Dear Mr. Rawles,
Regarding your mention of Swiss mountain bunkers on August 1st, you might be interested to know that the Swiss photographer Christian Schwager published a book on camouflaged Swiss bunkers, and also had several exhibits including one in Zurich at the Swiss Museum of Design (Museum fuer Gestaltung). A lot of bunkers were nearer to the northern borders, so there was also a lot of urban camouflage. Since the bunker designs were [tailored] due to individual units, there is a lot of variation and a range of folk artistry (so to speak). Some photos were of high valleys with half a dozen farm buildings along a road, half of which were camouflaged bunkers and basically impossible to detect. Concrete walls up to a meter or more thick meant that the interior space in smaller bunkers was just about enough for the gun and little else. Some of these bunkers have been sold into private hands, so that is a level of security (if not comfort) that would be impossible to attain on a private budget.
A lot of Swiss regard their mandatory bomb shelters as good wine cellars, there are increasing moves towards gun control, and there is pressure to join the larger EU community – but underneath it all I think that the militia army and spirit of independence continue to maintain Swiss traditions. Just like in the US, there is a split between the large (for Switzerland) cities and the countryside (e.g. the mountain cantons), and the immigration of troublesome minorities is very much an issue. The difference is much stricter government control of immigration (i.e. identity documents required to work or obtain residence), and a policy of integration. Still, a country where citizens in uniform or plainclothes can carry a (real) assault rifle down the train platform without causing a panic is refreshing.
Appreciate your site and all the information you provide, Best Regards, – W.S.
Letter Re: Camouflaged Swiss Bunkers
