Legion Condor 1936–39

The Luftwaffe develops Blitzkrieg in the Spanish Civil War

Legion Condor 1936–39 cover

Legion Condor 1936–39

The Luftwaffe develops Blitzkrieg in the Spanish Civil War

Description

An expert account of Nazi Germany's air war during the Spanish Civil War, where air power turned the tide for Franco and taught the Luftwaffe how to wage Blitzkrieg.

The bombing of Guernica has become a symbol of Nazi involvement in the Spanish Civil War, but the extent of the German commitment is often underestimated. The Luftwaffe sent 20,000 officers and men to Spain from 1936 to 1939, and the Condor Legion carried out many missions in support of the Spanish Nationalist forces and played a lead role in many key campaigns of the war. Aircraft that would play a significant role in the combat operations of World War II (the Heinkel 11 bomber, the Me 109 fighter, and others) saw their first action in Spain, fighting against the modern Soviet fighters and bombers that equipped the Republican Air Force. Condor Legion bombers attacked Republican logistics and transport behind the lines as well as bombing strategic targets, German bombers and fighters provided highly effective close air support for the front-line troops, and German fighters and antiaircraft units ensured Nationalist control of the air.

The experience garnered in Spain was very important to the development of the Luftwaffe. The war allowed them to hone and develop their tactics, train their officers, and to become the most practiced air force in the world at conducting close support of ground troops. In effect, the Spanish Civil War proved to be the training ground for the Blitzkrieg which would be unleashed across Europe in the years that followed. In this rigorous new analysis, Legion Condor expert James Corum explores both the history and impact of the Luftwaffe's engagement during the Spanish Civil War and the role that engagement played in the development of the Luftwaffe strategy which would be used to such devastating effect in the years that followed.

Table of Contents

Origins
Chronology
Attacker's Capabilities
Defender's Capabilities
The Campaign
Assessment
Bibliography
Index

Product details

Published Apr 28 2020
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781472840073
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Illustrated throughout with around 60 photos and at least 14pp of colour illustrations
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series Air Campaign
Short code ACM 16
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

James S. Corum

Dr James S. Corum is an internationally recognized…

Illustrator

Graham Turner

Graham Turner is a leading historical artist, spec…

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