Cornish heroes, Claude and Thomas Gronert, are to be commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) in a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem this weekend.

Claude and Thomas Gronert, twin brothers from Redruth, volunteered to serve in the airborne forces in 1943, despite being exempt from conscription as essential workers in South Crofty tin mine.

Their dedication led them to the Battle of Arnhem during Operation Market Garden. On 17 September 1944, while advancing through Arnhem, Thomas was struck by enemy fire. As Claude ran to his aid, he too was mortally wounded. Both brothers died side-by-side at the age of 21.

Today, they rest together in Plot 18, Row A, Graves 17 and 18 at the CWGC’s Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery. Their headstones bear identical inscriptions, chosen by their grieving mother: “Winds of Heaven / blow softly here / where lies sleeping / those we loved so dear.

The brothers' bravery and sacrifice remain a poignant reminder of the courage displayed by so many during World War II. Their sacrifice will be honoured as part of the 80th anniversary commemorations by the CWGC of the infamous WWII battle where nearly 1,500 Allied soldiers lost their lives.

CWGC Torch - Arnhem 80
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Torch - Arnhem 80 (Submitted)

The poignant Torch of Commemoration roadshow that captured the imagination of thousands during D-Day earlier this year will reach Arnhem today (Friday, September 20). The torch will be handed to British veteran Geoff Roberts and Caroline Frost, daughter of Lt Col John Frost who commanded the Allies during the battle.

Geoff Roberts with King Charles
British veteran Geoff Roberts with King Charles III (Submitted)

Claire Horton CBE, director general of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, said: “The Torch of Commemoration has proved to be a hugely successful way to educate younger people about what the Allies went through during their ordeal, and to ensure their legacy will never be forgotten.

“The CWGC’s Arnhem Oosterbeek Cemetery has been a focal point of commemoration for the Battle of Arnhem since the end of the Second World War, with the sacrifice of nearly 1,500 wounded and killed soldiers at the heart of our mission to protect their legacy and educate future generations.“

Today, we call on our communities to join us in our duty to ensuring the commemoration of the war dead continues, and share their memories and stories. Many of the stories of what the soldiers went through during the Battle of Arnhem are truly inspiring, and we hope they encourage younger people to honour them for evermore.”