Daylight reduces navigation risk in unfamiliar waters but gives the defender time to react. Abercromby lands only three thousand troops even though roughly seven thousand are available, leaving the assault force outnumbered while thousands remain aboard ship. The attackers trade artillery fire with San Gerónimo and San Antonio without coordinating an infantry storm from the landward side with naval bombardment from the sea. Spanish forces reinforce prepared lines and recapture the Martín Peña bridge. Raids led by José "Pepe" Díaz and Sergeant Francisco Díaz bring back prisoners. The Spanish advance across the Boquerón inlet tightens the defensive position. The British withdraw during the night of 1-2 May and abandon arms, stores, and ammunition.
Chapter · 35:23-38:59
A daylight landing squanders surprise
Abercromby lands only three thousand troops in daylight, allowing Spanish forces to occupy prepared lines and push the invasion back.