Mobilised

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Geneva, September 2, 1939. Germany has attacked Poland.(Keystone) Keystone

Soldiers and civilians read a poster announcing the mobilisation. (Keystone) Keystone

Henri Guisan was promoted to the rank of general on August 30, 1939, by the federal parliament in Bern, making him the head of the army. (RDB) RDB

Soldiers waiting for a tram in Zurich. (Keystone) Keystone

Spectators in Zurich watch on as border troops gather. (Keystone) Keystone

Calling up the emergency services' reserves at Zurich barracks. (RDB) RDB

Farewell at Zurich station. (RDB) RDB

A hat and a gas mask: fire-fighting attire fit for a lady. (RDB) RDB

The cover of the "Sie & Er" magazine on September 8, 1939. (RDB) RDB

The removal of road signs was one of the first measures taken after the mobilisation was announced. (Keystone) Keystone

Religious nurses on a train. (RDB) RDB

A Zurich woman is trained as a conductor for the local tram service. (RDB) RDB

Soldiers shoe a horse. (RDB) RDB

Children accompany soldiers as they reach their camp. (RDB) RDB

Mountain troops hoist the Swiss flag near the Mont Fort hut in canton Valais. (Keystone) Keystone

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Life in neutral Switzerland changed suddenly with the Second World War.

Switzerland prepared itself against a possible assault by neighbouring Nazi Germany after hostilities broke out on September 1, 1939. The militia-based Swiss army was mobilised after the German attack on Poland. Although the country was never threatened in the end, people’s lives were turned upside down. Men went off to serve their country while women were left alone to work in factories and look after businesses and farms.