The Legion Condor 1936-1939: (Schiffer Military History) Review

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The Legion Condor 1936-1939: (Schiffer Military History) ReviewTHE LEGION CONDOR: A HISTORY OF THE LUFTWAFFE IN THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR, 1936-1939
KARL RIES AND HANS RING
SCHIFFER PUBLISHING, 1992
HARDCOVER, $49.95, 288 PAGES, PHOTOGRAPHS, BIBLIOGRAPHY, INDEX, APPENDICES, MAP
The Kondor Legion was the German expeditionary Luftwaffe force in the Spanish Civil War and an important victor in the Nationalist victory. Late in July, 1936, Hitler loaned the Spanish Nationalists ten Lufthansa Junkers Ju-52 trimotor aircraft in order to transport their troops from North Africa to Spain. Six Heinkel He-51 biplane fighters provided protection. Later these aircraft were transfered to the Nationalists. Subsequently, Hitler approved full-scale military intervention by Luftwaffe units, and in early November, 1936, ten bomber-version Ju-52s were sent to Spain. Ostensibly known as the Luftwaffe Volunteer Corps and identified as Number 88, this German unit in Spain was popularly known as the Kondor Legion. The men weren't voluteers; all were assigned and were rotated periodically. The Kondor Legion consisted of a bomber group, a fighter group, a reconnaissance group, a seaplane squadron, an anti-aircraft group, and ground support elements. Its authorized strength was 5,136 men and about 100 aircraft. Members wore Spanish rank insignia and, while with the Legion, were appointed one rank higher than their normal status. The Legion was first commanded by General Hugo Spettle, followed by General Helmuth Volkmann, and finally by General Wolfram von Richthofen. After their arrival in Spain, the Germans were involved in all major Nationalist operations of the war. The Kondor Legion played a key role in the defeat of the great Republican Ebro River Offensive in the summer of 1938. The Germans learned many vital lessons in tactics, maintenance, and employment of aircraft from their experience in Spain. The decision to test the latest aircraft caused them to abandon the close wingtip-to-wingtip formation in favor of the "Finger Four." The Luftwaffe also developed techniques of close ground support that proved invaluable early in World War II. By accident, they also discovered the effectiveness of the 88mm antiaircraft gun as an antitank and field artillery piece. Chief among the negatives was that they learned nothing about strategic operations. About 19,000 Germans served in Spain at one time or another; 886 were casualties-298 killed. The Legion downed 386 Spanish Republican aircraft-56 by antiaircraft fire-against German losses of 72. Additionally, 160 Kondor Legion aircraft were lost through accidents. THE LEGION CONDOR: A HISTORY OF THE LUFTWAFFE IN THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR, 1936-1939 is a well-researched and lavishly photographed account of one of the Luftwaffe's premier units. It is also an impressive historical account that contributes to the history of military airpower in World War II. This book belongs on the shelf of any serious student of the Luftwaffe.
Lt. Colonel Robert A. Lynn, Florida Guard
Orlando, FloridaThe Legion Condor 1936-1939: (Schiffer Military History) Overview

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