Bronze without Swords – 7,869 Silver without Swords – 327 Bronze with Swords – 8,462 Silver with Swords – 8,304 Gold with Swords – 1,126 Gold with Swords and Diamonds – 28
With the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in July 1936, Germany sent the Condor Legion, drawn from the German air force and army, to aid Franco's Nationalist forces. On 14 April 1939, Germany instituted the Spanish Cross as a decoration for the German airmen and soldiers who fought in the Condor Legion during the war.[3] A number of German Navy ships served in Spanish waters, their crew also qualifying for the cross.[4]
The Spanish Cross was to be worn on the right breast below the pocket flap or, if awarded, below the Blood Order. After the death of the recipient, the award remains with the next-of-kin.[3]
The wear of Nazi era awards was banned in 1945. The Spanish Cross was not among those awards reauthorised for official wear by the Federal Republic of Germany in 1957.[5]
The Spanish Cross filled the dual role of gallantry decoration and campaign medal.[4] The Cross was awarded in Gold, Silver and Bronze classes to reflect the rank or merit of the recipient. The Silver and Bronze classes were awarded with and without swords, the Gold only with swords. For outstanding bravery in combat, the Gold class could be awarded with diamonds.[3]
The non-combatant version was awarded without swords to military personnel or civilian technicians for three months of service in Spain without combat experience.
The Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords and Diamonds was the highest grade of the decoration. It was awarded to those who showed great leadership skills in battle or great merit.
28 gold crosses with diamonds were awarded, one of which was presented to Adolf Galland.
ACross of Honour for relatives of the German dead in Spain (German: Ehrenkreuz für hinterbliebene Deutscher Spanienkämpfer) was awarded to relatives of servicemen who died during their service in Spain.
The Spanish Cross is a Maltese cross with, in its centre, a swastika on a roundel. Between each arm of the cross is the Luftwaffe eagle and, for the versions with swords, two crossed swords, placed behind the eagle symbols. The diamond class had brilliants placed around the swastika in the central roundel.[6]
The reverse side is plain and has a pin used for wearing the cross on the uniform.[6]
The cross for next of kin is bronze and similar to the cross without swords, but smaller in size. Unlike the others, it is attached to a ribbon in black with edges in red, yellow, and red (the colours of the Spanish flag).[4]
Angolia, LTC John R (1976). For Führer And Fatherland: Military Awards of the Third Reich. R. James Bender Publishing. ISBN0912138149.
Doehle, Dr Heinrich (1943). Medals & Decorations of the Third Reich: Badges, Decorations, Insignia. Reddick Enterprises. ISBN0962488348.
Littlejohn, David; Dodkins, Colonel C. M. (1968). Orders, Decorations, Medals and Badges of the Third Reich. R. James Bender Publishing, California. ISBN978-0854200801.
