I'm trying to find the exact dimensions of the original Pont de Ranville (Horsa Bridge) which crossed the River Orne in Normandy. It was captured in the early hours of D-Day by Major John Howard's coup de main glider force, along with Pegasus Bridge (Pont de Benouville). The bridge - originally a swing bridge - was replaced in the early 1970s by the current crossing. Any help appreciated.
The Ranville Bridge (Horsa Bridge) spans the River Orne. Total length: 350 feet (110 m) long. Width: 20 feet (6.1 m) wide. It can be opened to allow river traffic to pass. The river is 160–240 feet (49–73 m) wide and with an average depth of 9 feet (2.7 m). It has mud banks averaging about 3.6 feet (1.1 m) high and a tidal rise and fall of 16–6.5 feet (4.9–2.0 m). Pegasus Bridge, originally called the Bénouville Bridge after the neighbouring village, is a road crossing over the Caen Canal, between Caen and Ouistreham in Normandy. The original bridge, built in 1934, is now a war memorial and is the centrepiece of the Memorial Pegasus museum at nearby Ranville. Opened: 1934, rebuilt 1994 Total length: 46 m Width: 9.7 m Location: Bénouville Body of water: Canal de Caen à la Mer Bridge type: Bascule bridge
Some dimensions of Pont tournant de Ranville (as originally constructed in 1870) within link (below) plus more postcard photos (as per David's post above) Le Pont Tournant de Ranville - Le Bateau du Havre en cartes postales Kind regards, always, Jim.
Side elevation plan listed in Archives du Calvados here: Orne, Ranville : pont tournant Unfortunately not available to view or download online (a call to the archives may provide more information). Good luck with all, Jim.
David and Jim, thanks for your swift and helpful replies. This is exactly what I've been looking for and has saved me much time and effort. My late father was part of the light AA gun troop that was dug in on the banks of the Orne to helped defend the Pont de Ranville after landing on D-Day. Thanks again.
Hi tmac, Are you familiar with attached photo. Not sure who they are but best guess on location is west side of canal and north of Pegasus Bridge going by some of the background features. Regards ...
Thanks for the picture, Cee. I've never seen it before and it's really interesting. I think they're probably not from my Dad's regiment, which had moved on by August, but it does give you a great idea of what it was like being dug in and on the lookout for raiders. I think you're right about the approximate location. It's a shame the censorship didn't allow more precise details.
