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Interned
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During World War II, aircrew members from belligerent nations who landed in neutral countries like Switzerland and Sweden were typically interned according to international law. This meant they were held in camps and could not return to combat until their release.

National Archives HistoryNet       Internment of Aircrew During World War II Overview of Internment

During World War II, aircrew members from belligerent nations who landed in neutral countries were generally interned. This was in accordance with international law, which required neutral nations to detain military personnel from warring countries. The most notable neutral countries involved were Switzerland and Sweden.

Countries and Their Policies Country Internment Policy Notable Facts Switzerland Interned aircrew members from the U.S. and other nations. American airmen were often held without trial and faced challenges in communication with their legation. Sweden Accommodated many American airmen, with over 1,200 interned. Airmen were allowed some freedom and often expressed a desire to return to combat. Conditions of Internment Switzerland: American airmen were typically held in camps like Adelboden. They faced a quarantine period and were often denied due process.

Sweden: Interned airmen enjoyed more lenient conditions, allowing them to roam and receive hospitality from locals. Many expressed gratitude for their survival and readiness to return to combat.

Conclusion

Internment was a common fate for aircrew members who found themselves in neutral territories during the war. The experiences varied significantly between countries, with Sweden generally offering more favorable conditions compared to Switzerland.

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