Last updated on November 3, 2023 by Roger Kaufman
Hans Giger experienced World War II in the uniform of a Swiss Air Force pilot.
The 100-year-old started his career in a rickety, wooden-made double-decker.
Later he was there when top-secret German jet fighters and radar planes flew into the hands the Swiss army.
Source: The centenarian pilot
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During the Second World War Switzerland played a unique role in Europe by remaining neutral and staying out of the conflict.
Although the country was not directly involved in the war, the situation was still challenging and of great importance as it was surrounded by the surrounding belligerent nations.
The Swiss Air Force was an important part of the country's defense during this time.
Although she was comparatively small, she was still able to play a significant role.
The Swiss pilots were well trained and dedicated, and they patrolled the airspace to protect the country from possible attacks.
Despite its neutrality, Switzerland was under pressure and had to overcome diplomatic challenges to maintain its independence.
The surrounding warring nations sought to exploit Switzerland's strategic location and economic resources for their own purposes use.
Therefore, the Swiss authorities and the air force had to be extremely vigilant to deter aggression while maintaining their neutrality.
The 100-year-old pilot Hans Giger | Contemporary witness of the Second World War
Hans Giger experienced World War II in the uniform of a Swiss Air Force pilot.
The 100-year-old started his career in a rickety, wooden-made double-decker.
He was later there when top-secret German jet fighters and radar planes fell into the hands of the Swiss Army.
Hans Giger's stories offer History first-hand: The centenarian, who still lives in his house directly on Lake Lucerne, is one of the last contemporary witnesses who experienced the Second World War as an adult.
Even before the war, the farmer's boy fulfilled his then-exotic career dream and trained as a pilot in Dübendorf.
During the following years he saw how aircraft technology developed rapidly and how Swiss aircraft shot down German fighters.
Source: SRF Doc
