The tragic story of Tommy and Claude Gronert

When the Second World War broke out, the twins initially enlisted in the Hampshire Regiment before volunteering for the airborne infantry. Their courageous service took them to Italy in 1943, where they fought as paratroopers. In September 1944, Tommy and Claude were deployed as part of Operation Market Garden with 6 Platoon, ‘B’ Company.

During this operation, the twins parachuted into Drop Zone X near Heelsum. Initially, ‘B’ Company made good progress and reached the railway bridge over the Rhine in Oosterbeek. Unfortunately, things then took a turn for the worse. A reconnaissance group was dispatched to scout the area, with Tommy among its members. Claude was assigned to stay behind to protect the rear.

As they carried out their reconnaissance, German patrols appeared, forcing the paratroopers to seek cover. The Wehrmacht soldiers seemed to offer their surrender by raising their weapons. However, when Lieutenant Cane of ‘B’ Company stepped forward to assess the situation, the German forces opened fire unexpectedly. Lieutenant Cane was killed instantly, and Tommy was fatally wounded.

Seeing his brother’s plight, Claude ran forward to help him but was also struck down and killed. Tommy and Claude Gronert are buried side by side at the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery. Their gravestones bear an inscription chosen by their mother: “The winds of heaven blow softly here where those lie sleeping who were so dear to us.”