did the swiss fight in ww2
Switzerland declared neutrality during World War II. Despite being surrounded by Axis powers, including Germany, Italy, and Austria, Switzerland managed to maintain its neutrality throughout the war.
However, the Swiss military did engage in some defensive actions and encounters with both Axis and Allied forces. Here are a few examples:
1. Invasion plans: Germany had plans to invade Switzerland, known as Operation Tannenbaum, but the plans were never executed. The Swiss military prepared defensive positions and mobilized its troops in anticipation of a possible invasion.
2. Border skirmishes: There were several border skirmishes between Swiss and German troops, including a notable incident in 1940 when Swiss troops fired on German aircraft that had strayed into Swiss airspace.
3. Refugee policy: Switzerland provided asylum to thousands of refugees fleeing Nazi persecution, including Jews, but also turned away many others. The country’s refugee policy during WW2 remains a contentious topic.
4. Accidental bombings: Switzerland was accidentally bombed by both the Allies and the Axis powers, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.
5. Volunteering abroad: While the Swiss government maintained its neutrality, many Swiss citizens volunteered to fight with foreign armies, including the British and American forces.
Despite its neutrality, Switzerland’s military was not idle. The country’s unique geography, with its mountains and valleys, made it a difficult place to invade. The Swiss military took advantage of this terrain to prepare a robust defense, including:
* The “National Redoubt”: A fortified defensive line that ran through the Alps, designed to protect the country’s core.
* The “Réduit national”: A network of tunnels, bunkers, and fortifications built to defend key cities and strategic locations.
Switzerland’s military strategy was based on deterrence, aiming to make an invasion as costly and difficult as possible for any attacker. Ultimately, the country’s neutrality was respected, and it emerged from the war without being invaded.
