The Bailey Bridge - Instrumental in Winning World War II

     Many people around the world take time on June 6th of each year to remember the brave men and women who stormed the coast of France in an effort to drive back the German occupation of Europe and bring an end to World War II.  Soldiers, commanders, operators, doctors, nurses, engineers, and a whole host of others worked hard to make D-Day (“Operation Overlord”) a success.  One of those who were instrumental to success was a civil engineer by the name of Donald C. Bailey.

     Donald Bailey was born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England on September 15, 1901 and worked as a civil servant for the War Office during World War II.  He obtained his engineering education and certification at the University of Sheffield and graduated in 1923.  One of Bailey’s duties for the British Army was to conduct experiments and tests of portable assault bridges, beginning with models and types used during World War I.  Considering the increased weight of equipment used for this “new” war, it became apparent that existing types of portable bridges would not be able to perform.  One day in late 1940, on the back of an envelope, Bailey quickly sketched out some ideas he had on his way back to the military base where he was staying.

     The Bailey Bridge design was simple.  It included the use of prefabricated truss panels joined by pegs and further strengthened by transverse beams.  No special tools or heavy equipment were required for assembly, which meant the job could be done very quickly (and relatively cheaply).  Wood and steel elements were small and light enough to be carried on small trucks and lifted into place by hand, creating a finished structure strong enough to carry tanks.  The first prototype bridge was tested in early 1941 and full production began in July 1941.  The first wartime use of the design began on November 26, 1942 to carry troops and equipment over the Medjerda River in Tunisia.  By the end of the war, more than 4,500 bridges were built with an average length of 100 feet.  Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery commented that the Bailey Bridge was a critical element in being able to maintain the speed and tempo of forward movement of his army units.

     Bailey was knighted in 1946 for his design success and diligent work for the British Government.  He passed away on May 5th, 1985 in Bournemouth, Dorset, England and is held in memory by the permanent placement of a section of his famous bridge in Christchurch, where a factory was installed to make components of the bridge during the war.  Donald Bailey stands as a testimony to engineering ingenuity and determination, demonstrating problem solving skills under pressure and bringing encouragement with a “we can do this” attitude.