D-Day & Pegasus Bridge

D-Day: The First Objective – focuses on the events surrounding the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Regiment’s most famous action. It was men from this local county regiment who were the guardians of Bletchley Park during the early days of the war until 1942. The Regiment's most famous action during WWII, its 'coup de main' assault and capture of Pegasus Bridge on D-Day, 6 June 1944 at 00.16 hours. The display’s great strength lies in personal links with WWII veterans, reflected in the plethora of stirring artefacts, documents, memorabilia, models and maps of this historic day.

Groups will learn how gliders, full of heavily ladened troops were towed to near the landing grounds. There are items which allow for ‘hands and heads-on’ experience and exciting things to draw. You will be shown fascinating pieces of equipment such as the belt-buckle and tunic button which move in a mysterious way!

The collection provides excellent support for History and Design & Technology. If possible, visitors should bring along clipboards with paper and coluring equipment.

Learning Objectives for Pegasus Bridge

Students will know the date of D-Day and its purpose.

Students will hear the story of one person’s first hand experience during D-Day.

Students will be able to list some of the equipment carried by soldiers during WWII.

Students will discuss the effects of War on individuals.