Dropped from the flak filled skies, 7,000 highly trained troops of the British 6th Airborne Division paved the way for the liberation of Europe. 

Surrounded and vastly outnumbered, they fought on for 82 days in non stop front line action. 

From the bridges of the Caen Canal, the assault on the heavily fortified Merville Battery and the break out to the River Seine, the 6th Airborne Division fought hard as the spearhead of the allied invasion forces. 

Losses were sobering. 542 killed. 1,623 wounded. 725 missing. Almost one man in five was a casualty. 

7 Battle Honours were awarded to The Parachute Regiment for Operation Overlord. Three of which are borne on the Queen's Colour. 

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Help preserve the history of The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces

The Objectives of D Day

Pegasus Bridge

Detailed planning, harsh and aggressive training and precision flying produced one of the outstanding glider coup de main operations of the Second World War.

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Merville Battery

The Battle of Merville Gun Battery was a British-led attempt to take over and destroy German artillery that threatened the main landing force at Sword Beach, 8 miles away.

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Explore Operation Overlord

Operation Overlord

On the evening of the 5th June 1944 up to 1,500 aircraft flew 13,000 soldiers from the American 82nd and 101st Divisions alongside 7,000 British paratroopers and glider soldiers from the 6th into the night skies over Normandy.

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D Day Remembered

Merville Battery Museum

The Merville Battery is not like other museums. Being both a place of contemplation and a history lesson, this site draws on its authenticity and its evocative memories of one of the epic landings of Airborne Forces.

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Memorial Pegasus Museum

The Memorial Pegasus is dedicated to the men of 6th Airborne Division and their role during the Battle of Normandy from June to September 1944.

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Airborne Assault Museum

Airborne Assault is the Regimental Museum of The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces and tells the stories of the soldiers who go to war from the air.

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Support Airborne Assault

Airborne Assault and its digital archive - ParaData - preserves the history of The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces. You too can help preserve this history by becoming a friend of the museum. By doing this you will provide valuable financial support to the trustees, staff and volunteers.

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Explore Paradata

Explore ParaData to reveal the campaigns, battles, equipment and organisation key to the Airborne Forces' story.

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