Camilo Cienfuegos Biography and Timeline

26th of July Movement

Camilo Cienfuegos reaches Mexico and joins the Cuban exile group preparing an armed expedition against the Batista government.

Role range: 1955-1959

Granma Departure

Camilo Cienfuegos sails from Tuxpan aboard the Granma with the expeditionary force organized by Fidel Castro.

Granma Landing

Cienfuegos lands in eastern Cuba with the Granma expeditionaries and joins the surviving guerrillas seeking refuge in the Sierra Maestra.

Alegria de Pio

Escapes after the Granma force is scattered.

Role range: 1956-1956

Promotion to Commander

Fidel Castro promotes Cienfuegos to commander after successful guerrilla operations against government communications and positions in Oriente.

Western Offensive

Leads a rebel column west from Oriente.

Role range: 1958-1958

Column 2 Assignment

Cienfuegos receives command of Column 2, Antonio Maceo, for the westward rebel advance from the Sierra Maestra.

Battle of Santa Clara

Three columns under the command of Che Guevara, Camilo Cienfuegos and Jaime Vega proceeded westward toward the provincial capital of Santa Clara

Role range: 1956-1959

Siege of Yaguajay

Cienfuegos joins the siege of the government garrison at Yaguajay during the final rebel offensive in Las Villas.

Yaguajay Surrender Offer

Cienfuegos offers surrender terms to Captain Alfredo Abon Lee, promising guarantees for the garrison if it lays down its arms.

Battle of Yaguajay Victory

The government garrison at Yaguajay surrenders to forces under Cienfuegos, removing an important obstacle during the final collapse of Batista's military position.

Battle of Yaguajay

Captures Yaguajay during the final rebel offensive.

Role range: 1958-1958

Las Villas Campaign

Cienfuegos operates in Las Villas alongside other rebel forces as the 26th of July Movement expands its final offensive across central Cuba.

Entry into Havana

Enters Havana as Batista's army collapses.

Role range: 1958-1959