THE ASSAULT ON BÉNOUVILLE BRIDGE

by Richard Taylor

Editions Edition Size US($) QTY
Veterans edition 50 $415.00
Please select quantity from the drop down and try again

The daring, glider borne coup-de-main assault to capture the two bridges that controlled access to the eastern flank of Sword beach was a vital element in the success of the British amphibious landings on D-Day. Without access to the Bénouville bridge over the Caen Canal and nearby Ranville bridge over the River Orne, German panzers and infantry reinforcements would be denied access to the beachhead where, in a few hours’ time, troops of the British 3rd Division would be storming ashore.

‘The finest feat of airmanship of the entire war’ - Air Chief Marshal Leigh- Mallory on the capture of Pegasus bridge

To remember this outstanding feat of arms, one of the most audacious assaults of World War II, Richard Taylor has created a highly detailed drawing recalling the moment when, shortly after midnight on the morning of 6 June 1944, Major John Howard leads men from the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, part of the British 6th Airborne Division, and sappers from the Royal Engineers in their dash towards the Bénouville bridge. In a feat of supreme airmanship, the pilots of their three Horsa gliders had landed within yards of the bridge and, taking the German defenders by complete surprise, after a brief fire-fight the bridge was captured, as was the Ranville bridge captured by a second group.

Soon reinforced by paratroops of the British 6th Airborne Division dropped slightly to the east, the Germans were held at bay to await the arrival of Lord Lovat and the commandos of his 1st Special Service Brigade from Sword beach in the early afternoon.

Faithfully reproduced as a fine art limited edition print and restricted to just FIFTY copies worldwide, each has been personally signed by artist Richard Taylor before being hand numbered.

The Veteran's Edition

Adding great historical significance, every print is issued mounted to full conservation standards to include museum quality reproduction shoulder titles of both the Glider Pilot Regiment and the Ox & Bucks Light Infantry, PLUS the original pencil autographs of Second World War veterans who took part in the operation, representing both units:

  • Staff Sergeant Jim Wallwork DFM
  • Private Billy Gray
  • Staff Sergeant Peter Boyle
  • Private Alf Whitbread
Media:
Lithograph
Size:
25.5 x 16.5 inches
Release Date:
6/2022

Framing Service available on this item

Interested in having this item framed? Our expert team are on hand to review your bespoke requirements. Simply tick the framing box at the checkout and we’ll contact you to discuss the best framing choices for your piece plus delivery options. For further information about our framing service click here.