Spain, Francoist Era. A Decoration for Members of the Blue Division in Russia, Miniature

(Medalla de la Division Azul). Instituted in 1943. In silver with black patination, measuring 14.7 mm (w) x 17 mm (h), button hole attachment, wear evident in the black patination on the cross,

Footnote: The Decoration was instituted on November 9, 1943, to be awarded to the Spanish volunteers who served with German forces in the Blue Division in Russia. Although Spain was neutral during the Second World War, its government wished to support the German invasion of Russia both in gratitude for German assistance during the Spanish Civil War and in order to combat Communism. The Blue Division was formed in late June 1941 of volunteers solely for use on the Eastern Front and fought from August 1941 until October 1943 when the high casualties from both enemy action and extreme cold, a deteriorating German strategic position and Allied pressure on Spain led Generalissimo Franco to order its withdrawal, though some Spanish remained active with German forces until the end of the war. The Blue Division members included a high proportion of regular army and others with battle experience from the Spanish Civil War and many with strong ideological commitment. As a result, their impact on the fighting was considerable. In all, approximately 45,000 Spanish served on the Eastern Front, of whom almost 5,000 were killed in action and 8,700 wounded.