Grimsby bridge's crucial role in the D-Day landings being commemorated 80 years on

A Grimsby bridge played a crucial role in the D-Day landings in Normandy 80 years ago to liberate Europe from the Nazis.

As preparations continue for the 80th anniversary of the biggest seaborne invasion in military history, it has been revealed Grimsby's Corporation Bridge was used as a rehearsal for the capture of a vital bridge in France ahead of the full-scale invasion on June 6, 1944.

It became known as Pegasus Bridge over the Caen Canal. It had to be secured from the German military prior to the invasion beginning in order to prevent a German counter attack.

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Corporation Bridge is broadly similar in design and structure to the Orne Bridge in Normandy. The raid on June 5, 1944, was led by Major John Howard, who was played in the film The Longest Day by Richard Todd, who also starred in The Dambusters. He served in the Armed Forces and later retired to Lincolnshire.

Corporation Bridge remains closed for repairs and is shrouded while maintenance continues. However, over 80 years ago it was shrouded in secrecy for the paratroopers to prepare for their mission in Normandy on D-Day minus one.

Grimsby former serviceman, Michael Gibbons, a Lance Corporal with The Queen's Dragoon Guards, is taking part in a re-enactment of the invasion by jumping from a plane in Second World War uniform. He will be in a squadron of eight Dakotas flying to Normandy. Leaders from Allied nations will be gathering this week to commemorate all those who died during the invasion.

Michael said: "Corporation Bridge is similar in configuration to the bridge in Normandy. The preparations had to be kept very secret. so there might not be any photographic evidence of it, but it would be lovely to have it in our mess bar at The Armed Forces Club on The Knoll.

"It is good we have that link with D-Day. There were a lot from here who served in the war. Many fishermen went on to minesweepers in order to keep the sea channels open. It is important people remember the sacrifices.

"The freedoms we have today are often taken for granted and for some, D-Day and all those who died are long forgotten."

He will also be part of the commemorations at Arnhem Bridge in mid-September for the 80th anniversary of the battle on the Rhine river in The Netherlands.

Armed Forces Champion for North East Lincolnshire, Alex Baxter, said the bridge in Grimsby served as an important preparation for D-Day.

"There were heavy losses even before D-Day", he said. "But the bridge had to be taken to allow the Allied Forces to move forward."

Mr Baxter said a simple ceremony of commemoration will be held at The Knoll on Thursday, June 6 at 9pm when a beacon will be lit. He said organisers also hope to broadcast the first radio bulletin confirming the D-Day invasion had started successfully on June 6, 1944, led by General Eisenhower and General Montgomery.