Reggio's ships ranged from the larger Africa and Invencible to the frigate Galga, and several carried fewer guns than their ports could accommodate. One cautious explanation is that Reggio may have transferred roughly thirty guns to Havana's forts, although this remains a hypothesis rather than documented fact. The convoy squadron was also taking troops and other resources away from a harbour that remained the assembly point for returning imperial shipping. The discrepancy reveals a force-allocation problem in which ship armament, convoy protection, and fixed harbour defence competed for the same limited guns and personnel.
Chapter · 27:45-29:14
A Spanish squadron balanced against Havana's defences
The Spanish force carried troops and convoy duties while Havana still needed enough guns and men to protect its essential harbour.