This book examines, in great detail, the attack by 2 Oxf Bucks and engineers of the British 6th Airborne Division, in six gliders, on the Caen Canal and River Orne bridges in the early hours of D-Day, 6 June 1944. It also describes part of the battle for the village of Benouville by 7 Para and Ranville by 13 Para. It was the combination of these actions that allowed the link-up between the commandos and airborne troops on D-Day. Thereby, forming a bridgehead to help secure the eastern flank of the greatest combined military operation in history; Operation OVERLORD.In addition to explaining how these objectives were achieved, this battlefield guide relates the battles to the area as it is today. The book contains details of the museums, memorials, cemeteries and associated organizations. All of which will unravel the history of the area to the visitor and armchair traveler alike.To further aid the battlefield tourist, GPS data is also provided for either satellite navigation by vehicle or for viewing on Google Earth.
Chapter 1. PLANNING THE INVASION
Chapter 2. THE GERMAN DEFENCES IN NORMANDY
Chapter 5. COUNTER-ATTACK AND REINFORCEMENTS
Chapter 6. Memorial Tour of Battlefield No. 1
Chapter 7. Memorial Tour of Battlefield No. 2
APPENDIX A. CHAPTER NOTES AND SOURCES
APPENDIX B. RECOMMENDED READING AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX E. FALLEN HEROES PROJECT, MEMORIAL PEGASUS, CWGC & AANT
APPENDIX F. THE MEN IN GLIDERS