A history of the 47,000 Spanish soldiers who volunteered to fight for Hitler in Russia during World War II.

Although Spain claimed neutrality during World War II, 47,000 Spaniards volunteered to fight on behalf of the Third Reich. Known as the Blue Division, they battled the Soviets on the Eastern Front and played a key role in the pivotal siege of Leningrad. Set apart from the Wehrmacht by stark differences in culture, tactics, and command structure, these volunteers fought—many of them to the death—with courage and tenacity against strong opposition, extreme temperatures, and insufficient supplies for what they believed was their chance to secure Spain’s place in a new and changing Europe.