The Gronert Twins
THE GRONERT TWINS. CLAUDE ON THE LEFT AND THOMAS ON THE RIGHT. © CWGC
Claude and Thomas Gronert were twin brothers, born in 1923 and raised in Cornwall. They worked together in the South Crofty tin mine, meaning they were classed as essential workers and did not face conscription. However, they both volunteered to serve in the Airborne forces in 1943.
After completing their parachute training the twins were sent to North Africa as reinforcements for the 1st Parachute Brigade. The twins went on to see service in the Italian campaign, before returning to the United Kingdom. Following their return, the twins were posted to the 6th Platoon of the 2nd Parachute Battalion, under the commandment of Lieutenant Peter Cane.
In September 1944, the 6th Platoon was sent to fight at Arnhem. They safely made it to the ground and were advancing through Arnhem en route to secure the famous road bridge over the Rhine River when they encountered enemy forces near the Benedendorpsweg-Klingelbeekseweg railway viaduct. Thomas was hit, and as Claude ran to his aid, he too was mortally wounded. Aged 21, they died side-by-side.
Today, they are buried side-by-side in Plot 18. Row A. Graves 17 & 18 of CWGC Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery. Their headstones bear identical inscriptions chosen by their mother: ‘Winds of Heaven blow softly here where lies sleeping those we loved so dear.’
HEADSTONES OF THOMAS AND CLAUDE IN THE ARNHEM OOSTERBEEK CEMETARY IN THE NETHERLANDS. © CWGC
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Profiles People
Commemoration and Legacy
Artistic Responses to Conflict