Pegasus Bridge

Pegasus Bridge crosses the Caen Canal with a span of just under 46 meters and uses a mechanical lifting mechanism for boat traffic. The current bridge replaced the original and stands beside a museum on the northern bank.

British troops from the 6th Airborne Division seized the crossing in the opening minutes of June 6, 1944, during Operation Overlord. The original 1934 structure was replaced in 1994 and relocated beside a memorial museum.

The name comes from the badge worn by British airborne troops and connects the site to military memory. Visitors see a museum housing the old 1934 structure and can trace the steps soldiers took when they landed nearby.

Visitors can tour the museum and old structure throughout the year, with longer hours in summer. Access is via a road along the canal, and parking is available nearby.

Lieutenant Den Brotheridge was the first Allied soldier killed on D-Day while leading the assault on the crossing. His grave lies in the cemetery at Ranville, a few kilometers away.

Location: Bénouville

Inception: 1934

Official opening: 1934

Length: 45.7 m

GPS coordinates: 49.24222,-0.27444

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:34