Edited: 09/06/2023
【 Chapter 2 – Spanish Civil War – Battle of Jarama(1) 】
February 9, 1937
Rivas-Vaciamadrid, Southeast of Madrid, Spain
Four days into the offensive. The army led by Colonel Escamez, to which our battalion belonged, successfully seized key towns including Rivas-Vaciamadrid from the south, while the forces led by Colonel Ricardo Radha smoothly occupied high ground in the western part of the river from the north.
The problem was the central army, which was supposed to be the core of the offensive. According to the plan, we were supposed to crush the complacent Republican forces and successfully reach the river.
Of course, in war, things rarely go according to plan.
“The 11th Division? Enrique Líster? He was from Frunze, right? Damned Soviet protégé Red1 bastard.”
“Anyway, both the left and the right wings did their job. It’s just that the central army needs to do well…”
Colonel Escámez and Colonel Radha, in their own way, were in relatively comfortable positions, considering their roles. However, General Enrique Varela, the commander of this operation, appeared to be in a very bad mood.
And it’s understandable. While the left and right wings were fulfilling their roles, the central army, instead of successfully capturing the stronghold, retreated in the face of the Republican forces led by Enrique Líster, the Commander of the 11th Division’s armored unit. This allowed the enemy forces on the western bank of the river to retreat safely.
“I don’t know when those damn Reds1 became so familiar with tank tactics.”
When Colonel Asensio, leading the central infantry division, reluctantly said a word, Count Fernando, sporting a well-groomed mustache, turned toward this direction.
“Thank you for the support, but to be honest, the T-26 tanks they are using are much more powerful than the Panzer I! This defeat is purely due to the difference in tank performance!”
No, why are they blaming us when they couldn’t fight themselves properly? Feeling cold sweat running down, I turned my gaze toward the gentleman wearing the rank insignia of a lieutenant colonel.
“They say that the performance of Panzer I tank is inferior to the Soviet T-26 tanks, causing difficulties for the advance of the infantry.”
Upon hearing my words, Lieutenant Colonel Wilhelm Ritter von Thoma of the Army (Heer2) narrowed his forehead with a puzzled expression, while Colonel Wolfram von Richthofen of the Luftwaffe3 standing beside him whistled.
As the commander of the Condor Legion4‘s Army division, Lieutenant Colonel von Thoma was unfamiliar to me, but Colonel von Richthofen was a well-known figure to me in modern times.
The United States bombing enthusiast and Stone Age fetishist, Curtis LeMay, who sent Japan and Vietnam back to the Stone Age with indiscriminate bombings that targeted civilians and everything else, is considered one of the most famous Air Force generals of World War II.
However, this Wolfram von Richthofen was a figure even more extreme than the Nazi version of LeMay. He openly expressed his ecstatic admiration for the cities burning under napalm, revealing a disturbed and twisted mindset.
Honestly, as a soldier in the army, I couldn’t care less about Richtofen from the Air Force. The people attending this meeting are all high-ranking figures.
Even though I’m just a low-ranking officer or even a mere officer here, why am I present? It’s because the lieutenant who was originally responsible for interpreting had the misfortune of being hit by shrapnel and was sent to the rear.
In a hurry, in this place where the operation meeting is taking place, I, who can speak both German and Spanish, was called upon.
So here I am, interpreting in the midst of everyone passing the blame for why the offensive failed. Oh, what a mess. Seriously, O gods, why are you doing this to me?
“The Panzer I tank we provided is still a prototype. Please consider that the Condor Legion4‘s support primarily focuses on aerial and artillery support. Regardless, tanks are meant to support infantry, and minor performance differences do not determine the success or failure of an operation.”
As I paraphrased Colonel Thoma’s statement, the expressions of the nationalist generals were contorted. From the perspective of modern people who know that World War II revolved around tank-focused armored units, it may seem like nonsense. However, at least at that time, it was true.
Not only did the Panzer I lack the main gun that comes to mind when we think of tanks, but it couldn’t engage in blitzkrieg warfare with two machine guns mounted. Even the feared T-26, which they consider a threat, barely had a semblance of a main gun. It was still just an early-model light tank.
Perhaps my extensive knowledge of Germany, especially the Second World War, could be of help in surviving in this damn world.
Thanks to the forward-thinking tactics of Mikhail Tukhachevsky, the Soviet army was already simulating blitzkrieg warfare, and the Republican armored units were also employing their tanks and doctrines.
Although the units led by Colonel Asensio and Marquis Fernando were overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught of armored forces…
Even the renowned Soviet tank, the T-34, which became the mainstay during the Second World War, can be easily defeated without infantry support. However, they were already operating the T-26, a light tank with paper-thin armor, in large numbers, as if they were an armored force.
In that case, they would naturally become easy targets for infantry flanking attacks or for artillery, such as the Pak36 anti-tank gun or the Flak 18 anti-aircraft gun, which our Condor Legion4 has been extensively using.
Although the Condor Legion4‘s army units were relatively small, thanks to Hitler, who had just begun rearmament and sent various weapons for practical testing, their equipment was quite impressive.
However, I was not there as an official interpreter; they also have their own interpreter officers. It is customary in military operations for both sides to have interpreter officers present, and as long as I provide a reasonable translation without inserting my own subjective views, it should suffice. Interfering too much or imposing my own opinions could lead to unwanted consequences.
It’s best to let things be, as a natural accumulation of experience comes from being involved in the Spanish Civil War. I had no intention of overstepping my boundaries and becoming a know-it-all figure who would be easily dismissed. At least not yet.
“Tsk, is the Italian army still around?”
“They said those leisurely folks would take a month to prepare. It looks like we won’t be getting any help in this offensive.”
However, the ambitious offensive that aimed to cut off the strategic route between Madrid, the historical capital of Spain, and the Republican stronghold of Valencia, was effectively blocked. Heavy rains have also prevented the advancement of the offensive. Meanwhile, across the river, reinforcements are likely to continue to arrive at the Republican stronghold.
Even as a mere bystander, I have a strong intuition that this offensive has already failed. Unfortunately, it seemed that the Nationalist high command had different thoughts. After a series of unproductive meetings, the conclusion was as follows.
“Anyway, it’s a done deal. There will be sacrifices, but once the rain stops, we will resume the offensive as planned, making adjustments for the unforeseen circumstances through aerial attacks. Madrid must be liberated from the Reds1!”
“Death to the Reds1!”
I felt frustrated. If a war had broken out in Korea, soldiers like me would have been sent into the battlefield and likely met their deaths due to the foolish decisions made in such strategy meetings.
Although my position was not significantly different, being an officer in the deployed unit provided some consolation that I could avoid futile sacrifices.
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Outside, the rain continued to pour heavily. In such weather conditions, it was obvious that air support was impossible, leaving the Condor Legion4 with little to do.
After the meeting, I followed Colonel Thoma and Colonel Richtofen, and a Spanish officer wearing the lieutenant rank insignia followed along, pretending to be familiar.
“Don’t you find it frustrating? When we need to be swift and bold, we become cautious, and when we need to let go, we become reckless.”
The Major looked directly at me as he spoke. Was he talking to me? No, perhaps not. Let’s focus on translating what Richthofen said.
“Ah, Colonel Yagüe. It was already frustrating enough. It would have been better if Colonel had participated in the previous offensive.”
Juan Yagüe, is one of the few officers among the Nationalist forces in Francoist Spain who possesses the boldness and skill to execute daring offensives and adeptly transition between offense and defense. He is highly respected within the Condor Legion4 and is considered one of the most esteemed commanders in Spain due to his association with Emilio Mola, who was highly regarded.
In contrast, many German officers, with their arrogant attitudes, often disregarded the capabilities of the Spanish military, which was politically influenced and considered ineffective. However, Yagüe’s competence and reputation within the Condor Legion4 demonstrate his undeniable skills and abilities.
Richthofen and Yagüe engaged in casual conversations, sharing trivial and lighthearted stories. It would have been appreciated if someone understood the burden of translating these trivial conversations, but such is the nature of my task.
“Then I’ll go ahead. You did well today, Colonel. Lieutenant. Once your duties are finished, you can return to your unit.”
“Yes! Hail—”
Lieutenant Colonel von Thoma seemed uninterested, waving his hand to dismiss any further attention, and walked away as an officer handed him an umbrella.
The Nazi salute, known as the “Heil Hitler” salute, was not yet a universally adopted salute in the military and was considered more of a recommendation than a requirement. Conservative military leaders in the German armed forces were not enthusiastic about it.
The commanding officers of the German Army, proud veterans who had endured the brutal First World War and survived the disarmament imposed by the Treaty of Versailles5, had a strong sense of superiority and often looked down upon leaders who came from a humble enlisted background.
It is important to remember these dynamics and attitudes.
I haven’t yet decided exactly what I should do, but no matter how I think about it, fighting as a soldier under the madness of Hitler, only to burn and die with Germany, seems like a crazy thing to do.
Unlike the Army, the Luftwaffe3, which was created by Göring, a Nazi officer and Air Force General, naturally follows the Nazi salute as a unified gesture.
After Colonel von Thoma left, Richthofen engaged in somewhat hesitant and awkward conversations in broken Spanish with Yagüe. Yagüe seemed quite pleased to have him there and engaged in small talk with him.
It was surprising that Richthofen knew some Spanish, as he had learned a little while being in the area.
While they were in the midst of conversation, a man with an umbrella approached and, folding his umbrella, asked in Spanish with a distinct American accent.
“Nice to meet you, Colonel Juan Yagüe. I’m John T. Whitaker, an American journalist. Could you spare a moment of your time?”
Richthofen’s expression crumpled as he fell silent upon hearing the words “American” and “journalist.” From the perspective of the regular army under a dictator, in this case, the German armed forces, it was inconceivable for a civilian like this to be present in a military operational area.
However, the nationalist leadership had no intention of hiding their actions, and even the Republican faction sought diplomatic victories through the media war using foreign journalists and reporters. Such individuals could be found throughout Spain.
Even in this era, journalists did not hesitate to seek opportunities to make a name for themselves. The Spanish Civil War was characterized by chaotic front lines and a lack of clear distinction between operational and civilian areas, making security management difficult.
“I have a question regarding the operation that took place in Badajoz last August. There are rumors that 10% of the city population were killed by the orders of Colonel Yagüe. I apologize for asking, but is that true?”
Honestly, in Korea, the image of journalists hasn’t been particularly positive, often associated with sensationalism. In the midst of this hellish civil war, the question felt like a direct hit. Well, I don’t know if it was a genuine sense of mission for a democratic journalist or just a need for provocative articles.
As a reflex, I tried to translate it for Richthofen, but he immediately raised his hand to stop me. Upon reflection, it occurred to me that the presence of the German military in Spain was classified information. I almost became x.
Colonel Yagüe… surprisingly, he responded with a warm smile and answered kindly.
“Ah, of course, we killed them.”
For a moment, neither I nor Whittaker could maintain our composure, but Lieutenant Colonel Yagüe continued speaking without hesitation.
“Oh, I’m not sure what kind of answer you were expecting, but should I have abandoned the front line that we had advanced so far and returned to the base with 4,000 communist prisoners? Or should I have left them behind and continued to advance, only to be encircled from behind by the communist-held city of Badajoz?”
Whittaker couldn’t completely hide his stern expression, but Juan Yagüe showed his professionalism by accurately transcribing the words as they were spoken. With a friendly smile, he continued to speak.
“This is war, gentleman. Those Red1 bastards killed innocent priests and nuns, looted and pillaged. In Toledo, they captured the son of our proud Colonel Moscardó and held him hostage, demanding betrayal of our homeland. They are paying the price for their actions.”
With a smile on his face, like a friendly neighborhood uncle, Juan Yagüe added.
“And I’m proud to be standing at the forefront as a patriot.”
With a stern expression, Whittaker faithfully transcribed Lieutenant Colonel Yagüe’s words and thanked him for the interview in a somewhat peculiar manner. He glanced in our direction briefly, but upon observing our demeanor, he realized that we wouldn’t engage in an interview and promptly left.
After Whittaker left, it didn’t take long for a messenger from the command to come looking for Lieutenant Colonel Yagüe. They took him away, relieving me of his constant presence. Even Colonel Richthofen, who had been bothering me, thanked me for my efforts and set me free.
As I walked along the streets of Spain, which had transformed into muddy and damp pathways, I realized that I was no longer in Seoul’s well-maintained, rain-draining streets. The reality of the situation was sinking in, and I continued on my journey with determination.
Honestly, even from a modern perspective, I don’t think the words of Lieutenant Yagüe are entirely wrong. Once a civil war has already erupted and war cannot be avoided, sacrifices may be necessary. However, does that justify the indiscriminate slaughter of innocent civilians and proudly boasting about it?
The likes of Nazi Germany and the Japanese Empire were indeed more deranged, and democratic nations, who were experts in delivering democracy, were already exhausted from dealing with them. Otherwise, Spain would have been wiped off the map just like Nazi Germany.
These individuals, during and after the civil war, without hiding the massacres or attaching labels, boldly carried out killings of political prisoners and others within their own country.
I suddenly realized that it’s an era of barbarism disguised in the guise of modernity. Haa, I really want to go back to Korea!
As I made my way, I noticed a young girl who had been peering through the curtains of her house. When our eyes met, she was startled and quickly closed the curtains.
Once this heavy rain subsides, just like what Yagüe did in Badajoz, the “Reds” in this town will also be dealt with before the offensive begins.
I’m gradually accepting the fact that I, as a destitute German on the brink of World War II, am here.
I hope that when I wake up, voilà! I’ll be back in Korea! But I don’t think such a miracle will happen.
For now, I had to think about how to escape from this wretched situation of being on this hellish train journey that I never wanted.
And the painfully obvious conclusion is that under this insane Nazi regime, nothing can be done.
【 Spanish Civil War – Battle of Jarama (1) 】– End
1Reds – Communists were often referred to as “Reds” for their allegiance to the red Soviet flag.
2The Army (Heer) was the land forces component of the Wehrmacht, the regular Armed Forces of Nazi Germany, from 1935 until it effectively ceased to exist in 1945 and then was formally dissolved in August 1946.
3The Luftwaffe was the aerial-warfare branch of the German Wehrmacht before and during World War II.
4The Condor Legion was a unit composed of military personnel from the air force (Luftwaffe) and army (Wehrmacht) of Nazi Germany, which served with the Nationalist faction during the Spanish Civil War of July 1936 to March 1939.
5The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty signed on June 28, 1919, that officially ended World War I. It was negotiated and finalized at the Palace of Versailles in France. The treaty imposed numerous provisions and penalties on Germany, which was held responsible for the war. It required Germany to accept full blame for the conflict, disarmament, territorial losses, substantial reparations, and other punitive measures.
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