Artwork of a Messerschmitt Bf 109F-2 of the Escuadrilla Azul, 15.(span.)/Jagdgeschwader 51, Winter 1942/1943. The unit was part of a force of volunteers sent by the Spanish leader General Franco to assist Hitler on the Eastern Front and as returning of the favour Hitler had given him by send the Condor Legion to Spain during the Civil War (he also sent a unit of infantry called the Blue Division). The unit was attached to both JG27 and JG51 and was credited with destroying 160 Russian aircraft for the loss of 20 pilots. The unit was withdrawn in 1943 due to increasing pressure from Spain and the turning of the tide by Soviet forces following their victories at Stalingrad and Kursk.