how many swiss died in ww2
Switzerland remained neutral throughout World War II. However, the country was not entirely spared from the consequences of the war.
Estimates of Swiss casualties during World War II vary, but here are some approximate numbers:
– Military deaths: 100-200 Swiss soldiers were killed or died of wounds during the war, mostly due to accidental border incursions, border clashes, or aerial bombardment.
– Civilian deaths: Around 100-200 civilians died due to aerial bombardment or accidental attacks.
– Accidental attacks and shootdowns: The Allies accidentally bombed Swiss cities, including Basel, Zurich, and Schaffhausen, resulting in over 300 civilian casualties.
– Total deaths: Combining the above estimates, the total number of Swiss deaths during World War II is around 600-800 people.
– In addition to these direct casualties, many Swiss citizens died while serving as volunteers or as part of the International Red Cross, or as civilians who got caught in the fighting while abroad.
It’s essential to note that while these numbers are tragic, Switzerland’s casualties were significantly lower than those of the main belligerents in World War II, thanks in large part to its maintained neutrality and diplomatic efforts throughout the conflict.
