German Forces

Legion Condor - Medalla de la Campana.

Time/Life/Getty Images

From a series of "Life" magazine photographs recording the return to Germany of the Legion Condor to Germany (June 1939). Good example of the wear of the Medalla de la Campana (Campaign Medal for the Spanish Civil War) awarded to all German "volunteers" on the Natonalist side as well as Nationalist Spanish participants by the victorious Nationalist regime. This quite striking medal (alloy composition with black and gilt finish, some 3.8 centimetres in diameter) was worn on the left breast (as here) usually below "senior" medals (if any). The medal was worn from a three-striped ribbon in the Spanish colours of red and yellow, with yellow in centre, with narrow black borders (as here). One slightly curious point - I have seen some examples of the ribbon that appear to have a faint blue centre-stripe; it is not entirely clear, but this may be an example. Does anybody know whether this is of any significance, or am I just imagining it ? Best regards, JR.