Overview
On 22 June 1941, Hitler s armies launched Operation Barbarossa and swept in to the Soviet Union. On the same day, the Spanish Foreign Minister, Ramon Serrano Suner, contacted the German embassy in Madrid with an extraordinary proposal would the German government welcome the addition of a force of Spanish volunteers in the war against the Russians? Officially designed by the Wehrmacht as the 250th Infantry Division, but commonly referred to as the Azul or Blue Division after the colour of Spain s Falangist (Fascist) Party, this force initially amounted to some 18,000 volunteers under the command of the fiercely anti-communist General Agustin Munoz-Grandes. Of the first 18,694 men who entrained for Germany during July 1941, seventy percent, including every officer from captain on up, were from the regular army, whilst most of the rest were Spanish Civil War veterans. By the time that the Blue Division returned home, 47,000 Spaniards had been involved in fighting on the Russian front. There were 22,000 casualties: 4,500 dead, 8,000 wounded, 7,800 sick and 1,600 suffering from frostbite. As the authors reveal, Spaniards also volunteered or served in other units or organisation.This highly-illustrated book examines the history, personalities, and uniforms and equipment of those men and women who volunteered to serve alongside Hitler s armies. Along with full-colour drawings, there are many rare photographs provided by survivors. AUTHORS: Pablo Sagarra, Oscar Gonzalez and Lucas Molina. Illustrated by Ramiro Bueiro.
Full Product Details
Author: Lucas Molina
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
Imprint: Frontline Books
ISBN: 9781473878877
ISBN 10: 147387887
Pages: 120
Publication Date: 13 January 2020
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: In Print
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Reviews
the illustrations and pictures are excellent.--The UK Historian The authors and the illustrator give us a small gem that introduces us to the history of a Division that has made itself known on the Eastern Front.--Old Barbed Wire Blog
This is a beautifully illustrated book of 115 pages. It is chock-full of period photographs of individuals, group shots, equipment, documents, medals and decorations...a nice addition to the library of any World War II buff. -- Toy Soldier Collector & Historical Figures ...the illustrations and pictures are excellent. -- The UK Historian The authors and the illustrator give us a small gem that introduces us to the history of a Division that has made itself known on the Eastern Front. -- Old Barbed Wire Blog
Author Information
Pablo Sagarra, Oscar Gonzalez and Lucas Molina. Illustrated by Ramiro Bueiro.
