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The Battle for the Conneaut Valley Bridge
Returning in 2010 at D-Day Conneaut
See the Event Map for approved viewing locations.

D-Day Conneaut is pleased to present our 2nd annual Battle of the Bridge; an Airborne and Inland Troop Scenario worthy of our veterans valiant efforts on that Day of Days.  As we commemorate the 66th Anniversary of D-Day with our 11th annual sea borne landing, we could not overlook the equally important role of airborne operations.  The first of these troops began landing in France shortly after midnight on the sixth of June.  Throughout the night, glider borne infantry and paratroopers were assigned the very important tasks of securing roads and bridges throughout Normandy.  Aided by the French Resistance, the capturing of these bridges and causeways were vital to the success of the beach landings.  Although we cannot simulate a dropping of paratroopers from the skies above Conneaut nor can we have a Horsa glider land on the parade ground, we can however provide some measure of the experience of the men and woman who began the crusade for the return of liberty to Europe.

This portion of our program begins with the day to day activity of the German Army.  Tensions are high as a summer landing is anticipated by the German High Command.  So too is the population of France expecting that their liberation will soon begin.  Long awaited code words broadcasted from England across the channel alerted French Resistance.  They listened intently via makeshift radios for those famous words "John has a long mustache."  On June 5th, the resistance in mass awoke and some were sent as far away as Conneaut for an important mission; disrupt the German war machine.

   
German SS Troops Cross the Valley Bridge...

...and French Resistance Operatives follow on their heals.

As real events bore witness, British glider borne infantry arrived at the Pegasus Bridge shortly after midnight on the 6th of June.  Their objective was to capture the bridge over the Orne River and hold it until a seaborne Commando force arrived later in the day.  The allied invasion of Normandy, moments old, recorded it's first casualty there as British Lt. Den Brotheridge was felled as he led the attack over the bridge.  The mission was so successful that the whole action took place in just about 10 minutes.  Commonwealth troops from Poland and Canada will join with British re-enactors as they recreate the capturing of the bridge. 

British, Canadian and Polish Reenactors take the Bridge but loose Lt. Brotheridge

German counterattacks would eventually score a number of victories across Normandy.  Although NOT historically accurate in regards to the Pegasus Bridge which remained in British hands, at D-Day Conneaut we must compress time that will allow additional units to participate.  In years past, most of these units have been limited to living history displays upon the parade ground.  Inland from the beaches German paratroopers better known as Fallschirmjaegers and their Schutzstaffel comrades in arms, SS troops, were garrisoned throughout France.  German mountain troops, or Gebirgsjägers identified by the Edelweiß insignia will also play a pivotal role in the outcome of our valley and bridgehead tactical demonstration.

Gebirgsjägers

Pitted against them will be American airborne units of the 101st and 82nd Divisions as well as gliderborne infantrymen which will struggle for control of the bridge and surrounding ground.  This part of the battle will also highlight the importance of medical personal as simulated wounded from both sides will be evacuated to the field hospital on the parade ground.

 
American Airborne Engage the Returning German Patrol


SS Troops Recapture the Bridge

Note the amount of shell casings on the bridge.  This is NO picnic although tables are nearby!

Medics assist the wounded from both sides.
Casualties are then transported by Army Ambulance and Jeep
to an awaiting field hospital up on the parade ground.

As to the outcome of the 2010 battle you will just have to come and see it for yourself.
  The action begins at 11:00 in the valley of Conneaut Township Park.
See the Event Map for approved viewing locations.

If you missed last years battle, here's your chance to see it again!

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