Invasion day (17 April 1961)
On April 17, 1961 about 1300 exiles, armed with US weapons, landed at the Bahía de Cochinos on the southern coast of Cuba. Hoping to find support from the local population, they intended to cross the island to Havana...
During the night, a diversionary landing was organized in Cuba. A flotilla of small boats containing equipment (that was the source of Cuban reports that briefly lured Fidel Castro away from the Bay of Pigs battlefront).
At about 00:00, two CIA LCIs entered the Bay of Pigs on the southern coast of Cuba. They headed a force of four transport ships, carrying Cuban exile troops plus tanks and other vehicles.
At about 00:00, two CIA LCIs entered the Bay of Pigs on the southern coast of Cuba. They headed a force of four transport ships, carrying Cuban exile troops plus tanks and other vehicles.
At about 01:00, the battlefield command ship directed the principal landing at Playa Girón.
At daybreak, three FAR Sea Furies started attacking the ships still unloading troops. About 270 troops had been unloaded, but about 180 survivors were incapable of taking part in further action because of the loss of their weapons and equipment.
At about 07:00, two invading FAL B-26s attacked and sank the Cuban Navy Patrol Escort ship.
At about 07:30, 177 paratroops were dropped. About 30 men, plus heavy equipment, were dropped to block the roads. Those positions were maintained for two days, reinforced by ground troops from Playa Girón.
By 09:00, Cuban troops and militia from outside the area had started arriving. Throughout the day they were reinforced by more troops and heavy armour.
At about 07:30, 177 paratroops were dropped. About 30 men, plus heavy equipment, were dropped to block the roads. Those positions were maintained for two days, reinforced by ground troops from Playa Girón.
By 09:00, Cuban troops and militia from outside the area had started arriving. Throughout the day they were reinforced by more troops and heavy armour.
At about 11:00, Fidel Castro issued a statement saying that the invaders, members of the exiled Cuban revolutionary front, have come to destroy the revolution and take away the dignity and rights of men.
By 16:00, Fidel Castro had arrived at the battlefield.
It was evident from the first hours of fighting, that the exiles were going to lose. President Kennedy had the option of using the US Air Force against the Cubans but decided not to do it. Consequently, the invasion was stopped by Castro's army.
It was evident from the first hours of fighting, that the exiles were going to lose. President Kennedy had the option of using the US Air Force against the Cubans but decided not to do it. Consequently, the invasion was stopped by Castro's army.
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| The Bay of Pigs invasion - President Kennedy with some US officers |
Invasion day plus one (D+1) 18 April
By about 10:30 on 18 April, Cuban troops and militia took Playa Larga. Fidel Castro re-located to that battlefront area.
At about 17:00, B-26s piloted by CIA pilots attacked a Cuban column. The vehicles were loaded with civilians, militia, police and soldiers.
During the night of 18 April, a FAL C-46 delivered arms and equipment to the Girón airstrip and took off before daybreak.
Invasion day plus two (D+2) 19 April
The final air attack mission failed : American planes were shot down. Combat air patrols were flown. American troops retreated.
Late that day, destroyers USS Eaton and USS Murray moved into Cochinos Bay to evacuate retreating Brigade soldiers from beaches.
