Condor Legion Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Legion Condor
Standard of the Condor Legion
Active	July 1936 - March 1939
Country	Nazi Germany
Role	Air Defense Force
Engagements	Spanish Civil War
Decorations	Spanish Cross
Disbanded	1939
Commanders
Notable commanders	Hugo Sperrle Wilhelm Ritter von Thoma
Aircraft flown
Bomber	Junkers Ju 52
Fighter	Heinkel He 51
Reconnaissance	Heinkel He 99, Heinkel He 70

The Condor Legion (German: Legion Condor) was a special group of volunteer soldiers from Germany. These volunteers, mostly from the German Air Force (Luftwaffe), served during the Spanish Civil War. This war lasted from July 1936 to March 1939. Hugo Sperrle led the aircraft units of the Condor Legion, while Wilhelm Ritter von Thoma commanded the ground units.

What Was the Condor Legion?
Images for kids
See also

What Was the Condor Legion?

The Condor Legion was a secret military unit sent by Germany to help one side in the Spanish Civil War. It was made up of German soldiers, pilots, and technical staff. They were called "volunteers" to make it seem like Germany was not officially involved in the war.

Why Did Germany Send Them?

Germany sent the Condor Legion for several reasons. One main reason was to support Francisco Franco, who was leading the Nationalist side in Spain. Germany also wanted to test its new military equipment and tactics. This included new airplanes and bombing strategies. It was like a real-life training exercise for their armed forces.

What Did the Condor Legion Do?

The Condor Legion played a big role in the Spanish Civil War. They mainly provided air support to Franco's forces. Their planes bombed enemy positions and helped ground troops advance. They also trained Spanish soldiers to use modern weapons and fighting methods.

Key Missions and Battles

The Condor Legion took part in many important battles. They helped the Nationalists win control of key areas. Their air power was often much stronger than the planes used by the other side. This gave Franco's forces a big advantage.

One well-known event was the bombing of Guernica. This town was bombed by Condor Legion planes in 1937. It caused a lot of destruction and was a very sad event.

Important Aircraft Used

The Condor Legion used several types of advanced aircraft. These planes were some of the best in the world at that time.

Fighter Planes: The Heinkel He 51 was an early fighter. Later, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 became very important. It was a fast and powerful fighter plane.
Bomber Planes: The Junkers Ju 52 was used for bombing and transport. The Heinkel He 111 and Dornier Do 17 were also used as bombers.
Dive Bombers: The Ju 87 Stuka was a famous dive bomber. It was known for its loud siren sound as it attacked.

He 111E of the Condor Legion, 1939.

A Junkers Ju 87A with Condor Legion markings.

A Bf 109 C-1 fighter plane used by the Condor Legion.

End of the Condor Legion

The Spanish Civil War ended in March 1939. After Franco's victory, the Condor Legion returned to Germany. Their time in Spain gave the German military valuable experience. This experience helped them prepare for future conflicts. The Condor Legion was officially disbanded in 1939.