This DVD charts the slow development of British airborne forces and the directive given by Churchill in June 1940 to form both the Parachute Regiment and the glider airlanding brigades. We follow the plan to capture the two bridges over the canal and river between Caen and the sea from the germ of an idea, through preparations to its delivery as one of the most successful small unit actions of all time, in the opening hours of D-Day.

The DVD is split into four parts and each concentrate on a particular phase of the D-Day fighting: First are the gliders and their pilots who delivered the force, against all odds, in a poor weather and darkness to the bridges. The surprise and pin-point accuracy they achieved contributed significantly to success of the operation.

Next to be investigated is the thoroughly prepared and highly successful coup de main assault by Major John Howard’s Company of the Ox & Bucks Light Infantry on the two bridges.
After a badly scattered drop, Colonel Pine Coffin’s 7 Para Battalion, only a fraction of its strength, arrived to relieve the Ox & Bucks and fought an equally epic battle against the growing strength of the 21st Panzer Division until they in turn were relieved on the evening of D-Day when ground troops finally arrived from the beaches.

The famous Café Gondree is also included on the DVD. Indisputably the first house in occupied France to be liberated by the invading Allies, it was central to the story of Pegasus Bridge, its capture and holding. The family Gondree for their willing help and fortitude have over the years, become as much a part of all elements of Airborne Forces as the red beret!

A great idea by Pen & Sword to bring famous battlefields to life in this great new DVD series.
History of the battle, interviews with veterans, look around a rebuilt Horsa glider and best of all a visit to the most important sites of this historic battlefield.
Recommended!