WW2 Spanish Blue Division Medal. Russia 1941

Spanish Blue Division Medal in Russia 1941. In very good condition on original ribbon as issued to the Blue Division.

"Meddalla De Tropa."

Issued to the Spanish Blue Division Volunteers, Franco's Soldiers who fought on the Eastern Front in Russia with the German Army from 1941 to 1943. The 250th Division had 18,000 men in 1941, and a total of 45,000 Spaniards joined the Division from 1941 to 1944.

The constant cold and severe fighting inflicted many casualties on the Blue Division. 4,500 were killed or died, 8,000 were wounded, 7,800 cases of illness and 1,600 cases of frostbite. The Red Army captured 464 Blue division men including 70 deserters.
The German high command held the Blue Division in high regard, they used German uniforms and equipment, and many Blue Division Soldiers received Gallantry awards and German medals.

The last living member of the Division, Aturo de Gregorio died at the age of 102 in September 2023.