The lift bridge
spanning the Orne Canal was captured by British 6th Airborne Division
glider troops in the first few minutes of D-day. The three Horsa gliders,
visible in the top right brought Major John Howard and his troopers
in on time, accurately placing them in position to seize the bridge
by rapid surprise. Lt. Den Brotheridge, the first allied death on D-day
was killed where the Jeep is standing as he and his men rushed across
the bridge from the eastern side. A Bedford 4x4 engineer's truck is
returning from the airborne headquarters area to secure supplies from
Sword Beach. The drivers, although in Europe, are still driving on the
left side as in England.