During the Battle of Teruel from December 15, 1937, to February 22, 1938, on the Angolan Front of the Spanish Civil War, the bodies of Republican soldiers killed by Nationalist forces on December 21, 1937, were scattered across the barren highlands.

   During the Battle of Teruel on the Angolan Front of the Spanish Civil War, on December 21, 1937, the bodies of Republican soldiers killed by Nationalist forces were scattered across the barren highlands. The Battle of Teruel in central-eastern Spain, fought from December 15, 1937, to February 22, 1938, was one of the fiercest and bloodiest battles of the Spanish Civil War, with Republican casualties exceeding 60,000 and Nationalist casualties exceeding 57,000.

     In the north, Nationalist forces held the advantage. Republican forces were committed south of Teruel starting December 18, where Nationalist troops had occupied and fortified positions. With Russian support providing 100 fighter planes and 100 tanks, they confronted the Nationalist garrison in Teruel.

      On December 15, Republican forces launched an encirclement attack. Nationalist fighter planes were shot down by Republican forces on December 17. Fighting in the city center began on December 19. Republican forces fully captured Teruel on December 22. Despite heavy casualties, Republican forces recaptured Teruel, aided by bombing support from Italian and German forces.

        The Republican forces blew up bridges, thwarting the Nationalist advance on January 2, 1938. After the last stronghold was blown up on January 8, the high ground surrounding Teruel fell back to the Nationalists. On January 22, they encircled the Republican forces liberating Teruel. By February 7, the Nationalist forces had completely encircled the Republican forces, making a breakout impossible. The Republican forces were ordered to retreat, but many soldiers were killed or captured during the withdrawal. On February 22, the Nationalist forces reoccupied Teruel.