Throughout the war, the unit was deployed on the Andalusian, Madrid, Aragon and Segre fronts, taking part in some of the main battles.

The 24th Division subsequently moved to the Central front and took part in the Battle of Brunete,[5] attacking south of Madrid.

Shortly after, it was urgently sent to the Teruel front, where it participated in the arrest of the Francoist counteroffensive on the Albarracín sector,[6][n. 1] In July 1937, it also took part in the second phase of the Battle of Belchite.

In March 1938, when the Aragon Offensive took place, the division was unable to withstand the impact of the nationalist attack and undertook a disorganized retreat, during which it apparently ran out of ammunition.

[13] At the beginning of July 1938, Ortiz left the command of the unit, fleeing to France; This prompted his replacement with Miguel García Vivancos, who was given the order to capture and shoot him.