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Major John Howard DSO
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Major John Howard DSO
Major John Howard DSO, 1912-1999, who led a glider-borne assault on two bridges between Benouville and Ranville in Normandy, France, codenamed Operation Deadstick, on 6 June 1944 as part of the D-Day landings during the Second World War. These bridges spanned the Caen Canal and the adjacent River Orne (about 500 yards to the east), and were vitally important to the success of the D-Day landings. Since the war the bridge over the canal has become known as Pegasus Bridge, as a tribute to the men who captured it. The original Pegasus Bridge is in the background of the picture. It has now been replaced. First published Saga Magazine 1992 Date: 1992
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Media ID 19535343
© Philip Dunn / Mary Evans Picture Library
1944 Buckinghamshire D Day Howard Infantry Invasion Major Operation Oxfordshire Pegasus
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Major John Howard DSO: The Hero of Pegasus Bridge This evocative photograph captures Major John Howard DSO, a British Army officer renowned for his leadership during the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944. Major Howard, dressed in his military uniform, stands proudly in front of the original Pegasus Bridge, located in Normandy, France. The bridge, which spans the Caen Canal and the River Orne, was of crucial importance to the success of the D-Day invasion. Major Howard led a glider-borne assault on these bridges, codenamed Operation Deadstick, to secure them before the main Allied forces arrived. The operation was a significant success, and the capture of Pegasus Bridge allowed the Allies to establish a foothold in Europe and begin the liberation of France from Nazi occupation. Since the war, the bridge over the canal has become known as Pegasus Bridge, in tribute to the brave men who captured it. The original bridge, which can be seen in the background of this photograph, has now been replaced. Major John Howard DSO was born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1912, and served in the Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his heroism during the D-Day landings. Tragically, Major Howard was killed in action in Holland in September 1944, aged just 32. This photograph is a poignant reminder of Major John Howard DSO's bravery and the pivotal role he played in the D-Day landings. It is a testament to the courage and determination of the Allied forces during World War II.
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