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The history of military forces, artefacts, personalities and techniques of warfare.

The landings by the Cuban exile Assault Brigade 2506 at the Bay of Pigs on April 17, 1961 led to three days of savage but unequal combat. Before they even sailed for Cuba, a White House decision had condemned them to constant attacks by Castro's air force, which sank two of their ships loaded with vital supplies and equipment. Despite stubborn resistance to Castro's troops and tanks, and sorties by Cuban and American B-26 pilots, the Brigade was strangled for lack of firepower and ammunition. Their story is illustrated with rare photos from Brigade veterans, and detailed colour plates of the uniforms and insignia of both sides.

Alejandro de Quesada is a Florida-based military history writer, an experienced researcher and collector of military, photos and documents

Illustrated by Stephen Walsh, who has worked as a professional illustrator since 1988.