The Spanish Civil War, which raged from July 1936 to April 1939, served as something of a proving ground for the weapons and other military hardware of a number of nations. Several countries actively supported one side or the other during the conflict... some openly, others not so much... but of all these participants, perhaps the most notable was Germany. 'Ole Adolph and his pals sent an expeditionary force known as the 'Condor Legion' to fight on the side of Franco's Nationalists.
The Condor Legion was made up of volunteers from Germany's air force (Luftwaffe) and army (Heer). Among the Condor Legion's air units was Aufklärungsstaffel 88 (abbreviated A/88), its sole air-reconnaissance outfit. Aufklärungsstaffel 88 flew a few different types during the conflict, including the Henschel Hs 126 which was added to its stable in the Fall of 1938.
A total of six Hs 126A-1s were delivered to A/88, performing well in the reconnaissance and light bomber roles. One was lost, presumably to enemy fire... though your blogmeister does not know for sure. After the end of the conflict the remaining Henschels were apparently left in Spain for use by the Spanish Air Force.
So, without further adieu, here's a groovy shot of one of the six Condor Legion Hs 126s...
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