Spanish Legion

The Oxford Companion to World War II | 2001 | 700+ words | Copyright

Spanish Legion, the Legion Españolo de Voluntarios, or LEV, volunteer force commanded by Colonel Antonio Navarro, who were recruited mostly from the Blue Division when it was withdrawn from the Soviet–German war in 1943 and returned to Spain.

At 1,500 strong, the maximum size allowed by the Spanish government, LEV was divided into three banderas (small battalions). After operating against partisans on the borders of Latvia it was attached to a German division in December 1943. It fought near Kostovo and took part in the retreat that followed the liberation of Leningrad before it was ordered home in February 1944. Despite losing their citizenship for serving in a foreign army, some subsequently formed a Spanish battalion in 28th SS Wallonian Division and were among the last troops fighting to prevent the fall of Berlin.

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I. C. B. DEAR and M. R. D. FOOT. "Spanish Legion." The Oxford Companion to World War II. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

I. C. B. DEAR and M. R. D. FOOT. "Spanish Legion." The Oxford Companion to World War II. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O129-SpanishLegion.html

I. C. B. DEAR and M. R. D. FOOT. "Spanish Legion." The Oxford Companion to World War II. 2001. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O129-SpanishLegion.html

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