WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk WHWF - Sappers at Pegasus Bridge
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Aug 4, 2022 Discover the fascinating tale of the capture of Pegasus Bridge and debunk common misconceptions about the operation. Delve into the meticulous engineering feats that allowed troops to establish critical bridges during D-Day, facing significant challenges in a hostile landscape. Learn how Euston Bridge's structural classifications affected military deployments. The discussion also highlights the innovative Bailey bridges, celebrating the sappers' ingenuity and their vital role in wartime logistics and lasting impacts on engineering practices.
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Sappers Lead Bridge Recon
- The first ground forces at Pegasus Bridge were three armored cars with the 17 Field Company Royal Engineers reconnoitering for site suitability.
- Their task included assessing the load capacity and ensuring the bridges could support Sherman tanks to assist airborne troops.
Vital Sap Duties at Pegasus Bridge
- The sappers' main job was to remove demolition charges presumed on the bridges and assess damage and mines.
- They also had to calculate the bridges' tank-bearing capacity, critical for armored reinforcements crossing.
Glider Logistics and Gear
- Gliders carrying 28 men and equipment were made mostly by women in the furniture industry, involving perilous assembly and test flights.
- Among the gear were folding boats and rafts for crossing if bridges were destroyed, demonstrating careful contingency planning.