Condors over Spain

摘要

Early versions of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 (the 'A and 'B models) first fired their guns in anger during the 1936 to 1939 Spanish Civil War. Nazi Germany supported General Franco's Nationalist faction against the Republican movement, the Condor Legion adding significant aerial firepower to the campaign. Using 109s, among other types, pilots claimed to have destroyed a total of 320 Republican aircraft, both in the air and on the ground. Crucially for future 'experten' such as Werner Molders, the conflict provided vital experience in both aerial strategy and in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the fighter that was soon to play such an important role elsewhere.