Made in 1946, “G.I.s in Switzerland” shows a post-WWII program in which American G.I.s and servicewomen are taken to Switzerland for rest & relaxation in a nation not affected by the devastation of the war. The film was made by Hermann Haller and David Wechsler, most likely as a propaganda effort on behalf of the nation of Switzerland. The Swiss endured criticism during the war for their neutral stance and were viewed in some quarters as Nazi collaborators who benefitted from the German plunder of European wealth.

The film includes beautiful imagery of Switzerland and its municipalities, as well as a hilarious moment at the 7:30 mark where G.I.’s check out a beautiful Swiss woman. It is not known whether fraternization with the locals was encouraged in this era! Some of the scenery includes Lake Geneva, the Brenner Pass, Lucerne, and more.

It also gives a good idea of what conditions may have been like for American interred in Switzerland during the war.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com