Arne Kjelstrup

Arne Kjelstrup, MM (30 October 1913 – 5 May 1995) was a Norwegian resistance member during World War II, especially noted for his role in the heavy water sabotage 1942–1943, and for being military leader of Milorg section D-161 (Kongsberg/Numedal) during the anti-demolition operation Sunshine 1944–1945.

[4] He was recruited a member of the Grouse team which was parachuted onto the Hardangervidda plateau on 18 October 1942, along with Jens-Anton Poulsson (leader of the group), Knut Haugland and Claus Helberg.

[5][6] The team landed at Fjarefit in Songadalen, and relocated to Møsvatn where they prepared to receive British troops, the Operation Freshman.

The combined Grouse and Gunnerside team finally succeeded in the destruction of heavy water equipment and stock at Vemork in February 1943[6] After the sabotage Kjelstrup stayed in Norway together with Knut Haukelid, and participated in building up Milorg troops in the Western Telemark district (the Bonzo group).

Kjelstrup was a leader of the Nore section (Operation Starlight), which could mobilize a military force of 900 soldiers at the end of the war.