Condor Legion - Revision history

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	[[Category:Spanish Civil War]]		[[Category:Spanish Civil War]]



	~~[[es:Legión Cóndor]]~~
	~~[[no:Legion Condor]]~~
	~~[[pt:Legião Condor]]~~
	~~[[sv:Legion Condor]]~~

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	~~[[de:Legion Condor]]~~
	[[es:Legión Cóndor]]		[[es:Legión Cóndor]]
	[[no:Legion Condor]]		[[no:Legion Condor]]
	[[pt:Legião Condor]]		[[pt:Legião Condor]]
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	The '''Condor Legion''' ({{lang-de\|Legion Condor}}) was a unit ([[legion]]) composed of volunteers from the [[Luftstreitkräfte\|German Air Force]] (the [[Luftwaffe (Wehrmacht)\|Luftwaffe]]) which served with the Fascist-Legitimist side against the quasi-communist Republican Government in [[Madrid]] during the [[Spanish Civil War]] of July 1936 to March 1939. The Legion was the “thunderclap” of Franco’s [[anticommunist]] struggle in Spain. This bloody confrontation would have ended in red victory had it not been for [[Hitler]]’s and [[Göring]]’s intervention with this corps of crack, disciplined, tough troopers. The communists were soundly defeated by the Legion and its Spanish patriot comrades as well as Italian Blackshirt soldiers and airmen.		The '''Condor Legion''' ({{lang-de\|Legion Condor}}) was a unit ([[legion]]) composed of volunteers from the [[Luftstreitkräfte\|German Air Force]] (the [[Luftwaffe (Wehrmacht)\|Luftwaffe]]) which served with the Fascist-Legitimist side against the quasi-communist Republican Government in [[Madrid]] during the [[Spanish Civil War]] of July 1936 to March 1939. The Legion was the “thunderclap” of Franco’s [[anticommunist]] struggle in Spain. This bloody confrontation would have ended in red victory had it not been for [[Hitler]]’s and [[Göring]]’s intervention with this corps of crack, disciplined, tough troopers. The communists were soundly defeated by the Legion and its Spanish patriot comrades as well as Italian Blackshirt soldiers and airmen.
	[[File:Memorial for fallen German airmen of the Condor Legion.~~jpg~~\|thumb\|350px\|Memorial for fallen German airmen of the Condor Legion, Almudena cemetery in Madrid]]		[[File:Memorial for fallen German airmen of the Condor Legion.png\|thumb\|350px\|Memorial for fallen German airmen of the Condor Legion, Almudena cemetery in Madrid]]
	== History of military aid to Spain==		== History of military aid to Spain==
	[[File:Bf 109 der Legion Condor II.~~jpg~~\|thumb\|350px\|[https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Feindflug_(Luftwaffe) ''Feindflug''] of a new [[Bf 109]] of the [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Jagdgruppe_88_(Legion_Condor) ''Jagdgruppe 88''] (J/88) of the Legion Condor with 26 known [[flying aces]], the most victorious being [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B6lders,_Werner Werner Mölders].]]		[[File:Bf 109 der Legion Condor II.png\|thumb\|350px\|[https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Feindflug_(Luftwaffe) ''Feindflug''] of a new [[Bf 109]] of the [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Jagdgruppe_88_(Legion_Condor) ''Jagdgruppe 88''] (J/88) of the Legion Condor with 26 known [[flying aces]], the most victorious being [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B6lders,_Werner Werner Mölders].]]
	[[File:Parade of the Condor Legion in Berlin after their return from the Spanish Civil War, June 1939.png\|thumb\|350px\|Parade of the Condor Legion in [[Berlin]] after their return from the [[Spanish Civil War]], June 1939; from left to right: [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Sperrle,_Hugo Hugo Sperrle], [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Volkmann,_Hellmuth Hellmuth Volkmann], and [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Warlimont,_Walter Walter Warlimont].]]		[[File:Parade of the Condor Legion in Berlin after their return from the Spanish Civil War, June 1939.png\|thumb\|350px\|Parade of the Condor Legion in [[Berlin]] after their return from the [[Spanish Civil War]], June 1939; from left to right: [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Sperrle,_Hugo Hugo Sperrle], [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Volkmann,_Hellmuth Hellmuth Volkmann], and [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Warlimont,_Walter Walter Warlimont].]]
	Called "Operation Fire Magic" (''Unternehmen Feuerzauber''), German military aid to the Spanish [[Fascist]]s began with a request for assistance by Spanish General [[Francisco Franco]]. This was received by German Chancellor [[Adolf Hitler]] on July 22, 1936, five days after the civil war commenced on 17 July. The first planes from [[Kingdom of Italy\|Italy]] arrived in [[Spain]] on 27 July, 1936. Immediate German assistance to Franco resulted in the world's first airlift of troops (from Spanish Morocco). Hitler immediately called [[Hermann Göring]], then Minister for the Economy, and Field Marshal General [[Werner von Blomberg]], to plan methods of support for the Fascists.		Called "Operation Fire Magic" (''Unternehmen Feuerzauber''), German military aid to the Spanish [[Fascist]]s began with a request for assistance by Spanish General [[Francisco Franco]]. This was received by German Chancellor [[Adolf Hitler]] on July 22, 1936, five days after the civil war commenced on 17 July. The first planes from [[Kingdom of Italy\|Italy]] arrived in [[Spain]] on 27 July, 1936. Immediate German assistance to Franco resulted in the world's first airlift of troops (from Spanish Morocco). Hitler immediately called [[Hermann Göring]], then Minister for the Economy, and Field Marshal General [[Werner von Blomberg]], to plan methods of support for the Fascists.
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	Dozens of [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]] fighters and [[Heinkel He 111]] medium bombers, and from December 1937, at least three [[Junkers Ju 87]] ''Stuka'' dive-bombers, first saw active service in the Condor Legion against Soviet-supplied aircraft.<ref>The Stuka's first mission flown in Spain was February 1938.</ref> Each of these aircraft played a major role during the early years of the Second World War. The Germans also quickly realized that the days of the [[biplane]] fighter were finished. The [[Heinkel He 51]] fighter, after suffering many losses during the first 12 months of the conflict, was switched to a ground attack role and later saw service as a trainer.		Dozens of [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]] fighters and [[Heinkel He 111]] medium bombers, and from December 1937, at least three [[Junkers Ju 87]] ''Stuka'' dive-bombers, first saw active service in the Condor Legion against Soviet-supplied aircraft.<ref>The Stuka's first mission flown in Spain was February 1938.</ref> Each of these aircraft played a major role during the early years of the Second World War. The Germans also quickly realized that the days of the [[biplane]] fighter were finished. The [[Heinkel He 51]] fighter, after suffering many losses during the first 12 months of the conflict, was switched to a ground attack role and later saw service as a trainer.
	[[File:Condor Legion Tank Badge.~~jpg~~\|thumb\|350px\|Hauptmann [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Willing,_Gerhard Gerhard Willing] wearing the Tank Badge]]		[[File:Condor Legion Tank Badge.png\|thumb\|350px\|Hauptmann [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Willing,_Gerhard Gerhard Willing] wearing the Tank Badge]]
	===Other units===		===Other units===
	[[File:Spanienkreuz.~~jpg~~\|thumb\|350px\|Spanish Cross ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Spanienkreuz ''Spanienkreuz''])]]		[[File:Spanienkreuz.png\|thumb\|350px\|Spanish Cross ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Spanienkreuz ''Spanienkreuz''])]]
	The Condor Legion also included non-aircraft units. Panzer crews operating ''Panzerkampfwagen I'' light tanks were commanded by [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Thoma,_Wilhelm_von Wilhelm Ritter von Thoma]. The Germans also tested their 88 mm heavy anti-aircraft artillery which they used to destroy Republican tanks and fortifications using direct fire, as well as enemy aircraft in their designed role.		The Condor Legion also included non-aircraft units. Panzer crews operating ''Panzerkampfwagen I'' light tanks were commanded by [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Thoma,_Wilhelm_von Wilhelm Ritter von Thoma]. The Germans also tested their 88 mm heavy anti-aircraft artillery which they used to destroy Republican tanks and fortifications using direct fire, as well as enemy aircraft in their designed role.

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	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist\|2}}		{{reflist\|2}}
	~~[[Category:Legion]]~~
	[[Category:Spanish Civil War]]		[[Category:Spanish Civil War]]

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	[[Category:Legion]]		[[Category:Legion]]
	[[Category:Spanish Civil War]]		[[Category:Spanish Civil War]]
	~~[[Category:Condor Legion personnel]]~~

	[[de:Legion Condor]]		[[de:Legion Condor]]

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	===Hitler's political motives===		===Hitler's political motives===
	At the time of the civil war, Italian leader [[Benito Mussolini]] had agreed to provide Italian military aid for the Nationalists in the form of troops, the "Corps of Volunteer Troops" (CTV).<ref>General histories of events e.g., Shirer, Beevor usually vary in the exact timeline. Leitz gives an exact account of the timeline in detail.</ref> Units of the [[Regia Aeronautica]] also received postings to Spain and were organized as the Aviazione Legionaria (Aviation Legion). Hitler also immediately agreed and was anxious to see the conflict in Spain end in favor of Franco. Hitler's motives were threefold:		At the time of the civil war, Italian leader [[Benito Mussolini]] had agreed to provide Italian military aid for the Nationalists in the form of troops, the "Corps of Volunteer Troops" (CTV).<ref>General histories of events e.g., Shirer, Beevor usually vary in the exact timeline. Leitz gives an exact account of the timeline in detail.</ref> Units of the [[Regia Aeronautica]] also received postings to Spain and were organized as the Aviazione Legionaria (Aviation Legion). Hitler also immediately agreed and was anxious to see the conflict in Spain end in favor of Franco. Hitler's motives were threefold:
	#Franco, if successful would represent a third ~~nationalist~~ power on the frontiers of [[France]].		#Franco, if successful would represent a third fascist power on the frontiers of [[France]].
	#Internal tension in France between the political Left and Right was exacerbated by the Civil war in Spain and in turn weakening organized opposition against Germany.		#Internal tension in France between the political Left and Right was exacerbated by the Civil war in Spain and in turn weakening organized opposition against Germany.
	#Assisting the Italians in Spain kept the Western democracies of [[Britain]] and France in quasi-conflict with Italy and drove Mussolini toward Germany.		#Assisting the Italians in Spain kept the Western democracies of [[Britain]] and France in quasi-conflict with Italy and drove Mussolini toward Germany.

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	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist\|2}}
	[[Category:Legion]]		[[Category:Legion]]
	[[Category:Spanish Civil War]]		[[Category:Spanish Civil War]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:58, 15 February 2024
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	The '''Condor Legion''' ({{lang-de\|Legion Condor}}) was a unit ([[legion]]) composed of volunteers from the [[Luftstreitkräfte\|German Air Force]] (the [[Luftwaffe (Wehrmacht)\|Luftwaffe]]) which served with the ~~Nationalist~~-Legitimist side against the quasi-communist Republican Government in [[Madrid]] during the [[Spanish Civil War]] of July 1936 to March 1939. The Legion was the “thunderclap” of Franco’s [[anticommunist]] struggle in Spain. This bloody confrontation would have ended in red victory had it not been for [[Hitler]]’s and [[Göring]]’s intervention with this corps of crack, disciplined, tough troopers. The communists were soundly defeated by the Legion and its Spanish patriot comrades as well as Italian Blackshirt soldiers and airmen.		The '''Condor Legion''' ({{lang-de\|Legion Condor}}) was a unit ([[legion]]) composed of volunteers from the [[Luftstreitkräfte\|German Air Force]] (the [[Luftwaffe (Wehrmacht)\|Luftwaffe]]) which served with the Fascist-Legitimist side against the quasi-communist Republican Government in [[Madrid]] during the [[Spanish Civil War]] of July 1936 to March 1939. The Legion was the “thunderclap” of Franco’s [[anticommunist]] struggle in Spain. This bloody confrontation would have ended in red victory had it not been for [[Hitler]]’s and [[Göring]]’s intervention with this corps of crack, disciplined, tough troopers. The communists were soundly defeated by the Legion and its Spanish patriot comrades as well as Italian Blackshirt soldiers and airmen.
	[[File:Memorial for fallen German airmen of the Condor Legion.jpg\|thumb\|350px\|Memorial for fallen German airmen of the Condor Legion, Almudena cemetery in Madrid]]		[[File:Memorial for fallen German airmen of the Condor Legion.jpg\|thumb\|350px\|Memorial for fallen German airmen of the Condor Legion, Almudena cemetery in Madrid]]
	== History of military aid to Spain==		== History of military aid to Spain==
	[[File:Bf 109 der Legion Condor II.jpg\|thumb\|350px\|[https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Feindflug_(Luftwaffe) ''Feindflug''] of a new [[Bf 109]] of the [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Jagdgruppe_88_(Legion_Condor) ''Jagdgruppe 88''] (J/88) of the Legion Condor with 26 known [[flying aces]], the most victorious being [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B6lders,_Werner Werner Mölders].]]		[[File:Bf 109 der Legion Condor II.jpg\|thumb\|350px\|[https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Feindflug_(Luftwaffe) ''Feindflug''] of a new [[Bf 109]] of the [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Jagdgruppe_88_(Legion_Condor) ''Jagdgruppe 88''] (J/88) of the Legion Condor with 26 known [[flying aces]], the most victorious being [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B6lders,_Werner Werner Mölders].]]
	[[File:Parade of the Condor Legion in Berlin after their return from the Spanish Civil War, June 1939.png\|thumb\|350px\|Parade of the Condor Legion in [[Berlin]] after their return from the [[Spanish Civil War]], June 1939; from left to right: [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Sperrle,_Hugo Hugo Sperrle], [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Volkmann,_Hellmuth Hellmuth Volkmann], and [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Warlimont,_Walter Walter Warlimont].]]		[[File:Parade of the Condor Legion in Berlin after their return from the Spanish Civil War, June 1939.png\|thumb\|350px\|Parade of the Condor Legion in [[Berlin]] after their return from the [[Spanish Civil War]], June 1939; from left to right: [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Sperrle,_Hugo Hugo Sperrle], [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Volkmann,_Hellmuth Hellmuth Volkmann], and [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Warlimont,_Walter Walter Warlimont].]]
	Called "Operation Fire Magic" (''Unternehmen Feuerzauber''), German military aid to the Spanish [[~~Nationalist~~]]s began with a request for assistance by Spanish General [[Francisco Franco]]. This was received by German Chancellor [[Adolf Hitler]] on July 22, 1936, five days after the civil war commenced on 17 July. The first planes from [[Kingdom of Italy\|Italy]] arrived in [[Spain]] on 27 July, 1936. Immediate German assistance to Franco resulted in the world's first airlift of troops (from Spanish Morocco). Hitler immediately called [[Hermann Göring]], then Minister for the Economy, and Field Marshal General [[Werner von Blomberg]], to plan methods of support for the ~~Nationalists~~.		Called "Operation Fire Magic" (''Unternehmen Feuerzauber''), German military aid to the Spanish [[Fascist]]s began with a request for assistance by Spanish General [[Francisco Franco]]. This was received by German Chancellor [[Adolf Hitler]] on July 22, 1936, five days after the civil war commenced on 17 July. The first planes from [[Kingdom of Italy\|Italy]] arrived in [[Spain]] on 27 July, 1936. Immediate German assistance to Franco resulted in the world's first airlift of troops (from Spanish Morocco). Hitler immediately called [[Hermann Göring]], then Minister for the Economy, and Field Marshal General [[Werner von Blomberg]], to plan methods of support for the Fascists.

	===HISMA/ROWAK===		===HISMA/ROWAK===
	The organisation ''Sociedad Hispano-Marroqui de Transportes'' (HISMA) was incorporated in July 1936 to enable Spanish payment for German aid. HISMA's original intention was to allow for the organisation and transportation of German volunteers and equipment, and to organize purchase of additional supplies from the private sector in Germany. HISMA's control was later consolidated with the formation of ''Rohstoff-Waren-Kompensation Handelsgesellschaft'' (ROWAK) three months later. ROWAK's focus was on the German aspects of the economic relationship.		The organisation ''Sociedad Hispano-Marroqui de Transportes'' (HISMA) was incorporated in July 1936 to enable Spanish payment for German aid. HISMA's original intention was to allow for the organisation and transportation of German volunteers and equipment, and to organize purchase of additional supplies from the private sector in Germany. HISMA's control was later consolidated with the formation of ''Rohstoff-Waren-Kompensation Handelsgesellschaft'' (ROWAK) three months later. ROWAK's focus was on the German aspects of the economic relationship.

	Through HISMA and ROWAK, Germany was able to exercise considerable influence on economic trade between areas under ~~Nationalist~~ control and the Reich. The two organizations dramatically increased imports of Spanish raw materials. To maintain control, the Reich Economics Ministry forbade business dealings between Spain and the German private sector from November 1936 onwards. All business transactions were channeled through ROWAK, which would then have dealings only with HISMA, the same process being implemented in ~~Nationalist~~-controlled areas. Commission rates between 0.175 per cent and 5 per cent and were taxed on all transactions.		Through HISMA and ROWAK, Germany was able to exercise considerable influence on economic trade between areas under Fascist control and the Reich. The two organizations dramatically increased imports of Spanish raw materials. To maintain control, the Reich Economics Ministry forbade business dealings between Spain and the German private sector from November 1936 onwards. All business transactions were channeled through ROWAK, which would then have dealings only with HISMA, the same process being implemented in Fascist-controlled areas. Commission rates between 0.175 per cent and 5 per cent and were taxed on all transactions.

	Francos opponents then and now argue that German economic exploitation and overall control of Spanish mineral wealth, specifically [[iron ore]], [[tungsten]], pyrite (iron sulfide), and cinnabarite were a prime motivator for German help. However the economic advantages are now generally thought to have been a prime motivator.<ref>Thomas, Hugh, ''The Spanish Civil War'', and Leitz.</ref>		Francos opponents then and now argue that German economic exploitation and overall control of Spanish mineral wealth, specifically [[iron ore]], [[tungsten]], pyrite (iron sulfide), and cinnabarite were a prime motivator for German help. However the economic advantages are now generally thought to have been a prime motivator.<ref>Thomas, Hugh, ''The Spanish Civil War'', and Leitz.</ref>

	===Hitler's political motives===		===Hitler's political motives===
	At the time of the civil war, Italian leader [[Benito Mussolini]] had agreed to provide Italian military aid for the ~~Nationalists~~ in the form of troops, the "Corps of Volunteer Troops" (CTV).<ref>General histories of events e.g., Shirer, Beevor usually vary in the exact timeline. Leitz gives an exact account of the timeline in detail.</ref> Units of the [[Regia Aeronautica]] also received postings to Spain and were organized as the Aviazione Legionaria (Aviation Legion). Hitler also immediately agreed and was anxious to see the conflict in Spain end in favor of Franco. Hitler's motives were threefold:		At the time of the civil war, Italian leader [[Benito Mussolini]] had agreed to provide Italian military aid for the Fascists in the form of troops, the "Corps of Volunteer Troops" (CTV).<ref>General histories of events e.g., Shirer, Beevor usually vary in the exact timeline. Leitz gives an exact account of the timeline in detail.</ref> Units of the [[Regia Aeronautica]] also received postings to Spain and were organized as the Aviazione Legionaria (Aviation Legion). Hitler also immediately agreed and was anxious to see the conflict in Spain end in favor of Franco. Hitler's motives were threefold:
	#Franco, if successful would represent a third fascist power on the frontiers of [[France]].		#Franco, if successful would represent a third fascist power on the frontiers of [[France]].
	#Internal tension in France between the political Left and Right was exacerbated by the Civil war in Spain and in turn weakening organized opposition against Germany.		#Internal tension in France between the political Left and Right was exacerbated by the Civil war in Spain and in turn weakening organized opposition against Germany.
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	===Material costs===		===Material costs===
	During the war German aircraft acting on behalf of the ~~Nationalists~~ dropped 16,953,700 kilos of bombs and expended 4,327,949 rounds of ammunition. Of the Germans who served, 298 died, with 173 killed in action. This included:		During the war German aircraft acting on behalf of the Fascists dropped 16,953,700 kilos of bombs and expended 4,327,949 rounds of ammunition. Of the Germans who served, 298 died, with 173 killed in action. This included:

	* 102 aircrew,		* 102 aircrew,
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	Alongside the potential for gains in combat experience it is also thought that various strategic initiatives were first trialed as part of Luftwaffe involvement in the conflict. Theories on [[strategic bombing]] were first developed by the Luftwaffe with the first exhibition of "[[carpet bombing]]" in the September 1937 [[Spanish Civil War\|Asturias campaign]]. As the fighting progressed into March 1938 Italian pilots under Fieldmarshal [[Hugo Sperrle]] were involved in thirteen raids against [[Barcelona]] involving fire and gas bombs. These particular raids resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians.{{Fact\|date=March 2007}} It is worth noting that a subsequent commander of the Legion in Spain, [[Wolfram Freiherr von Richthofen]] was to become heavily involved in the operation of the Luftwaffe as part of [[Operation Barbarossa]].		Alongside the potential for gains in combat experience it is also thought that various strategic initiatives were first trialed as part of Luftwaffe involvement in the conflict. Theories on [[strategic bombing]] were first developed by the Luftwaffe with the first exhibition of "[[carpet bombing]]" in the September 1937 [[Spanish Civil War\|Asturias campaign]]. As the fighting progressed into March 1938 Italian pilots under Fieldmarshal [[Hugo Sperrle]] were involved in thirteen raids against [[Barcelona]] involving fire and gas bombs. These particular raids resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians.{{Fact\|date=March 2007}} It is worth noting that a subsequent commander of the Legion in Spain, [[Wolfram Freiherr von Richthofen]] was to become heavily involved in the operation of the Luftwaffe as part of [[Operation Barbarossa]].

	Tactics of combined or [[Combined arms\|joint operations]] were a particular focus. Close air support for ~~Nationalist~~ troops, attack bombing of Republican troop concentrations, and strafing became features of the war. The Legion worked closely in missions which maximized the fighting ability of the ~~Nationalist~~ air force and troops, the Italian CTV, and pilots from the [[Aviazione Legionaria]] (Aviation Legion). German Air ace [[Adolf Galland]] was to claim after World War II that although there was a focus on taking lessons from the conflict in Spain, he believed the wrong conclusions were drawn by the German High Command with particular respect to the Luftwaffe:		Tactics of combined or [[Combined arms\|joint operations]] were a particular focus. Close air support for Fascist troops, attack bombing of Republican troop concentrations, and strafing became features of the war. The Legion worked closely in missions which maximized the fighting ability of the Fascist air force and troops, the Italian CTV, and pilots from the [[Aviazione Legionaria]] (Aviation Legion). German Air ace [[Adolf Galland]] was to claim after World War II that although there was a focus on taking lessons from the conflict in Spain, he believed the wrong conclusions were drawn by the German High Command with particular respect to the Luftwaffe:
	<blockquote>Whatever may have been the importance of the tests of German arms in the Spanish Civil War from tactical, technical and operational points of view, they did not provide the experience that was needed nor lead to the formulation of sound strategic concepts.</blockquote>		<blockquote>Whatever may have been the importance of the tests of German arms in the Spanish Civil War from tactical, technical and operational points of view, they did not provide the experience that was needed nor lead to the formulation of sound strategic concepts.</blockquote>

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	The bombing of [[Guernica]], a stronghold of Red troops, on 26 April, 1937 resulted in varying degrees of international condemnation fueled by the Left-wing generally, notably the newspapers. It was at this point that international attention was drawn to German and Italian involvement in the conflict. Up until that point the German policy had been to publicly deny the transit of military aid and personnel in keeping with the signing of the Non-Intervention Pact.		The bombing of [[Guernica]], a stronghold of Red troops, on 26 April, 1937 resulted in varying degrees of international condemnation fueled by the Left-wing generally, notably the newspapers. It was at this point that international attention was drawn to German and Italian involvement in the conflict. Up until that point the German policy had been to publicly deny the transit of military aid and personnel in keeping with the signing of the Non-Intervention Pact.

	Although not the first time that German air power was employed, or the first time that large civilian casualties (by the standards of the day) resulted, the destruction received wide media coverage and created a public perception of German involvement. The unreliable Basque government figures of the time put the toll at 1,654 dead and 889 wounded, a then unprecedented scale.<ref>The most recent study on casualties resulting from the raid are in the more conservative (by today's standards) range of between 250 — 300 total dead. See Jesus Larrazabal, "El Bombardeo de Guernica", ''El Mundo'', volume 12, October 2005 and Jesus Larrazabal, ''Guernica'', 1990.</ref> The release of these figures caused an international outcry, inspiring [[Pablo Picasso]] to name a painting which he had been working on ''[[Guernica (painting)\|Guernica]]'', a portrayal dramatizing grotesque suffering. Guernica was in some ways more of a turning point signalling how the Spanish ~~Nationalist~~ forces had come to rely on increasingly devastating sophistication and expertise of Axis pilots. For many commentators Guernica was also a signal of what would be played out against civilian areas during [[World War II]].		Although not the first time that German air power was employed, or the first time that large civilian casualties (by the standards of the day) resulted, the destruction received wide media coverage and created a public perception of German involvement. The unreliable Basque government figures of the time put the toll at 1,654 dead and 889 wounded, a then unprecedented scale.<ref>The most recent study on casualties resulting from the raid are in the more conservative (by today's standards) range of between 250 — 300 total dead. See Jesus Larrazabal, "El Bombardeo de Guernica", ''El Mundo'', volume 12, October 2005 and Jesus Larrazabal, ''Guernica'', 1990.</ref> The release of these figures caused an international outcry, inspiring [[Pablo Picasso]] to name a painting which he had been working on ''[[Guernica (painting)\|Guernica]]'', a portrayal dramatizing grotesque suffering. Guernica was in some ways more of a turning point signalling how the Spanish Fascist forces had come to rely on increasingly devastating sophistication and expertise of Axis pilots. For many commentators Guernica was also a signal of what would be played out against civilian areas during [[World War II]].

	==Reaction to German involvement==		==Reaction to German involvement==
	Various left-wing writers participated in condemning the support given by Germany and Italy to the Spanish ~~Nationalists~~. An example was the novelist [[Heinrich Mann]], who appealed from his self-imposed exile in France with the slogan "German soldiers! A rogue sends you to Spain!" in response to the Legion's involvement. Other states tacitly approved the fight of the German Legion against the Soviet-supplied Spanish Republican side, which had come to be dominated entirely by Stalinists and other Communists.		Various left-wing writers participated in condemning the support given by Germany and Italy to the Spanish Fascists. An example was the novelist [[Heinrich Mann]], who appealed from his self-imposed exile in France with the slogan "German soldiers! A rogue sends you to Spain!" in response to the Legion's involvement. Other states tacitly approved the fight of the German Legion against the Soviet-supplied Spanish Republican side, which had come to be dominated entirely by Stalinists and other Communists.

	===Treatment in Germany===		===Treatment in Germany===