The division was created on September 23, 1937, being integrated into the XVIII Army Corps.

In addition, its commander, José María Enciso Madolell, was taken prisoner by the nationalist forces.

[3] The 72nd Division was dissolved on March 11, 1938, [1] and its remains were assigned to the Ebro Autonomous Group.

At the beginning of the Catalonia Offensive the unit was overwhelmed by the advance of the nationalist 84th Division, in the Camarasa area.

[7] The resistance put up by the division was minimal, which led to the removal of its commander — Pascual Saura.