teach how to assemble – I know that Sulk senior would have been in his element if they would let him play with it!

There was one other item outside that really caught my attention – a replica glider – none have survived whole so to see how small and flimsy they were emphasised the sheer cojones of these young men. The was a surviving part of a fuselage on display – theree was also an explanation of the difference between the Horsa and Hamilcar gliders.

I love Tanks, and its rare that i see something that i have not seen before – or at least read of. But then came Vidette! This Centaur has external marked graduations for an external observer to direct fire – remarkable! Also in the grounds were assorted armaments, and statue to Brigadier James Hill. There was also a simple memorial to those who died in the fighting.

This small, intimate museum was stunning. The exhibition really brought out the heroism of all those who fought valiantly, and revealed the real people behind the battle. We left and started the last part of our holiday – the return via Caen to Portsmouth and home. I will write up on that, and the trip in general, but I want to take a little time to read back on our adventures on this break.