Did Any Swiss Soldiers Fight in WWII?

The history of Switzerland during World War II is often overshadowed by its policy of neutrality, but the story is more nuanced than that. While the nation officially remained neutral, Swiss soldiers and volunteers played an active role in various theaters of the conflict. This article explores the involvement of Swiss individuals, their motivations, and the lasting impact of their actions.

Swiss Volunteers for the Allies

Contrary to the popular notion that Switzerland was completely untouched, a significant number of Swiss citizens opted to join Allied forces. Estimates suggest around 1,000 Swiss volunteers joined the French Foreign Legion, while others served with British and American troops. This decision was not without personal and societal challenges. For instance, B.B., a car mechanic from Switzerland, moved to Germany to work in a Ford factory, where he faced rigorous rations and sought a way out. His journey reflects the economic hardships many Swiss civilians endured during the conflict.

Swiss Soldiers for “Das Reich”

While the majority of Swiss individuals fought or worked towards the Allies, some chose to join forces with the Axis powers. Approximately 2,000 Swiss soldiers served in various capacities, often in German formations such as "Das Reich". This group’s involvement highlights the complex moral dilemmas faced by individuals during wartime. Their experiences, however, are often overlooked in favor of more heroic narratives.

Persecution and Resistance

Among the darker aspects of Switzerland’s involvement in WWII is the persecution of its own citizens who were caught in Axis-occupied territories. Over one thousand Swiss were captured and sent to concentration camps, where an estimated 200 died due to starvation, gas chambers, and other atrocities. This grim chapter underscores the dangers faced by those caught in the crossfire.

Silent Allies and Heroes

While some Swiss soldiers fought in direct combat, others worked quietly behind the scenes as intelligence agents or assisted resistance movements. They provided critical information and shelter to French resistance fighters, maintaining the flow of vital intelligence that helped Allied efforts. However, these contributions are often overshadowed by more well-known heroes like the Swiss diplomat Carl Lutz.

The Unsung Hero: Carl Lutz

Carl Lutz, a Swiss diplomat, is a remarkable figure in the annals of World War II. Serving as the Swiss Vice-Consul in Budapest from 1942 to 1945, Lutz is credited with saving over 62,000 Jews, the largest rescue operation of the Jews during the war. His efforts were undocumented for decades, with the man himself living in relative obscurity until late in life.

Lutz’s actions went far beyond his official duties. He negotiated a deal with the Hungarian government and the Nazis, securing permission to issue protective letters to 8,000 Hungarian Jews for emigration to Palestine. However, he deliberately expanded this number, issuing tens of thousands of additional protective letters that claimed protection for families rather than individuals. Lutz also set up 76 ‘Glass Houses’—safe houses for the Jews.

A memorable incident involving Lutz occurred one day when Arrow Cross Party militiamen were firing at Jews on the bank of the Danube. Lutz, despite the dangerous situation, jumped into the river to save a bleeding Jewish woman. As he carried her back, he engaged the Hungarian officer in charge, declaring the woman a foreign citizen protected by Switzerland and referencing international covenants. This bold action brought her safely to his car and out of harm's way.

The significance of Carl Lutz's rescue efforts is often overlooked, and few know of his righteous actions. Yet, his story serves as a testament to the power of diplomacy, personal courage, and humanitarianism in the face of overwhelming darkness.

Conclusion

Switzerland’s involvement in WWII was complex and multifaceted. From working as intelligence agents, fighting in foreign armies, to saving lives in concentration camps, Swiss soldiers and volunteers played a crucial role in the conflict. Carl Lutz stands as a beacon of hope and moral courage, a hero whose actions saved the lives of tens of thousands of Jews. As we reflect on the history of WWII, it is essential to remember the many individuals who chose to fight for what was right, even in the darkest of times.