Foreign Aircraft in Switzerland, 1939–1945

The 242 incidents involving emergency landings and crashes, as well as the experiences of the approximately 1,620 crew members from a wide variety of nations, are fading into obscurity.

For the first time, all these events are documented in a single book, featuring over 1,600 photos across nearly 300 pages. The personal accounts of fighter and bomber crews, as well as those of the Swiss civilian population, provide an authentic glimpse into the period some 75 years ago. The atmosphere is palpable. However, there are also many entertaining accounts. For example, it is not known whether the bottles of red wine carried by a pilot who made an emergency landing remained in Switzerland or returned to Germany with him and his plane. Equally touching is the story of the American who met a Swiss woman in Davos and married her years later. The book also clarifies the circumstances surrounding why a Swiss man was shot while in the cockpit of a U.S. bomber.

The foreword was written by aviation expert Peter Brotschi. The book also provides insight into the internment of these individuals. It also documents information on the recovery, storage, and disposal of foreign aircraft. The role of the Swiss Air Force and air defense troops is highlighted. An American bomber pilot, now over ninety years old, who landed at the Dübendorf military airfield, recounts his experiences from that time. And much more. These are glimpses into a bygone era. They provide an overview of events that are now largely forgotten. This book is a valuable source of information for history enthusiasts.

To place an order, visit:
www.warbird.ch/buch

ISBN 978-3-033-06824-7
Print run: 2,000 copies
Language: German
Author and Editor
: Dani Egger
Ringstrasse 33, 9443 Widnau
+41 79 246 22 73
dani@warbird.ch