Were Planes Traveling from Ireland to Switzerland During World War II in Danger in the Skies?

During World War II, the skies were not merely a safe passage for international travel. Instead, they often represented a significant risk for those seeking to cross European borders. This article delves into the specifics of air travel between Ireland and Switzerland, focusing on the challenges and dangers faced by civilian aircraft during the conflict.

Evolution of Aer Lingus During World War II

Established in 1936, Aer Lingus initially served routes within the British Isles and Ireland with a single aircraft. By 1939, the airline expanded significantly, operating flights to Dublin, Bristol, London, Liverpool, and Shannon. However, the outbreak of World War II in 1939 led to a sharp reduction in external flights for safety reasons. Aer Lingus maintained only a solitary route over the Irish Sea from Dublin to Liverpool.

Swiss Airspace and Trade Routes During World War II

Switzerland, a neutral country, faced a unique challenge during the war. Despite being surrounded by German-controlled or allied territories, the Swiss allowed limited trade between themselves and the Allied powers. However, this trade had to follow a complex route, with goods moving overland via Vichy France, Spain, and Portugal before returning to the Allied countries. Consequently, actual air routes to and from Switzerland were indirect and circuitous.

Protective Measures and Threats to Civilian Aircraft

The Swiss government took stringent measures to protect its airspace. Any foreign aircraft, whether Allied or German, were likely to be intercepted and forced to turn back or shot down. During 1940 alone, the Swiss Air Force shot down 11 German aircraft, causing significant outrage among the Axis powers, including Hitler, who blamed the Germans' own equipment for theshootdowns.

Moreover, the Germans also targeted Allied aircraft crossing their airspace, including British and American bombers that inadvertently entered prohibited zones. Civilian aircraft, including those from neutral countries, were at grave risk if they strayed off course. The Swiss Air Force would shoot them down to maintain the peace and neutrality it pledged to uphold.

A Notable Incident: The Douglas DC-3 to Bristol

One of the most tragic incidents involving air routes to Switzerland during World War II is the crash of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines/BOAC Flight 777 in 1943. The Douglas DC-3 carrying actor Leslie Howard from Lisbon to Bristol was shot down by the Luftwaffe. Howard, who was a significant figure in the film industry, died in the crash along with 16 others, including four KLM flight crew. The incident occurred during the Battle of Biscay, a campaign where the RAF aimed to sink U-boats off the French coast.

The tragic event took place on June 1, 1943, when a swarm of eight Ju 88 C6 maritime fighters from V/KG 40 intercepted the DC-3. The last radio message indicated the aircraft was being fired upon. German records confirmed that the plane was shot down at 46°07′N 10°15′W, approximately 500 miles northwest of La Coru?a, Spain, and 200 miles from Bordeaux, France. The Luftwaffe assert that the DC-3 was recognized as an enemy aircraft, although the presence of a civil aircraft in this area would have been suspicious due to the war zone.

Conclusion

The risks facing civilian aircraft traveling from Ireland to Switzerland during World War II were severe. The skies were not only a means of transport but also a battleground where airspace control and protection of neutral territories were critical. The story of Leslie Howard's tragic death in the Douglas DC-3 crash underscores the perils faced by those attempting to cross enemy lines, even over ostensibly safe but vulnerable routes.

Keywords

Irish Airline Aer Lingus, World War II, Swiss Airspace Protection, Battle of Biscay, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, BOAC Flight 777, Douglas DC-3, Ju 88 C6 maritime fighters, Luftwaffe