Colorized & Enhanced Footage of M.S.406 & B-24 Liberator Over Switzerland in WWII

The Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 was a French fighter aircraft introduced in 1938. It was France’s most common fighter at the start of World War II, with over 1,000 built. It was one of only two French aircraft at the time capable of reaching 400 km/h (250 mph), the other being the Potez 630. Despite its importance, it quickly became clear that the M.S.406 was underpowered compared to its rivals.

In 1934, the French Air Force called for a new fighter, leading Morane-Saulnier to develop the MS.405 prototype. This aircraft introduced several modern features for the company, including a low-wing monoplane design, an enclosed cockpit, and a retractable undercarriage. These advancements gave it a promising start, but it lacked the firepower and speed needed to match enemy aircraft.

Swiss Modifications and Final Years

Following the French surrender, Switzerland continued developing the M.S.406 into the MS.412. The Dornier-Altenrhein factory completed a prototype in October 1940, replacing the original engine with a licensed-produced HS-51 12Y that generated 1,060 horsepower. This model also featured a fixed radiator and revised exhaust system.

The Swiss later introduced the D-3801, which retained the improved armament and other modifications made to the M.S.406. Production of the D-3801 began in 1941, and by 1945, 207 units had been built. Another 17 were assembled from spare parts between 1947 and 1948. By the war’s end, most M.S.406 fighters had been retired as they were no longer competitive with newer aircraft. The last of these planes remained in service in Finland as trainers until they were scrapped in 1952.

The B-24 Liberator Over Switzerland

The B-24 Liberator was one of the most widely used heavy bombers of World War II. Designed by Consolidated Aircraft, it was known for its long range, high payload capacity, and distinctive twin-tail design. More than 18,000 were built, making it the most-produced American military aircraft of the war. The B-24 served in every theater, conducting bombing missions, reconnaissance, and transport operations.

Switzerland, a neutral country during the war, became an unexpected destination for numerous Allied aircraft, including the B-24. Many bombers were damaged during missions over Germany and had to divert to Swiss territory to avoid crashing. The Swiss government interned these aircraft and their crews, following international law, but allowed limited maintenance on them. Some B-24s were repaired and used for training purposes within Switzerland.

One notable incident involved a B-24 making an emergency landing in Switzerland after sustaining heavy damage from enemy fire. Colorized footage of such aircraft over Switzerland provides a rare look at these bombers in unexpected settings, showing how war could lead even neutral countries to play an indirect role in aerial combat. These interned bombers remained in Swiss hands until the end of the war when most were returned to the U.S. or scrapped.

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