Unofficial Intelligence Briefing
Flames of War – Very Early Period
John “delljohnb” Baugher
24 Nov 2004 v1.1
ESPANIA
Spanish Civil War
Nationalist Faction
1936-1939
Intelligence Briefing on the Spanish Civil War
Nationalist Faction
Very Early Period (1936-1939)
The Nationalist Faction…often called the Fascists. Motivated by a firebrand by the name
of Franco, and determined to eradicate the Marxist leanings of the Spanish government,
this army began on a hope of quelling the flames of socialism, and rode the wave of
opportunity to wrestle the reigns of power from a government that had all the auspices of
fortune. The Nationalists appealed to the growing Fascist movement in Germany and
Italy and found in them allies wanting to flex the muscles of growing militarism. Six
years of struggle by the Nationalist Faction finally brought Franco into power and a
government that would last until 1975.
Nationalist Military Configuration
The player must select one of three Nationalist Armies: Nationalist Army, Army of
Morocco, or Italian Expeditionary Force. Each of these armies has certain configuration
restrictions and morale ratings.
Nationalist Army You can base your force on:
• Nationalist Infantry Company
• Nationalist Calvary Company
• Militia Company
• Falangist Bandera
• Civil Guard Company
• Civil Guard Domestic Police
• Civil Guard Asaltos Company
• Paramilitary Brigade
Your force may be supported by Condor
Legion or Nationalist planes.
Army of Morocco You can base your force on:
• Infantry Company
• Calvary Company
• Mobile Company
Your force may not include foreign
units, but may be supported by Condor
Legion or Nationalist planes.
Italian Expeditionary Force You can base your force on:
• Italian Infantry Cohort
• Italian Litorio Cohort
• Italian Bersaglieri Cohort
• Italian Black Shirt Cohort
• Italian CTV Volunteers
Your force may include Italian only
mortars and support equipment. Only
Condor Legion planes may be used for
air support.
Avanti! The Italian Army learned during WWI
and emphasized the French military
theory of methodical destruction of
enemy defenses followed by maneuver.
While this proved to be a flawed theory,
the Italian Army embraced this doctrine
during the Spanish Civil War, and the
Italian conflicts on Africa.
Any Italian platoon with a command
team may attempt an Avanti move in its
Shooting step if it does not shoot. If a
platoon attempts to make an Avanti
move, it may not shoot even if it fails to
make an Avanit move.
Roll a skill test for each platoon.
• If the test is successful the
platoon may move another
4”/10cm.
• If the test is unsuccessful, the
platoon cannot move further this
step.
All of the normal rules apply for this
movement. Platoons cannot make
Avanti moves if they are Pinned Down;
Bogged Down or Bailed Out vehicles
cannot make Avanti moves.
SCW Calvary Special Rules The following three cavalry rules are
considered Spanish Civil War special
rules that are to replace the generic
cavalry rules in the FOB rulebook.
These rules apply: Cavalry Squads,
Cavalry Remount, and Cavalry Recce.
These rules do NOT apply to all teams
that are mounted as cavalry. They only
apply if specifically noted in the platoon
or company notes by the statement, “The
cavalry special rules apply.” Otherwise,
the standard cavalry rules from the FOW
rulebook apply.
Cavalry Squads Cavalry played an important part in the
“maneuver” portion of military doctrine
that was espoused by both Nationalist
Special Rules
and Republican forces. Cavalry troops
are very vulnerable to small arms and
artillery fire. This is a cavalry special
rule.
Cavalry stands count as soft transports
while mounted, and save on a 5+. If
destroyed, the horses must be set aside
and cannot be used for remounts. When
a mounted stand is destroyed, they save
on a 5+.
Cavalry Remount Spanish Civil War period doctrine is to
maneuver mounted and then dismount
and fight. Mounts are not generally
removed from the battlefield area, but
are instead kelp close for remounting
and maneuvering. Even in static
defense, the horses are kept handy for
rapid withdrawal and maneuver. This is
a cavalry special rule.
When a cavalry platoon dismounts, place
a “Horse Holder” team within command
range. It is considered a “soft vehicle”
for saves. If the “Horse Holder” is
destroyed, it counts as a casualty for the
platoon, but does not count for the base
number of stands in the platoon and all
the cavalry unit’s remounts are
destroyed. For a team to remount the
“Horse Holder” and all remounting
teams must be in command and there
must be an available remounts. All
teams in a platoon must have the same
mounted/dismounted status at the same
time.
Cavalry Recce Since military doctrine calls for cavalry
to fight battles of maneuver, all cavalry
Rifle and Rifle/MG teams are considered
Recce. This is a cavalry special rule.
Use the Recce rules for Rifle and
Rifle/MG teams. However, they are not
subject to the “Break Off” rule in Old
Ironsides. Dismounted units within the
command range of the “Horse Holders”
and in command range of the platoon
commander may mount up and retreat at
the cavalry movement rate. However,
any teams that fail the disengagement
roll remount where they are and receive
the remainder of the enemy’s shots as
soft targets. Alternatively, they may
retreat as dismounted stands.
Signals Non-Italian units suffered from a lack of
communication equipment. This
necessitated the use of signal flags to
direct artillery.
Non-Italian artillery and mortar
observers must have a line of sight to
their own battery in order to call in fire.
WWI Design Many of the tanks used in the Spanish
Civil War were built during the First
World War. They were of antiquated
design and could only move at a walking
pace.
Tanks of WWI design only move
6”/15cm.
Biplane Extensive use of WWI vintage planes
during the SCW was commonplace. The
introduction of high performance
monoplanes spelled the end of the
biplane.
If a plane is designated a biplane, and it
interacts (intercepts) with another
biplane, then use the standard aircraft
rules in the FOW rulebook. If the
opposing plane is a monoplane, then the
biplane is only 50% effective. Roll a
die. On a 1-3 the biplane is considered
“outclassed” and remove from play for
this turn. It has no further effect on
game play this round.
Militia Charge Filled with political fervor, but little else,
militia units often used human wave
tactics to fulfill their tactical objectives.
Militia units automatically pass all
morale/motivation tests related to
assaulting. Militia units may not fall
back.
Fear not the Infidel The Army of Morocco was feared for its
ruthless nature, and dedicated soldiers.
Moroccan units were able to withstand
losses yet maintain coherency that
amazed their enemies.
All pinned recovery checks are made
with a +1 die modifier.
Take no Prisoners! Tenacity and brutality were the norms on
the battlefield during this derisive era.
Re-roll all failed skill tests to kill on the
FIRST turn of close combat.
Officer Class Aristocracy Spanish officers saw the strict separation
between the peasants and the aristocracy
as an important part of Spanish culture.
This perception of class distinction often
manifested itself in the Nationalist
officers not wanting to “mix with the
common soldier.” Company Command
Rifle teams may NOT send their Auto
Medio “to the rear” unless
SPECIFICALLY permitted/required by
the scenario special rules. This special
rule does NOT apply during
tournaments.
Air Support During the Spanish Civil War, the highly
vaunted Condor Legion supplemented
the Nationalist Air Force. Nationalist
forces may call upon either of these two
to supplement ground operations.
Nationalist Air Support: You may
request Sporadic air support at a cost of
25 points. Sporadic air support provides
fighters on a roll of 6. You may request
Limited air support for 75 points.
Limited air support will provide fighter
support on a roll of 5 but ground attack
aircraft and fighter support on a roll of 6.
Condor Legion: You may request
Sporadic air support at a cost of 50
points. Sporadic air support will provide
supporting ground attack aircraft and
fighters on a roll of 6. You may request
Limited air support for 100 points.
Limited air support will provide ground
attack aircraft and fighters on a roll of
5+.
Nationalist Army
Nationalist Infantry Company
The bulk of the Nationalist forces were
traditional infantry companies. The
reason that these formations were able to
win the civil war was that they were well
trained and highly motivated. In
addition, they were able to call upon
their “allies” for support.
What is in a Nationalist Infantry
Company? Confident Trained
Core Platoons:
• Company HQ
• 2-4 Infantry Platoons
Weapon Platoons:
• 0-1 HMG Platoon
• 0-1 Mortar Platoon
• 0-2 Assault Platoons
Support Platoons:
• 0-1 Tank Platoon
• 0-2 Armored Car Platoons
• 0-1 Anti-tank Platoon
• 0-2 Artillery Platoon
• 0-1 Light Anti-Aircraft Platoon
• 0-1 Heavy Anti-aircraft Platoon
You may have up to one Support
Platoon attached to your company for
every Core or Weapon Platoon that you
have. The number of Weapons Platoons
must not exceed the number of Infantry
Platoons.
Mobile Infantry Company
There is little difference between an
Infantry Company and a Mobile Infantry
Company. If you decide to select your
force as a Mobile Infantry Company,
then all of your platoons must conform
to the Mobile Infantry Company
restrictions that are noted in each platoon
description. Mobile Infantry Companies
may NOT use the cavalry options noted
below.
Cavalry Options
Nationalist Infantry
Headquarters Platoon
Company Command Rifle Team Auto Medio
Command Rifle Team Auto Medio
Anti-Tank Rifle Team
Wagon or Auto Leggero
Light Mortar Team
Wagon or Auto Leggero
HMG team
Wagon or Auto Leggero
Mobile Infantry Companies MUST take all available vehicle
options. HMG team option is NOT available to Mobile
Infantry Companies. The Officer Class Aristocracy special
rule applies.
Nationalist Infantry
Infantry Platoon
Command Rifle Team
Auto Medio
Light Mortar Team
Light Mortar Team
Ford or Chevrolet or Auto Leggero or Wagon
3 x Infantry Squad
Rifle Team
Rifle Team
Rifle/MG Team
2xFord or 2xChevrolet or 3xWagon
Infantry Squad
Rifle Team
Rifle Team
Rifle/MG Team
2xFord or 2xChevrolet or 3xWagon
Mobile Infantry Companies MUST take motorized vehicle
options. None or all of the teams may be upgraded to cavalry
at +5 pts per team.
Nationalist Infantry
HMG Platoon
Command Rifle Team
Auto Medio or Wagon
Light Mortar Team
Auto Medio or Wagon
2 x HMG Squad
HMG Team
HMG Team
2xFord or 2xChevrolet or 2xWagon
The Command Rifle Team may be upgraded to a Command
Rifle/MG Team for +5 points or a Command MG Team for
+10 points.
Nationalist Infantry
Mortar Platoon
Command Rifle Team
Auto Medio or Wagon
3 x Mortar Section
Observer Team
Auto Medio or Wagon
81mm Mortar mle 81/14
81mm Mortar mle 81/14
2xFord or 2xChevrolet or 2xWagon
Nationalist Infantry
Assault Platoon
Command Rifle/MG Team Auto Medio
3 x Assault Squad
Rifle/MG Team
Rifle/MG Team
Any or all teams may be upgraded to SMG teams at no cost.
Nationalist Calvary Company
The Nationalist command recognized the
need for mobility. This statement is
important because although the leading
tacticians of the day still espoused
“defense in depth”, the inclusion of
German nationals into the officer cadre
provided the Nationalist Army with a
unique and progressive outlook on the
prosecution of armed conflict.
Consequently, the Calvary Company (in
addition to the Mobile Infantry
Company) was seen as a way to quickly
and inexpensively provide the
Nationalist Army with the tools
necessary to prosecute a “modern” war.
What is in a Nationalist Calvary
Company? Confident Trained
Core Platoons:
• HQ Platoon
• 2-4 Calvary Platoons
Weapon Platoons:
• 0-1 HMG Platoon
• 0-1 Assault Platoon
Support Platoons:
• 0-2 Tank Platoons
• 0-2 Armored Car Platoons
• 0-1 Artillery Platoon
• 0-1 Light Anti-aircraft Platoon
• 0-1 Heavy Anti-aircraft Platoon.
Nationalist Cavalry
Headquarters Platoon
Command Rifle Team
2inC Command Rifle Team
Anti-tank Rifle Team
Light Mortar Team
All teams are mounted on horses as cavalry. The cavalry
special rules apply.
Nationalist Calvary
Calvary Platoon
Command Rifle Team
Anti-tank Rifle Team
Light Mortar
3 x Troop
Rifle Team
Rifle Team
Rifle/MG Team
All teams are mounted on horses as cavalry. The cavalry
special rules apply.
Nationalist Calvary
HMG Platoon
Command Rifle Team
2 x HMG Squad
HMG Team
HMG Team
All teams are mounted on horses as cavalry. The Cavalry
special rules do NOT apply to this platoon.
Nationalist Calvary
Assault Platoon
Command Rifle/MG Team
3 x Assault Squads
Rifle/MG Team
Rifle/MG Team
All teams are mounted on horses as cavalry. The Cavalry
special rules do NOT apply to this platoon. All teams have
Pioneer ability. Any team may be upgraded to SMG team at
no cost.
Militia Company
Local militias were used extensively during the Spanish Civil War. The Nationalists used
these as an “organized” means of controlling captured areas and instituting Nationalist
political influence. Militias, while poorly armed, were quite effective in controlling vast
swaths of the countryside and proved pivotal in the eventual return of Franco to Madrid.
What is a Militia Company? Confident Recruit
Core Platoons:
• HQ Platoon
• 2-4 Militia Platoons
Weapon Platoons:
• 0-1 HMG Platoon
• 0-1 Light Mortar Platoon
• 0-1 Mortar Platoon
Support Platoons:
• 0-1 Tank Platoon
• 0-1 Armored Car Platoon
• 0-1 Artillery Platoon
• 0-1 Light Anti-aircraft Platoon
Militia
HQ Platoon
Command Rifle Team
2inC Command Rifle Team
Light Mortar Team
ATR Team
Militia
Militia Platoon
Command Rifle Team
3 x Rifle Squad
Rifle Team
Rifle Team
Rifle Team
Rifle Team
Up to one team per squad may be upgraded to Rifle/MG team at +5 points per team.
Militia
HMG Platoon
Command Rifle Team
2 x HMG Squad HMG Team
HMG Team
Militia
Light Mortar Platoon
Command Rifle Team
2 x Light Mortar Squad Light Mortar Team
Light Mortar Team
Light Mortar Team
Up to one additional Light Mortar Team may be added to any Light Mortar Squad.
Militia
Mortar Platoon
Command Rifle Team
2 x Mortar Section Observer Team
81mm Mortar mle 81/14
81mm Mortar mle 81/14
Mortar Section Observer Team
81mm Mortar mle 81/14
81mm Mortar mle 81/14
An additional Mortar Team may be purchased.
Falangist Bandera
Falangist Banderas were…
What is a Falangist Bandera? Fearless Recruit
Core Platoons
• HQ Platoon
• 2-4 Infantry Platoon
Weapon Platoons
• 0-1 HMG Platoon
• 0-1 Light Mortar Platoon
• 0-1 Mortar Platoon
Support Platoons
• 0-2 Armored Car Platoon
• 0-1 Artillery Platoon
• 0-1 Light Anti-aircraft Platoon
Falangist
HQ Platoon
Falangist
Infantry Platoon
Falangist
HMG Platoon
Falangist
Light Mortar Platoon
Falangist
Mortar Platoon
Civil Guard Company
The Nationalist movement….
What is a Civil Guard Company? Confident Trained
Civil Guard Domestic Police
The local police forces in a particular area proved to be a potential source of “organized
stability” that the Nationalist movement increasingly utilized as the war progressed.
What is a Civil Guard Domestic Police Company? Reluctant Trained
Core Platoons
• HQ Platoon
• 2-4 Officer Platoons
Weapon Platoons
• 0-1 HMG Platoon
• 0-1 Mortar Platoon
Support Platoons
• 0-2 Armored Car Platoon
• 0-1 Artillery Platoon
• 0-1 Light Anti-aircraft Platoon
Civil Guard Asaltos Company
Paramilitary Brigade
During any civil war, paramilitary bands (sometimes called partisans) spring up to
“defend the motherland” on an ad-hoc basis. Continuously forming, melting into the
local population, and re-forming, these loose knit bands of irregular forces quite often can
control vast areas. The Spanish Civil War is no exception. Nationalist paramilitary
bands roved the country side extolling the virtues of Fascism and harassing organized
Republican formations.
What is a Paramilitary Brigade? Confident Recruit
Army of Morocco
AoM Infantry Company
The Army of Morocco was the standard barer of the Nationalist movement. This was the
Army which Franco intended to use to wrestle the reigns of power for the Communists.
After an arduous journey from North Africa, the Army of Morocco gave the Fascist
movement a foothold on the Iberian peninsula which would eventually lead Franco to
hold dictatorial power until 1975.
What is an AoM Infantry Company?
AoM Calvary Company
AoM Mobile Company
Italian Expeditionary Force
Italian Infantry Cohort
Italian Litorio Cohort
Italian Bersaglieri Cohort
Italian Black Shirt Cohort
Italian CTV Volunteers
Divisional Support Platoons
Tank Platoon
Command Tank
Tank
Tank
COMPANY OPTIONS
Nationalist Infantry Company
Nationalist Cavalry Company
Militia Company
Falangist Bandera
Civil Guard Company
Civil Guard Domestic Police
Civil Guard Asaltos Company
Paramilitary Brigade
AoM Infantry Company
AoM Cavalry Company
AoM Mobile Company
Italian Infantry Cohort
Italian Litorio Cohort
Italian Bersaglieri Cohort
Italian Black Shirt Cohort
Italian CTV Volunteers
Armored Car Platoon
Armored Cars (both improvised and purpose built) became more and more relied upon to
provide armored support during the civil war. Inexpensive and easy to maintain, these
quickly became a common sight on the battlefield.
Command A/C
A/C
A/C
COMPANY OPTIONS
Nationalist Infantry Company
Nationalist Cavalry Company
Militia Company
Falangist Bandera
Civil Guard Company
Civil Guard Domestic Police
Civil Guard Asaltos Company
Paramilitary Brigade
AoM Infantry Company
AoM Cavalry Company
AoM Mobile Company
Italian Infantry Cohort
Italian Litorio Cohort
Italian Bersaglieri Cohort
Italian Black Shirt Cohort
Italian CTV Volunteers
Anti-tank Platoon
COMPANY OPTIONS
Nationalist Infantry Company
Nationalist Cavalry Company
Militia Company
Falangist Bandera
Civil Guard Company
Civil Guard Domestic Police
Civil Guard Asaltos Company
Paramilitary Brigade
AoM Infantry Company
AoM Cavalry Company
AoM Mobile Company
Italian Infantry Cohort
Italian Litorio Cohort
Italian Bersaglieri Cohort
Italian Black Shirt Cohort
Italian CTV Volunteers
Artillery Platoon
COMPANY OPTIONS
Nationalist Infantry Company
Nationalist Cavalry Company
Militia Company
Falangist Bandera
Civil Guard Company
Civil Guard Domestic Police
Civil Guard Asaltos Company
Paramilitary Brigade
AoM Infantry Company
AoM Cavalry Company
AoM Mobile Company
Italian Infantry Cohort
Italian Litorio Cohort
Italian Bersaglieri Cohort
Italian Black Shirt Cohort
Italian CTV Volunteers
Light Anti-Aircraft Platoon
COMPANY OPTIONS
Nationalist Infantry Company
Nationalist Cavalry Company
Militia Company
Falangist Bandera
Civil Guard Company
Civil Guard Domestic Police
Civil Guard Asaltos Company
Paramilitary Brigade
AoM Infantry Company
AoM Cavalry Company
AoM Mobile Company
Italian Infantry Cohort
Italian Litorio Cohort
Italian Bersaglieri Cohort
Italian Black Shirt Cohort
Italian CTV Volunteers
Heavy Anti-aircraft Platoon
COMPANY OPTIONS
Nationalist Infantry Company
Nationalist Cavalry Company
Militia Company
Falangist Bandera
Civil Guard Company
Civil Guard Domestic Police
Civil Guard Asaltos Company
Paramilitary Brigade
AoM Infantry Company
AoM Cavalry Company
AoM Mobile Company
Italian Infantry Cohort
Italian Litorio Cohort
Italian Bersaglieri Cohort
Italian Black Shirt Cohort
Italian CTV Volunteers
Data Section
Tank Name Points Mobility F S T Equipment and Notes
FT-17C 30 Fully-tracked 1 0 1 Short 37mm tank gun, One-man turret, WWI tank
FT-17M 30 Fully-tracked 1 0 1 MG, One-man turret, WWI tank
Trubia 1936 25 Half-tracked 1 0 1 MG, turret-rear MG, WWI tank, Unreliable
L3/33 25 Half-tracked 1 0 1 hull MG
L3/35 30 Half-tracked 1 0 1 Twin hull MG
L3/35 with AT 30 Half-tracked 1 0 1 20mm tank gun (hull)
L3/35 Lanciaflamme 55 Half-tracked 1 0 1 Flame-thrower, Fuel tanks
Panzer IA 45 Half-tracked 1 0 1 Twin MG
Panzer IB 45 Half-tracked 1 0 1 Twin MG
Panzer IATR 50 Half-tracked 1 0 1 20mm tank gun
T-26B 50 Fully-tracked 1 1 1 45mm tank gun, co-ax MG, Slow tank, Unreliable
BT-5 50 Fully-tracked 0 0 1 45mm tank gun, co-ax MG, Light tank, Unreliable
Armored Tractor A 20 Half-tracked 0 0 0 MG, WWI tank, 1 passenger
Armored Tractor B 20 Half-tracked 0 0 0 Hull MG, WWI tank, 2 passengers
Armored Car Name Points Mobility F S T Equipment and Notes
Lancia LZ11 35 Wheeled 0 0 1 Twin MG
Bilbao 32 30 Wheeled 0 0 1 MG
BA-6 50 Wheeled 0 0 1 45mm tank gun, co-ax MG, hull MG
UNL-35 30 Wheeled 0 0 1 MG
Armored Truck A 20 Wheeled 0 0 0 MG, 1 passenger
Armored Truck B 20 Wheeled 0 0 0 Hull MG, 2 passengers
Design Notes
This Intel Briefing attempts to provide Flames of War players with an army list to
represent the Fascist forces during the Spanish Civil War. Both the Fascist and
Communist forces had units that changed in composition as the war progressed. Due to
this, I have had to assign generic values and unit composition to represent the “overall
feel” for every unit type.
Painting Guide
These are intended as merely a guide/starting point for gamers.
Regulars
Base: black spray
Uniform: heavy drybrush MM Panzer Dunkel Gelb (2095)
Uniform highlight: light drybrush GW Kommando Khaki (61-82)
Web gear: MM Military Brown FS 30117 (1701)
Ammunition pouches: MM Military Brown FS 30117 (1701)
Boots:
Foreign Legion
Base: black spray
Uniform: drybrush MM Faded Olive Drab (2051)
Uniform highlight: light drybrush GW Kommando Khaki (61-82)
Web gear: MM Military Brown FS 30117 (1701)
Ammunition pouches: MM Military Brown FS 30117 (1701)
Boots: MM Military Brown FS 30117 (1701)
Italian Black Shirts
Base: black spray
Army of Morocco
Base: black spray
Uniform: heavy drybrush GW Kommando Khaki (61-82)
Uniform highlight: drybrush GW Bleached Bone (61-??)
Web gear:
Boots:
Militia
Base: black spray
Uniform: mixed