Ranville in Calvados, Normandy, France — Western Europe
La défense des ponts sur le Canal de Caen et de l'Orne
The Defence of the Caen Canal and River Orne Bridges
Photographed by James Hulse, June 2, 2025
1. La défense des ponts sur le Canal de Caen et de l'Orne Marker
C'est à la 318e Batterie du 92e Régiment antiaérien léger (unité Fox) qu'incombait la mission de défendre les ponts sur l'Orne et le Canal de Caen des attaques aériennes. L'unité, constituée de six canons 40mm Bofors autopropulsés et d'une unité de transmission, a débarqué sur Sword Beach le Jour J au sein de la 3e Division d'infantrie.
Pendant neuf jours, 6-15 juin, au cours desquels l'unité a été en position, près de 5 000 tirs ont été effectués avec ces canons et dix-sept avions allemands ont été abattus. L'unité a également soutenu les forces terrestres. L'officier commandant l'unité, le capitaine R.T. Reid, s'est vu décerner la Military Cross pour son exceptionnel sens du commandement dans le cadre de la défense des ponts.
Fox troop, 318 Battery 92nd (Loyals) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment was tasked with defending the River Orne and Caen Canal Bridges from air attack. The troop, consisting of six self propelled 40 mm Bofor guns and a signal unit, landed on Sword beach on D-Day as part of 3rd Infantry Division.
During the nine days, 6th-15th June the
this page online
Erected by Memorial Pegasus and Museum. (Marker Number 27.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II.
Location. 49° 14.555′ N, 0° 16.271′ W. Marker is in Ranville, Normandie (Normandy), in Calvados. It is at the intersection of Av. Major John Howard and Normandie Route D514 on Av. Major John Howard. The marker is located on the grounds of the Memorial Pegasus and Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Av Major John Howard, Ranville, Normandie 14860, France. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony and also the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Canon de 40 mm Bofors / Bofors 40 mm Gun (here, next to this marker); M45 Quadruple / M45 Quadmount (a few steps from this marker); M3/M5 A1 Half Track (a few steps from this marker); 'Coup de Main' Glider Operation Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Vidette (within shouting distance of this marker); Le Général de Brigade James Hill, D.S.O** M.С. / Brigadier James Hill D.S.O** М.С.
Photographed by James Hulse, June 2, 2025
2. The marker and a Bofor 40mm gun
More about this marker. The static displays and markers are located on the grounds of the Memorial Pegasus and Museum. There is an entrance fee to visit the museum and markers.
Also see . . . The Defence of the Caen Canal and River Orne Bridges. (Submitted on July 2, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
