The Private Papers of Major John Howard DSO
Major John Howard's name will long be remembered and revered for his daring and charismatic leadership of the sensational and important coup de main Pegasus Bridge operation.
In the run-up to D Day, the planning staffs identified the two bridges carrying the coastal road over the Caen Canal and River Orne as vital. First, any German counter-attack from the East would have to use them and secondly, they were needed for the Allied break-out to the plains east of Caen. Responsibility for this key operation was given to Howard and D Company of 2nd Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.
The story of this extraordinarily risky glider-borne landing has been told countless times, not least for the lessons it has for subsequent generations of military officers. But never before has John Howard's personal account been published and it is truly revealing. Howard's men knew him to be a ruthlessly tough and gifted soldier whom they held in the highest esteem. Few would have realised what a devoted and sensitive husband and father he was and how complicated a character lay behind his steely exterior.
Many opening this book to read such an important account of this legendary operation will also be surprised by the two sides of Howard's personality. A true fighter, he had so much to prove both to his family, his men and, most significantly perhaps, himself.
The Pegasus Diaries make the fullest use of John Howard's writing with significant input from his daughter Penny Bates. We are left to judge him on his merits but, whatever the verdict, there is no denying his courage, achievements, honesty and humanity.
Foreword vi
Introduction ix
Chapter 1 January and February 1942: Camden Town to the Airborne 1
Chapter 2 February to April 1942: Background, Oxford and Marriage 14
Chapter 3 April to October 1942: Coastal Training and the Long March 26
Chapter 4 October 1942 to June 1943: Christmas at Bulford and Return to Ilfracombe 37
Chapter 5 Mid-June to September 1943: Family Life and Waiting for War 50
Chapter 6 September to Christmas 1943: Searching for a Home 61
Chapter 7 Christmas 1943 to March 1944: Home Making and Marking Time 73
Chapter 8 March to end of May 1944: Preparations for D-Day 86
Chapter 9 May to early June 1944: Transit Camp, Off at Last 103
Chapter 10 6 June 1944: The Capture of the Bridges 119
Chapter 11 6-19 June 1944: Escoville and Fighting for Normandy 135
Chapter 12 20 June to November 1944: Normandy, Returning Home and the End of the Road 150
Chapter 13 13 November 1944 to April 1945: Recovery, Realization and Regret 164
Chapter 14 April 1945 to March 1946: Disillusion, Determination and Deliverance 176
Epilogue 193
Index 196
Overview
The Private Papers of Major John Howard DSO
Major John Howard's name will long be remembered and revered for his daring and charismatic leadership of the sensational and important coup de main Pegasus Bridge operation.
In the run-up to D Day, the planning staffs identified the two bridges carrying the coastal road over the Caen Canal and River Orne as vital. First, any German counter-attack from the East would have to use them and secondly, ...