In the early hours of June 6, 1944, most Allied forces were still preparing for the massive D-Day landings. Meanwhile, a small group of British airborne troops carried out a crucial mission known as Operation Deadstick. This daring operation began late on June 5, with six Horsa gliders being towed by Halifax bombers toward Normandy. The objective was to capture two strategic bridges intact – one spanning the Caen canal and the other crossing the River Orne. These bridges would provide the only eastern exit route for British forces landing on the beaches hours later.
Operation Deadstick was a critical component of the larger D-Day invasion plan. Without control of these bridges, Allied troops landing on the beaches might have been trapped with no way to advance eastward. The mission also needed to prevent German forces from using these same bridges to counter-attack the vulnerable landing forces coming ashore at Sword Beach.
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The operation was entrusted to members of the British 6th Airborne Division. They needed to land their gliders with extreme precision in darkness. They also had to quickly secure both bridges before German defenders could destroy them. This remarkable mission represented one of the first Allied actions on French soil during the Normandy landings and set the stage for the massive invasion that would follow as dawn broke on D-Day.
Historical Context and Objectives
Operation Deadstick took place during one of the most critical periods of World War II as Allied forces prepared to launch the massive Normandy invasion. The operation represented a crucial early action that would help determine the success of the broader D-Day landings.
Significance of D-Day
D-Day, scheduled for June 6, 1944, marked the beginning of the Allied liberation of Nazi-occupied Western Europe. After years of planning, the Normandy landings would become the largest amphibious military assault in history.
By mid-1944, German forces had occupied France for four years. The Allies needed to establish a foothold in continental Europe to begin pushing back German forces. Success on D-Day was essential to the overall Allied strategy.
Without control of key transportation routes inland from the beaches, the landing forces would be vulnerable to German counterattacks. This made securing bridges and roadways a top priority for early operations before the main landings began.
Goals of Operation Deadstick
Operation Deadstick had specific and crucial objectives for the broader D-Day invasion. The primary goal was to capture intact two strategic bridges: one spanning the Caen Canal and another crossing the River Orne near Bénouville, about 6 kilometers north of Caen.
These bridges represented the only eastern exit route for Allied forces landing on Sword Beach. Securing them would:
- Prevent German reinforcements from crossing to attack the landing beaches
- Secure a path for British forces to advance inland
- Protect the eastern flank of the landing areas
The operation was designed as a coup de main assault—a swift, surprise attack with a small force. British airborne troops would land in gliders near the bridges before the main D-Day landings, capture them intact before the Germans could destroy them, and hold the position until relieved by forces coming from the beaches.
Planning and Preparation
Operation Deadstick required extensive planning and precise coordination to succeed. The operation aimed to capture two key bridges over the Caen Canal and Orne River, which would protect the eastern flank of the Normandy landings.
Major John Howard and D Company
Major John Howard of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry was selected to lead Operation Deadstick. Howard commanded D Company, a unit of approximately 180 men. His selection wasn’t random – Howard had demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and tactical understanding in previous operations.
D Company was divided into six assault platoons, each assigned to specific objectives at the bridges. Howard worked closely with intelligence officers to develop detailed plans for capturing both bridges intact.
The mission was critically important – if the Germans destroyed these bridges, Allied forces landing at Sword Beach would be cut off from support. Howard needed to ensure his men could take the bridges quickly and with minimal damage.
Training for the Operation
D Company underwent intense specialized training for several months before D-Day. They practiced bridge assaults on similar structures in England, rehearsing their attack plans repeatedly until each soldier knew their role perfectly.
The training included night operations, close-quarter combat, and demolition recognition to prevent the Germans from destroying the bridges. Mock-ups of the targets were constructed to exact specifications based on intelligence reports and aerial photographs.
Howard instituted a rigorous physical fitness program to prepare his men for the demands of the operation. The soldiers practiced exiting gliders rapidly, as they would have only seconds to deploy after landing.
Security was tight throughout the training period. The men weren’t told their actual target until just before the mission to prevent intelligence leaks.
Role of the Glider Pilot Regiment
The Glider Pilot Regiment played a crucial role in Operation Deadstick. Six Horsa gliders would carry Howard’s force to their objectives, requiring exceptional piloting skills to land in darkness on small landing zones.
The pilots trained extensively on night flying and precision landings. They studied maps, aerial photographs, and terrain models to memorize landmarks that would be visible in moonlight.
Unlike most military pilots, glider pilots were expected to fight alongside infantry after landing. They received combat training similar to the soldiers they transported.
The relationship between the infantry and pilots became exceptionally close during preparation. This mutual trust was essential, as the entire operation depended on the pilots’ ability to deliver Howard’s men within yards of their objectives in complete darkness.
Execution of the Operation
Operation Deadstick was carried out in the early hours of June 6, 1944, as the crucial first strike of D-Day. The mission relied heavily on precise timing, element of surprise, and the bravery of the British airborne troops who were tasked with securing two strategic bridges in Normandy.
The Airspeed Horsa Gliders
The Airspeed Horsa gliders played a vital role in Operation Deadstick. Six gliders were used for the mission, with three assigned to each bridge. These wooden aircraft were towed by Halifax bombers across the English Channel and released to silently land near their objectives.
Major John Howard led the operation with soldiers from the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Each glider carried about 28 men, along with equipment and supplies needed for the mission.
The gliders approached their targets shortly after midnight on June 6. The pilots had the extremely difficult task of landing in darkness on small fields near the bridges. Despite these challenges, the first glider landed just 47 yards from Pegasus Bridge – a remarkable feat of precision.
Landing at Pegasus Bridge and Bénouville Bridge
The landings at both bridges occurred within minutes of each other at approximately 00:16 hours. At the Caen Canal (later named Pegasus Bridge), three gliders landed with astonishing accuracy, allowing troops to quickly disembark and attack the bridge.
At the Bénouville Bridge over the River Orne, the other three gliders also landed successfully. The British forces moved with speed and determination, catching the German defenders completely by surprise.
The operation unfolded rapidly. British troops stormed both bridges, overpowering the German guards in just 10 minutes. They used specialized equipment to disable explosive charges the Germans had placed to destroy the bridges.
By 00:26, both bridges were secured intact. This success was critical as it prevented German reinforcements from reaching the landing beaches and secured an escape route for Allied forces if needed.
The First Casualty: Lieutenant Den Brotheridge
Lieutenant Den Brotheridge led the charge across Pegasus Bridge and became the first Allied soldier killed by enemy fire on D-Day. As his platoon stormed the bridge, German defenders opened fire from their positions.
Brotheridge was hit in the neck while throwing a grenade at a German machine gun post. He managed to cross the bridge but collapsed shortly after and died from his wounds. He was just 28 years old and his wife was pregnant with their first child at the time of his death.
His sacrifice symbolized the beginning of the Allied liberation of Western Europe. A memorial now stands near Pegasus Bridge honoring Brotheridge and the other soldiers who fought in this crucial operation.
The bridge itself became a symbol of the operation’s success. Today, the original Pegasus Bridge is preserved in a nearby museum, with a replacement bridge serving the current road.
Immediate Aftermath
Operation Deadstick’s success had immediate strategic consequences after British forces secured both bridges intact. The capture allowed for critical movement of troops and supplies while preventing German reinforcements from reaching the landing beaches.
Securing the Bridges
The 181 men of Major Howard’s force faced the challenge of holding their position against potential German counterattacks. After the initial assault, British soldiers quickly established defensive positions around both bridges. They placed machine guns at strategic points and set up anti-tank weapons to repel any armored threats.
Royal Engineers quickly examined both structures for explosives and removed any demolition charges. This technical expertise proved crucial as the Germans had indeed prepared the bridges for destruction.
Enemy fire remained a constant threat. German snipers and mortar teams targeted the bridges, forcing the British soldiers to maintain vigilant defensive positions. Several small-scale German attacks were successfully repelled in the first hours.
Reinforcements and Holding Position
Lord Lovat’s commandos arrived at approximately 1:00 PM on D-Day, bringing much-needed reinforcement to Howard’s exhausted men. This famous arrival, accompanied by Bill Millin playing bagpipes, boosted morale among the defenders.
The British force expanded their defensive perimeter around both bridges. They fortified nearby buildings and established clear fields of fire to prevent surprise attacks.
German forces launched several counterattacks in the days following the operation. British soldiers held firm despite being outnumbered, using their superior positioning and tactical advantage to maintain control.
By securing these vital crossings, Allied forces prevented German armor from reaching the Normandy beaches during the critical early phase of the invasion. This success contributed significantly to the broader D-Day operations and allowed British forces to maintain their foothold east of the Orne.
Strategic Impact and Further Advance
The successful capture of Pegasus Bridge and Horsa Bridge during Operation Deadstick had far-reaching consequences for the broader D-Day invasion. These bridges served as critical links that protected the left flank of the Allied forces landing on the Normandy beaches.
Linkup with Paratroopers and Beach Forces
By dawn on June 6, 1944, Major Howard’s small force at Pegasus Bridge was reinforced by elements of the 7th Parachute Battalion. This crucial linkup strengthened the British position and created a defensive perimeter around the bridges. Lord Lovat’s 1st Special Service Brigade arrived at approximately 1:00 PM, famously accompanied by his personal piper.
“We’re awfully pleased to see you, old boy,” Major Howard reportedly told Lord Lovat upon his arrival.
The bridges provided the only crossing points over the Orne River and Caen Canal, allowing Allied forces to move inland from Sword Beach. This prevented German armored units from attacking the vulnerable eastern flank of the landing zones.
Progress Towards Liberation of Caen
Despite the success at Pegasus Bridge, the planned rapid advance toward Caen stalled. The city, just six miles from the bridges, was a major D-Day objective but proved difficult to capture.
The 3rd British Infantry Division moved inland from Sword Beach but faced stiff resistance from the 21st Panzer Division. German forces launched counterattacks toward the bridges on June 7, but these were repelled by British troops now firmly established on both sides of the waterways.
Caen remained in German hands for weeks longer than planned. The city wasn’t fully liberated until July 19, after Operation Goodwood. However, the secure bridges allowed Allied forces to maintain pressure and eventually encircle German positions in the region.
Legacy and Commemorations
Operation Deadstick has left an enduring mark on military history, with the capture of Pegasus Bridge becoming one of the most celebrated actions of D-Day. The operation continues to be honored through various memorials, museums, and annual ceremonies that pay tribute to the bravery of those involved.
Role in the Success of the Normandy Campaign
The capture of Pegasus Bridge and the Orne River crossing proved crucial to the overall success of the D-Day landings. British forces secured these strategic points, preventing German reinforcements from reaching the landing beaches from the east.
The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of precision airborne assaults and became a textbook example of a well-executed small-unit action. Military academies worldwide still study Operation Deadstick for its planning, execution, and strategic impact.
The bridges provided the only exit eastward for British forces landing at Sword Beach, allowing them to expand their beachhead and advance inland. This early success boosted Allied morale at a critical moment in the campaign.
Tributes and Mindful Reflections
The renamed Pegasus Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of liberation, with the original bridge preserved in a dedicated museum nearby. Each year on June 6th, ceremonies honor the men who captured the bridges and the local French Resistance who supported them.
In 2019, the 75th Anniversary drew veterans, dignitaries, and thousands of visitors to Bénouville for commemorative events. Many wore the maroon berets of British airborne forces as a mark of respect.
The operation featured prominently in the 1962 film “The Longest Day,” introducing this remarkable story to worldwide audiences. Memorial plaques mark the exact landing spots of the gliders, showing how remarkably close they came to their targets.
Cafe Gondree: The First Building Liberated
Café Gondree holds the distinction of being the first building liberated on D-Day. The café was run by the Gondree family, who had secretly supported the French Resistance.
After securing the bridge, British troops entered the café, marking the first moment of liberation on French soil. Today, the café remains a working establishment and unofficial museum, its walls covered with photographs, memorabilia, and signatures from veterans.
Madame Gondree and her family welcomed countless veterans returning to Normandy over the decades. The café became a pilgrimage site for former soldiers, their families, and history enthusiasts from around the world.
The preserved condition of the building offers visitors a tangible connection to that historic night in June 1944 when Operation Deadstick helped pave the way for the liberation of Europe.
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Read About Other D-Day Operations:
Operation Albany: Airborne Mission Behind Enemy Lines
Operation Atlantic: The Allied Invasion of Normandy Explained
Operation Biting: The Bruneval Raid and Its Impact on Allied Intelligence
Operation Bluecoat: A Critical Allied Offensive in Normandy Campaign
Operation Bodyguard (D-Day Deception)
Operation Bolero: The Massive Allied Buildup That Enabled the Normandy Invasion
Operation Boston: The Strategic Allied Airborne Mission Behind Enemy Lines
Operation Charnwood: The Allied Offensive to Capture Caen
Operation Chattanooga Choo-Choo: Strategic Significance in Allied Invasion Plans
Operation Chicago: The Strategic Airborne Mission Behind Allied Victory
Operation Cobra: The Decisive Allied Breakout in Normandy
Operation Deadstick: The Crucial Glider Mission That Secured Pegasus Bridge
Operation Detroit: The Critical Allied Deployment Strategy in Normandy
Operation Dingson: The Strategic French Resistance Mission in Brittany
Operation Epsom: The Critical British Offensive in Normandy
Operation Fortitude: The Deception Plan That Secured Allied Victory
Operation Gaff: The Secret Mission to Eliminate Rommel
Operation Gambit: The Crucial Submarine Reconnaissance Mission Behind Allied Success
Operation Glimmer: The Deceptive Naval Mission That Fooled German Forces
Operation Goodwood: The Pivotal Allied Armored Offensive in Normandy
Operation Hammer: The Allied Assault That Changed Modern Warfare
Operation Husky: The Allied Invasion of Sicily That Changed the Mediterranean Campaign
Operation Jupiter: The Abandoned Allied Invasion Plan for Norway
Operation Lüttich: The Failed German Counteroffensive in Normandy
Operation Mallard: The Critical Airborne Mission Behind Allied Success
Operation Mulberry: The Artificial Harbors That Secured Allied Victory in Normandy
Operation Neptune (D-Day Assault)
Operation Paddle: The Forgotten Maritime Support Mission Behind the Normandy Landings
Operation Pluto: The Undersea Pipeline That Fueled Allied Victory
Operation Pointblank: The Strategic Air Campaign That Paved the Way for Normandy Invasion
Operation Samwest: The French SAS Mission Behind Enemy Lines
Operation Spring: Allied Offensive on the Normandy Beachhead
Operation Taxable: The Brilliant Deception Strategy That Fooled Nazi Forces
Operation Tiger: The Forgotten Rehearsal that Shaped Allied Victory
Operation Titanic: The Secret Allied Deception Plan That Fooled German Forces
Operation Tonga: The British Airborne Mission That Secured the Eastern Flank
Operation Totalize: The Allied Offensive to Break German Defenses in Normandy
Operation Tractable: The Allied Assault to Close the Falaise Gap
What Was Operation Overlord
