Elio Delgado-Legon’s Diary

The Trip to Che Guevara’s Campsite

One day after captain Chaviano returned from Che Guevara’s campsite, that is to say, on Friday, December 13, 1958, we all went down the hill known as El Piquito, towards the town of San Blas, to depart for El Pedrero. There, we would place ourselves under the command of Che Guevara…

The Journey from Mina Carlota to San Blas

Our column stayed in Mina Carlota in the Escambray Mountains for 10 days. Soon after arriving at this camp, Major Anastasio Cárdenas left with troops to attack the Trinidad barracks. The next day, news arrived of his death in combat and of the operation’s failure.

My Two Birthdays

Perhaps not many people would believe me if I said I celebrate two birthdays, having been born twice. My first birthday is June 28, 1937, the date I arrived in this world in a sad, poverty-ridden country…

Towards the Escambray Mountains (Part II)

Painfully, we moved away from Crespi Hill and headed towards the Escambray mountain range. We walked all afternoon, without taking a break, and, as night fell, completely exhausted, we stopped for a while to regain our strength…

Heading towards the Escambray (Part I)

After parting with the members of the guerrilla who chose to stay behind, unwilling to make the trip towards the Escambray mountain range, and sending two men who had wounded themselves accidentally to see different doctors, we left the La Margarita ranch at night…

The Retreat

After the ambush by the Ciego river, still under a heavy fire that ripped the bark off trees, we split up into three groups to break through the enemy fence. The time was late 1958 in the province of Las Villas.