Author Topic: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)  (Read 57728 times)

The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #60 on: 14 August 2017, 10:07:40 »
Rest, Refit and Rebuilding – Sep-Nov, 3018

The settling of the contract and other accounts was completed by the last week of August but agents for the 1st Mechanised Brigade were already organising new replacements for the lost infantry, armour crew and Mech pilots. By the first week of September the plan for acquiring replacement personnel and equipment was in place and resources directed towards repair of the damaged equipment slated for the auction block. Of the sixty-eight Mechs five were set aside to replace those destroyed in combat, thirty-four were to be repaired and sold and twenty-nine retained as spares and ‘inventory’ for a future expansion. For now, there would be no major expansion of the ground components to the brigade.

To manage the repair of the damaged and ‘destroyed’ Mechs it was decided to use the Brigade’s own cash and technical staff to repair the first twelve machines as well as repair existing equipment. The brigade’s agents had already lined up buyers, giving the Lyrans the first option at each lot, provided the price was right. Technical teams were another matter. While the losses amongst the tech team were comparatively light the brigade was short staffed for repairing its existing equipment mush less repair damaged captured equipment. To fill this gap each of the line battalions had to stretch its resources. The drivers and gunners of the 1st Rifle’s APCs had to take over some of the maintenance and repair work supervised by a number of senior Techs and their teams while others were released for other tasks. The same process was copied in the 11th Hussars, 17th Lancers and the 1st Horse Artillery and by this method enough teams were found to manage the required tasks, even if the work was to take nearly three months. While refitting was badly needed the brigade needed to remain combat ready in case of more trouble so the priority for repairs was given to the combat formations.

To that end Major Ligny presented Colonel Bedford with one more surprise in the form of an almost fully functional Mobile HQ that had been captured in the fighting for the spaceport. It was only lightly damaged and was soon put back into service once spare parts could be located. The vehicle was Lyran in original and well over a century old but had been pressed into service by the Kurita command, no doubt after capture from its original users. While the holo tank was useless it had been augmented by additional computers with a flat display table and 3D software. While not as functional as a Star League machine it would improve the RHQs command and control abilities far beyond anything it had at the moment.

The profit from the sale of the first dozen Mechs was used to purchase required parts needed to rebuild the fighters and begin work on the next batch of mechs. Those Mechs were then sold and the profits used to fund the next cycle. By late October most of the mechs that would be sold had been repaired and were on their way to their new owners. The Mechs that were to be retained had their repairs delayed until the end and only now were resources and money put towards their repair. Throughout the process the damaged aerospace fighters were also put into operating condition one flight at a time, slowly building up the squadrons and then the wing.

Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Phillipe Valois, joined the brigade in mid-September as the commanding officer of the 101st AeroSpace Fighter Wing. Like all of the battalion commanders, Valois was given the ‘brevet’ prefix to his rank until he had proven himself to the brigade commander and the senior officers. The wing had twenty-four fighters split evenly between a light, medium and heavy squadrons, the majority were of Kurita design. The fact that future spares would have to come from the other side of the border was a concern to Major Ligny and his teams. The newly created unit had almost no extra stocks at all and spares for Sholagars, Shilone’s and Slayers were not exactly “off the shelf”. The cost in C-Bills to outfit the squadrons were high but Bedford believed it to be worth the expense. Major Catherine Woodville was brought in as second in command as well as commander of the heavy squadron of a mix of Slayer, Chippewa and Reiver fighters. The resumes of both officers showed long years of experience in ground support operations, which suited Colonel Bedford’s purpose in raising the unit. Given time and luck each squadron would be expanded to a company of twelve fighters and the wing to a full ‘Group’ of thirty-six with a command flight of four more fighters for a total of forty craft. This ‘double wing’ would allow the brigade to fight on roughly equal terms with most other aerospace forces fielded by Mech regiments and their consorts.

By December the 1st Mechanised Brigade was ready for new assignments and though the new fighter component had only been in existence for three months, Valois and Woodville had been putting their chosen pilots through their paces and declared the unit fit for service. This proved fortunate since on December 3rd it was announced the brigade was leaving Lyons for a new base and a new contract.
« Last Edit: 08 February 2021, 10:25:34 by The Purist »
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
1. HAVE FUN
2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #61 on: 15 August 2017, 21:10:59 »
A New Contract – Dec 3018

Colonel Richard Bedford was keenly aware that his brigade needed more time to incorporate the new replacements and aerospace fighter wing but bills had to be paid. The repair and sale of the captured salvage had brought in a flood of C-Bills but almost the same amount went right back out again to repair the equipment the brigade retained, especially the new aerospace wing. After the ledgers were balanced the brigade was not any further ahead financially than it had been nearly two years ago, although it was larger and more powerful. Between August and November, the brigade also built up a stock extra combat loads of ammunition and other consumables that cost more than 2.4 million C-Bills. The brigade had come very close to expending all of its available supplies in the last of the July battles and Colonel Bedford did not want the brigade to find itself needing to purchase emergency supplies from the client in the middle of a battle. The addition of the aerospace wing placed the brigade behind in tech support once again and new teams were being hired to fill the gaps wherever they could be found. Even so, the deficit would not be made good until January or February of 3019.

As negotiations for a new contract were being finalized in late November the colonel was also aware that the brigade had now spent two years in the employ of the Lyran Commonwealth. While the reputation gained was gratifying, and put to good use in recouping supply and transportation costs as well as salvage claims, Bedford was keen to avoid any appearances that the brigade was becoming ‘attached’ to the Lyran military. The new garrison contract was accepted, in part, to give the brigade a stable base to operate from. If training a new garrison force for a Lyran planet helped the unit brush up on its own skills while it absorbed replacements so much the better. As always, garrison contracts were not lucrative but as long as they didn’t find themselves in the forefront of another planetary campaign they should have no troubles. While signatures were applied to the contract in early December the brigade was already packing up for the move to Alexandria.

Contract Between House Steiner and the 1st Mechanised Brigade.

Mission – Garrison; Planet Alexandria
Duration – One year; Jan 1, 3019 and concluding Dec 31, 3019
Fees – 34,776,000 C-Bills, with 25% paid in advance
Command - Liaison
Transportation Reimbursement – costs x 1.5
Supply Reimbursement – costs x 1.25
Salvage – Mercenary Claims

Regimental Treasury End Dec 3018 – 218,148,805 C-Bills (includes contract advance)
Combat Supplies: 8 combat loads
General Supplies: 3 months


Situation Update, Dec 2nd, 3018:

While the Lyrans were reorganizing their forces from the campaign on Lyons in the autumn of 3018, other Lyran forces lead by the 6th Lyran Regulars and 22nd Skye Rangers, with twelve conventional regiments, landed on Alexandria. The Kurita regiments that had been on the planet had been withdrawn after the defeat on Lyons in case the Lyrans made a lunge towards Ko, Atria or even Kessel. They had not yet returned when the Lyrans landed in November and the garrison of three militia and infantry regiments with three tank battalions did not stand much chance against their attackers. By the time the 1st Mechanised Brigade began their journey to Alexandria in the first week of December the last defenders were being rounded up. As the planet currently had more than 14 regiments on the surface and naval task forces in orbit, the brigade hired commercial dropships and civilian jumpships for the three week journey to their new posting. The 1st Mechanised Brigade was to oversee the re-equipping and rebuilding of a new garrison now that the planet had returned to the Lyran Commonwealth. The mercenary unit was scheduled to land on the planet the day before new years and all concerned were looking forward to a grand celebration for both the new year and liberation from Combine rule.

1st Mechanised Brigade – Table of Organisation and Equipment

Regimental HQ Battle Group:

- Reg’t Tac HQ Platoon: 1 Mobile HQ, 1 Pack Rat ML, 2 Pack Rat LRPV, 2 SRM squads
- Reg’tl eI&R Platoon: 4 Hi-Scout Drone Carriers
- Reg’t Cmd Lance: 4 heavy Mechs (Archers and Crusaders)

1st Battalion + (1st Rifles):

- Bn Tac HQ: 1 MCV, 1 Pack Rat ML, 2 Pack Rat LRPV
- Bn Cmd Lance: 4 medium Mechs (Catapults and Hunchbacks)
- A Coy: 1 HQ pltn, 3 inf pltn (14 squads, 14 APC whl (srm), 2 APC whl (lrm)), 1 maint/supply pltn.
- B Coy: 1 HQ pltn, 3 inf pltn (14 squads, 14 APC whl (srm), 2 APC whl (lrm)), 1 maint/supply pltn.
- C Coy: 1 HQ pltn, 3 inf pltn (14 squads, 14 APC hov (srm), 2 APC whl (lrm)), 1 maint/supply pltn.

2nd Battalion + (11th Hussars):

- Bn Tac HQ: 1 MCV, 1 Pack Rat ML, 2 Pack Rat LRPV
- Bn Cmd Lance: 4 medium Mechs (Trebuchets and Shadow Hawks)
- A Sqn: 2 Partisan LRM aslt tanks, 10 Manticore hvy tanks, 4 von Luckner K-100 hvy tanks
- B Sqn: 6 Scorpion lt tanks, 3 Scorpion SRM lt tanks, 4 Goblin LRM med tanks, 3 Vedette med tanks
- C Sqn: 4 Scimitar hov tanks, 8 Saracen hov tanks; 4 Pegasus hov tanks 

3rd Battalion + (17th Lancers):

- Bn Tac HQ: 1 MCV, 1 Pack Rat ML, 2 Pack Rat LRPV
- Bn Cmd Lance: 4 heavy Mechs (Marauders and Catapults)
- A Coy: 2 Trebuchet, 2 Shadow Hawk, 2 Wolverine, 2 Phoenix Hawk, 2 Hunchback, 2 Rifleman, 2 Centurion, 2 Wyvern, 1 maint/supply pltn.
- B Coy: 4 Valkyrie, 4 Javelin 10N, 2 Javelin 10F, 2 Firestarters, 4 Panther, 1 maint/supply pltn.
- C Coy: 4 Locust 1M, 4 Locust 1E, 4 Hermes 1B, 4 Jenner 7F, 1 maint/supply pltn.

Artillery Command [-] (1st Horse Artillery):

- Bn Tac HQ: 1 MCV
- A Coy: 12 Long Tom (LT-MOD-25), 1 maint/supply pltn.

1st Service Battalion:

- Bn Tac HQ: 1 MCV
- 1st (Field Hospital) Coy: 3 MASH trucks, 6 ParaMed APCs (tr), 3 Flat Bed Trucks, 4 Ferret VTOL (ParaMed mod.)
- 2nd (Maintenance) Coy: 4 Hvy Recovery Veh., 4 Recovery Veh., 4 Hvy ARV (hvy APC mod), 4 Coolant Trucks
- 1st Transport Coy: 9 Flat Bed Trucks, 3 Tanker Trucks
- 2nd Transport Coy: 9 Flat Bed Trucks, 3 Tanker Trucks
- 3rd Transport Coy: 9 Flat Bed Trucks, 3 Tanker Trucks 


1st Aerospace Fighter Group +:

- 101st Wing Tac HQ: 1 MCV
- 504 Sqn (Nottingham): 8 Sholagar 21L light aerospace fighters
- 501 Sqn (Gloucester): 8 Shilone 17AC medium aerospace fighters
- 302 Sqn (Krakow): 2 Slayer 15A, 2 Reiver F-100, 4 Chippewa W-10 heavy aerospace fighters
« Last Edit: 08 February 2021, 10:14:46 by The Purist »
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
1. HAVE FUN
2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #62 on: 21 August 2017, 10:20:12 »
The Third Succession War Campaign, Jan - Mar 3019

LC-DC Front: Fighting dies down except in the Alexandria region. The DCMS launches a counterattack with two mech and one armoured regiment aimed at pinning part of the Lyran force that just liberated the planet in December. They find a garrison of newly raised militia, regular army conventional air, motor and mechanised infantry, three tank battalions and a mercenary regiment. After a heavy engagement that costs both sides significant losses the Combine troops withdraw. At the same time two Lyran brigades strike into the Draconis Combine attacking Konstance and Kimball II. Both planet’s garrisons, fighting unsupported, collapse by the end of February.
 
DC-FS Front: The Bryceland sector quiets down while both sides regroup and reinforce. Small raids are attempted by both sides in attempts to gauge the opposition’s strength while a build up naval assets are prepared for the next push. The AFFS moves one Guards and as many as nine mercenary commands to Robinson and Glenmora while the DCMS moves up three additional mercenary commands, two additional DCMS commands from the Benjamin District along with the1st Sword of Light to spearhead a counterattack in April.

FS-CC Front: With both sides focused on their other front there is almost no activity on the border between the FS and CC and even fewer supplies. Both high commands have noticed the apparent distraction of the other side and have shifted a few forces closer to the front. Special operations on both sides fail to note any large concentrations of forces beyond those normally seen but that could change at any time.   

CC-FWL Front: Numerous raids are launched and Capellan intelligence spots a large concentration near Irian but have completely lost tract of Wolf’s Dragoons. In January the FWL strike in an unexpected direction, sending two federal, one provincial and one mercenary command to Hall where they maul two mercenary commands of the Northwind Highlanders (McLeod’s Highlander’s and Sterling’s Fusiliers). Considering Hall may be a feint the Capellan command does not reinforce and by March the planet has fallen. Forces in the Tikonov Commonality are placed on high alert.

FWL-LC: Low level raiding activity continue along this front but little heavy action as both sides focus their resources on their other main front. The Kurita ambassador and Military Attaché do meet with the Captain-General and request that the FWL step up activity along the LC front to decrease pressure on their own border. They are advised that resources are currently focused on liberating planets held by the CC but the FWL will see what it can do with forces on hand until more reinforcements can be made available.
 

Alexandretta, Alexandria, Week 1a, Jan 3019

The promise of a festive new year celebration was cut short on the arrival at Alexandretta’s space port and the briefing for the senior brigade officers that followed. The two Lyran brigades that had taken part in the liberation of Alexandria had left the planet to strike at two planets over the Combine border. The district command had decided to try and maintain the initiative by taking advantage of the Kurita defeats at Planting, Suk II and Lyons and take the fight to the DCMS on their own ground. The two brigades left behind one regular motorised and one mechanised infantry regiment along with three independent tank battalions to back up the first of the newly raised militia regiments.

One oddity that existed in the garrison was the deployment of two conventional aircraft regiments, paired to fight together to offset their disadvantages against aerospace fighters. There were only three such conventional ‘air groups’ in the Lyran armed forces and all of these were veteran units. The presence of these six fighter wings, even if limited to the atmosphere, added 108 fighter aircraft to the 1st Mechanised Brigade’s twenty-four aerospace fighters. Rounding out the air/aerospace defences was VI Naval Assault Wing, left behind at the systems Zenith point to guard the recharge station there.

When the brigade landed on Alexandria on December 30th, the brigade immediately began to unload and uncrate its equipment from the cargo holds. Work was slowed by the new years’ celebration until January 2nd when a large force jumped into the systems nadir point. The Kurita military had decided to strike back at Alexandria with a small pinning force in the hope of preventing the Lyrans from using the forces there elsewhere. While they were too late to prevent the Lyran brigades from moving elsewhere, the two Mech regiments, one armoured regiment and four aerospace wings, supported by two naval assault wings, would find themselves fighting only the small garrison supported by conventional air and the 1st Mechanised Brigade. Although they did not know it when they jumped into the system, the mission of the Combine force would soon change from a large raid to an attempt to recapture the planet.

LCAF Order of Battle

1st Alexandria Militia [r] – g9; CI; Mov: 6; Tac: 5; Mor: 8; Skill:5
1st Virginia Motor Infantry [r] – r14; CI; Mov: 6; Tac: 4; Mor: 7; Skill:4
2nd Virginia Mechanised Infantry# [r] – r14; CI; Mov: 6; Tac: 4; Skill: 4
1st Mechanised Brigade [r] – r19; mix; Mov: 5; Tac: 3; Mor: 7; Skill: 4
1st Alexandria Garrison Tank Battalion [r] - r14; lt; Move: 7; tac: 3; Mor; 7; Skill: 4
2nd Alexandria Garrison Tank Battalion [r] - r14; med; Move: 7; tac: 3; Mor; 7; Skill: 4
3rd Alexandria Garrison Tank Battalion # [r] - r14; med; Move: 7; tac: 3; Mor; 7; Skill: 4
1st Skye Fighter Regiment [r] – v24; AS; Mov: 5; Tac: 4; Mor: 6; Skill: 3
2nd Skye Fighter Regiment [r]– v24; AS; Mov; 6; Tac: 3; Mor: 6; Skill: 3
VI Naval Aslt Wing [r] – r15; AS (aslt); Mov: 4; Tac: 6; Mor; 7; Skill: 4

DCMS Order of Battle

2nd Legion of Vega (-)* [q] – r17;BM; Mov: 5; Tac: 5; Mor: 7; Skill: 4
12 Sun Zhang Academy [f] – g9; BM; Mov: 5; Tac: 6; Mor: 8; Skill: 5
77th Armoured Regiment [r]; g10; CV; Mov: 6; Tac: 5; Mor: 8; Skill: 5
2nd Dieron Aerospace Regiment (+) [r] – g9; AS; Mov: 6; Tac: 5; Mor: 8; Skill: 5
Moore Naval Aslt Wing [r] – g10; AS; Mov: 4; Tac: 7; Mor: 8; Skill: 5
Algedi Naval Aslt Wing [r] – r14; AS; Mov: 4; Tac: 6; Mor:7; Skill: 4

*1st (lt) and 3rd (hvy) battalions only
# not engaged

To be continued…
« Last Edit: 12 December 2020, 13:18:46 by The Purist »
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
1. HAVE FUN
2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #63 on: 26 August 2017, 05:59:29 »
Alexandretta, Jedasia, Alexandria, week 2a, Jan, 3019

Whether by subtle treachery in the Lyran command chain or simple incompetence the situation Richard Bedford and the 1st Mechanised Brigade found themselves in by the first week of January 3019 was not an enviable one and Bedford was not at all shy about letting his Lyran paymasters know it. What was supposed to be a 12-month garrison contract had turned into a combat mission within days of the brigade’s arrival on the planet. The new Lyran liaison officer was very concerned by the turn of events and even the newly installed planetary governor was worried the mercenary regiment would stand aside and let the Combine forces destroy the understrength garrison. Invoking the rights under the contract, Bedford had demanded an amendment whereby the brigade would receive an additional 8.66 million C-Bills per month that the brigade was in combat as well as a replacement of all supplies expended at a 25% discount. With those details dealt with the brigade turned its attention to coordinating the defence of the planet.

The Lyrans had by chance undertaken the beginning of fortifying the spaceport as soon as the last of the Kurita forces has been defeated and while the existing fortifications were basic they were designed to protect the spaceport on the west side of Alexandretta, the planet’s capital. Alexandretta lay on the southern continent of Jedasia at the mouth of the Pyrus River delta, the city environs consisted of marshlands giving way to hills and forests to the south and west and open grasslands to the east. With the only functional space port at the capital the Lyrans had deployed the 1st Virginia Infantry regiment and two tank battalions on the southern continent along with the militia regiment. The militia regiment was broken up into nine company sized formations and distributed around the continent to guard important infrastructure facilities. If the Kurita attacks tried to take these targets the militia were to “observe and report” rather than try to stop Mechs with rifles and hand grenades. Since the 1st Mechanised Brigade had only just landed on Jedasia it was also present at the capital when the alarm sounded.

The 2nd Virginia Mechanised Infantry regiment with a medium tank battalion was deployed on the northern continent of Cairusia with its force split between Lampole, to the far east, and Cherbourg, a major seaport, to the west. All agreed that the attackers would likely strike the capital first in order to gain the spaceport and Cherbourg possessed a large number of bulk merchant vessels used in planetary trade that could be used to move troops. However, the port was nearly 4500 km from Alexandretta and any movement by sea would be dependent on air superiority. If the Lyran and mercenary fighters, along with the dropship wing hurrying back from the systems Zenith point, could gain air superiority then reinforcements might be possible.

As the Kurita dropships closed on the planet it became clear their landing zones would be on Jedasia, east of the capital. Once the dropships committed to their final approach 108 Lyran fighters rose into the sky and climbed for high altitude to give battle with their larger opponents. The fighter wings paired themselves into three formations by the weight class to better compliment their abilities. Pulling out in front were the three fighter squadrons of the mercenary brigade. The mercenary’s task was to pin down the as many of the incoming heavy Combine craft as they could to give the lighter Lyran atmospheric fighters a better chance in the coming fight. Coming the other way were four aerospace wings of the 2nd Dieron Aerospace Space Regiment. High above the closing fighter wings the assault dropships of both sides began stalking each other in low orbit looking for an opportunity to tip the balance or block an enemy advantage.

Jedasia, Alexandria, week 2a-4a, Jan, 3019 – The Battle for Air Superiority

1st Alexandria Fighter Regiment [r]

1/1st Fighter Wing [r] - v24; lt; Mov:11; Arm - 2:12; S;3; M:3; L:0; Tac:0; Mor: 6; Skill:3; Fat:2.5 (shaken)
2/1st Fighter Wing [r] - v24; med; Mov:6; Arm - 2:9; S:3; M:3; L:3; Tac: 3; Mor:6; Skill:3; Fat: 2.5 (broken)
3/1st Fighter Wing [r] – v24; hvy; Mov:5; Arm – 3:9; S:3; M:3; L:0; Tac: 3; Mor:6; Skill:3; Fat: 2.5
(retreating)

2nd Alexandria Fighter Regiment [r]
1/2nd Fighter Wing [r] - v25; lt; Mov:11; Arm - 3:12; S;3; M:3; L:0; Tac:0; Mor: 6; Skill:3; Fat:2.5 (unsteady)
2/2nd Fighter Wing [r] - v24; med; mov:6; Arm - 1:9; S:3; M:3; L:3; Tac: 3; Mor:6; Skill:3; Fat: 2.5 (routed)
3/2nd Fighter Wing [r] – v24; hvy; mov:5; Arm – 3:9; S:3; M:3; L:0; Tac: 3; Mor:6; Skill:3; Fat: 2.5
(shaken)

1st and 2nd Aleaxandria Fighter Regiments deployed in three ACS formations by weight class as follows:

ACS Formation 1 (light) – Mov: 11: Tac: 0; Mor: 6; Skill: 3
ACS Formation 2 (medium) – Mov:6; Tac: 3; Mor: 6; Skill: 3
ACS Formation 3 (heavy) – Mov: 5; Tac:4; Mor: 6; Skill: 3

Lyran 4th Fleet Detachment [r]
VI Naval Aslt Wing [r] – r15; aslt; Mov:4; Arm – 36; S:9; M:12; L:9; Tac:6; Mor: 7; Skill:4; Fat:1.5

ACS Formation – Mov 4; Tac: 6; Mor: 7; Skill: 4

No. 1 Fighter Group (-) [r]
101st Fighter Wing (+) [r] – r14; hvy; Mov: 5; Arm – 9:29; S:8; M:8; L:2; Tac: 5; Mor:7; Skill:4; Fat: 2.5 (shaken)

ACS Formation – Mov: 5; Tac: 5; Mor: 7; Skill: 4

versus

2nd Dieron Aerospace Regiment [r]
1/2nd Aerospace Wing [r] – g10; lt; Mov: 6; Arm – 12:20; S:4; M:4; L:1; Tac: 5; Mor:8; Skill: 5 (unsteady)
2/2nd Aerospace Wing [r] – r14; med; Mov: 6; Arm – 12:21; S:6; M:6; L:2; Tac:4; Mor:7; Skill:4
(shaken)
3/2nd Aerospace Wing [r] – g10; med; Mov: 6; Arm – 7:21; S:6; M:6; L:2; Tac:5; Mor:8; Skill:5
(retreating)
4/2nd Aerospace Wing [r] – g10; hvy; Mov:6; Arm – 1:23; S:8; M:8; L:3; Tac:5; Mor:8; Skill:5
(routed)

The 2nd Dieron Aerospace Regiment deployed three ACS formations as follows:

ACS Formation 1 (1/2nd and 4/2nd wings) – Mov: 6; Tac: 5; Mor: 8; Skill: 5
ACS Formation 2 (2/2nd wing) – Mov: 6; Tac: 4; Mor: 7; Skill: 4
ACS Formation 3 (3/2nd wing) – Mov: 6; Tac:5; Mor: 8; Skill: 5

2nd Division, Dieron Fleet [r]
Moore Aslt Wing [r] – r14; aslt; mov:4; Arm – 17:36; S:9; M:12; L:9; Tac:6; Mor:7; Skill:5 (retreating)
Algedi Aslt Wing [r] – r14; aslt; mov:4; Arm – 24:36; S:9; M:12; L:9; Tac:6; Mor:7; Skill:5 (shaken)

ACS Formation – Mov: 4; Tac: 6; Mor: 7: Skill: 4

The Lyran and mercenary fighters made good use of their numbers but the heavier firepower of the larger aerospace fighters took a steady toll of the defender’s lighter craft. Despite their losses the veteran Lyran pilots kept returning to the fight chipping away at the Combine formations, reducing their numbers almost to the point of ineffectiveness. The Kurita commander eventually called in his assault dropships to try and blast his way through the thinning defences only to be met by the Lyran dropships and their fighter escorts. Try as they might the cumbersome aircraft could not shake the lighter defenders off their backs long enough to impact the ground battle. By the time the Lyran formation finally began to falter the ground battle had been decided and the Combine commander ordered their remaining craft to cover the drop zones while the mechs and tanks were recovered. The exhausted defenders and their mercenary allies were more than happy to see the backs of the Combine forces as they lifted off from the planet.

To be continued…
« Last Edit: 06 March 2020, 22:29:37 by The Purist »
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
1. HAVE FUN
2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #64 on: 31 August 2017, 06:03:16 »
Petra Prairie, Jedasia, Alexandria, Week 2a – 4a 3019 – The Ground War

Expecting heavy ground resistance the Combine raiding forces planned to harass the defenders and strike at any weaknesses found. As such the three regiments were organized into three drop groups that would land a considerable distance to the east of the capital city of Alexandretta. The 2nd Legion of Vega, less its second battalion, was reinforced by the heavy tank battalion from the 77th Armoured Regiment. Coming down in the southern most drop zone amongst the foothills of the mountains it moved quickly west. The 12th Sun Zhang Academy, detaching its first battalion for reconnaissance, was given the light tanks of 1/77 Armoured and assigned the drop zone in the centre. The 12th Sun Zhang Academy’s first battalion and the medium armour of 2/77 Armoured were landed on the northern most drop zone, the armour tasked to form a reserve while the light Mechs conducted their reconnaissance for the entire force. Once it was realized that the Lyran forces that had liberated the planet in December had moved on, the plan was modified to an objective raid aimed at taking the southern continent and holding it as long as possible. As soon as the dropships had grounded, the ground regiments disembarked and set off in two columns towards Alexandretta with reconnaissance Mechs leading the way.

The Lyran defence forces, led by the 1st Mechanised Brigade, moved east of the capital to dig in on the open plains placing the marshlands behind them. Leaving one infantry battalion of the 1st Virginia Motor regiment in the fortifications the plan was to hold the forward line for as long as possible before retreating through the marshes, taking up new positions on the edge of the city with a final fall back to the spaceport. Task Force Bravo, with one tank and one infantry battalion were deployed in woodlands at the north end of the line while Task Force Alpha, with a second tank battalion and a reinforced battalion of jump infantry, deployed in more open ground in the centre. The southern end of the line was held by the 1st Mechanised Brigade, less its reconnaissance troops, who raced ahead to find and identify the approaching enemy.

Similar to the recent campaign on Lyons, the scouting force of CC R was composed of the brigade’s fastest light Mechs and hover tanks but in this case the air mobile light infantry from RHQ replaced the hovercraft mounted infantry from the 1st Rifles. All three infantry companies of the 1st Rifles were dug in behind minefields sewn amongst a series of small farms, their carriers held in reserve nearby or dug in amongst their troops. The RHQ and 1st Rifle’s command lance of medium and heavy Mechs stood nearby to assist the infantry and to help coordinate the fire from the Artillery Command. CC A, with the brigade’s medium Mechs and lighter armour, and CCB, with the lighter Mechs of B/17th Lancers and heavy tanks of the 11th Hussars, stood ready to move against any attackers. Finally, the Hi-Scout Drone Carrier platoon had spread out in an arc some kilometers ahead of the line, their drones adding additional scouting functions to brigade’s abilities.

Battle of the Petra Prairie

Task Force Alpha [r]:
1st Alexandria Tank Battalion [r] – r15; lt; mov:7; TMM:3; Arm – 0:19; S:6; M:9; L:3; Tac: 3; Mor: 7; Skill: 4 (routed)
2/1st Virginia Motor Infantry (+) [r] – r15; JI; mov:3; TMM:3; Arm – 5:14; S: 8; M:4; L:0; Tac:7; Mor: 7; Skill: 4; Fat: 0 (shaken)

ACS Formation – Mov: 3; Tac: 7; Mor: 7; Skill: 4

Task Force Bravo [r]:
2nd Alexandria Tank Battalion [r] – r15; lt; mov:7; TMM:3; Arm – 12:19; S:6; M:9; L:3; Tac: 3; Mor: 7; Skill: 4; Fat: 2.5
3/1st Virginia Motor Infantry [r] – r15; MI; mov:6; TMM:3; Arm – 20:21; S:8; M:5; L:1; Tac: 4; Mor: 7; Skill: 4; Fat: 2.5

Reinforced by:
1/1st Virginia Motor Infantry [r] – r15; CI; mov:6; TMM:3; Arm – 9; S:6; M:3; L:0; Tac: 4; Mor: 7; Skill: 4; Fat: 1.5

ACS Formation – Mov: 6; Tac:4; Mor: 7; Skill; 4

versus

12th Sun Zhang Academy Combat Group [r]:
2/12th Sun Zhang Academy [r] – g10; lt; mov:6; TMM:4; Arm – 10:27; S:9; M:6; L:0; Tac: 5; Mor: 8; Skill: 5; Fat: 2.5 (broken)
3/12th Sun Zhang Academy [r] – g10; med; mov:5; TMM:4; Arm – 12:36; S:9; M:9; L:3; Tac:6; Mor: 8; Skill: 5; Fat: 2.5 (unsteady)
1/77th Armoured Reg’t [r] – g11; lt; mov:8; TMM:3; Arm – 0:18; S:6; M:9; L:0; Tac: 3; Mor: 8; Skill: 5; Fat: 2.5 (routed)

The 12th Sun Zhang slammed into the jump infantry and light armour of the Lyran’s TF Alpha and almost broke through in the first days of the battle. It became necessary for the commander of the 1st Virginia Infantry to call forward his reserve battalion and commit the regimental headquarters company to the battle while TF Alpha counterattacked the flank of the aggressive Combine attack. The line held and battered remnants of the jump infantry battalion were able to withdraw and move back to guard the spaceport. For their part, the defenders savaged the green light tankers of the 77th, all but destroying the entire battalion as well as scoring a number of hits on the Mech formations.  With the defences reinforced the green pilots of the Combine light and medium Mechs were unable to dislodge the defenders.

As the militia companies in the immediate area began to coalesce in the capital they formed blocking positions on the causeway through the marsh, securing the defenders line of retreat if it had become necessary. A further push by the 12th Sun Zhang was brought to a halt with the aid of the 1st Mechanised Brigade’s artillery command shifting its position to bring fire to bear on the attacking cadets. In one engagement most of an entire medium Mech company were destroyed by a direct hit by the heavy shells of the artillery, breaking the assault. The late arrival of the reserve battalion of the 77th Armoured was not enough to decide the issue in the attackers favour and it became the rearguard force when the retreat order came.

The Battle for the Ranch Lands


1st Mechanised Brigade (-) [r]:
1st Rifles (+) [r] – r16; MI; mov:7; TMM:3; Arm - 20:27; S:9; M:5; L:2; Tac: 3; Mor:7; Skill: 4; Fat: 2.5
CC A (-) [r] – r17; Mix; mov: 5; TMM: 2; Arm – 30:35; S:9; M:10; L:6; Tac:3; Mor: 7; Skill: 4; Fat: 2.5
CC B (-) [r] – r18; Mix; mov:5; TMM:3; Arm – 27:33; S;10; M:13; L:7; Tac:3; Mor: 7; Skill: 4; Fat: 2.5

ACS Formation – Mov: 5; Tac: 3; Mor: 7; Skill: 4

versus

2nd Legion of Vega Combat Group [r];
1/2nd Legion of Vega [r] – r17; lt; mov: 6; TMM:4; Arm – 27; S:9; M:6; L:0; Tac: 4; Mor: 7; Skill: 4; Fat:2.5
3/2nd Legion of Vega [r] – r17; hvy; mov:4; TMM:2; Arm – 26:42; S:9; M:9; L:9; Tac: 6; Mor: 7; Skill: 4; Fat: 2.5 (unsteady)
3/77th Armoured Reg’t [r] – g11; hvy; mov:6; TMM:2; Arm – 3:27; S:9; M:12; L:6; Tac: 4; Mor: 8; Skill: 5; Fat: 2.5 (routed)

ACS Formation – Mov: 4; Tac: 6; Mor: 8; Skill: 4

The fight between the 2nd Legion of Vega’s combat group and the bulk of the 1st Mechanised Brigade evolved into a series of intense skirmishes that rippled up and down the line of infantry strong points. Attempts by the Legion to flank the line to south were foiled by the rugged terrain and rapid moving rivers flooded with winter rains. For the first week and a half the mercenary artillery was instrumental in deflecting attacks, doing heavy damage to the heavy tanks of the 77th Armoured. Each thrust was met in turn by both mercenary combat commands moving forward from reserve positions. Both sides exchanged losses but after two and a half weeks, with time running against the raiders, and the situation in the air still unresolved, the Kurita commander ordered the retreat to the dropships and retreat from Alexandria. As the retreat began the first Lyran reinforcements from the northern continent of Cairusia landed at the spaceport.

Thrust and Parry - Sabre Dance between Reconnaissance Forces

1st Mechanised Brigade Recce Formation [r]:
CC R (+) [r] – v26; mix; mov:8; TMM:3; Arm – 26:30; S:9; M:10; L:3; Tac:0; Mor:6; Skill: 3; Fat: 1.5

ACS Formation – Mov: 8; Tac: 0; Mor: 6; Skill: 6

versus

12th Sun Zhang Academy Reconnaissance Formation [r]:
1/12th Sun Zhang Academy [r] – g10; lt; mov:6; TMM:4; Arm – 17:27; S:9; M:6; L:0; Tac: 5; Mor: 8; Skill: 5; Fat: 2.5

ACS Formation – Mov: 6; Tac: 5; Mor: 8; Skill: 5

Initially, the reconnaissance formations of both sides executed their assigned missions of scouting, screening and reporting. As the battle settled down into a more static series of engagements they both became involved in more active combat roles. The mercenary formation was the first to switch from scouting to combat by blocking the initial move by the 2/77th Armoured in joining the fight in the Ranch Lands. The light Mechs of the 1/12th Sun Zhang then tried to interfere and the two light forces began a series of high speed battles behind the Kurita front, scoring damage at longer ranges but avoiding close in battles. Once the Combine retreat began the 1/12th Sun Zhang joined 2/77th as part of the rearguard and they were harassed, if not heavily engaged, all the way back to their dropships.

Order, Counter Order, Disorder

2/77th Armoured Regiment [r] - g11; med; mov: 7; TMM:3; Arm – 21; S:6; M:9; L:3; Tac: 4; Mor: 8; Skill: 5; Fat: 1

Throughout the battle the Combine command seemed not to know what to do with the 2/77th Armoured. Designated as the force reserve it could have been committed to replace the heavy tank losses in either combat sector. First ordered to reinforce the 2nd Legion of Vega it was pinned down for a time by the enemy’s reconnaissance forces and it took the intervention of the light Mechs of the 1/12th Sun Zhang to break them free. The tankers were then committed to the right wing of the Legion attack in week 3a but it was almost immediately recalled to move north to help the 12th Sun Zhang Combat Group. It no sooner arrived on that front than it was ordered to form part of the rearguard and screen the withdrawal from the planet. With little more than scorched paint and few dents in the armour the rather puzzled green troopers rolled onto their dropships not quite knowing exactly what had happened at the front. All they knew was that their two sister battalions had all but ceased to exist in only 18 days of fighting. Morale in what was left of the regiment plummeted.
« Last Edit: 06 March 2020, 22:39:10 by The Purist »
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
1. HAVE FUN
2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

snakespinner

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #65 on: 01 September 2017, 03:28:24 »
The 2/77th should have a new nickname, lucky.
The other 2 should of been so lucky as to avoid combat so well. }:)
I wish I could get a good grip on reality, then I would choke it.
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The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #66 on: 02 September 2017, 06:02:05 »
Expansion and Confirming a New Doctrine

Alexandretta, Alexandria, Feb-Mar, 3019

As the 1st Mechanised Brigade set about burying its dead, clearing salvage from the battlefield and turning to the repair of its damaged equipment word arrived that the 32nd Lyran Guards command would be arriving on Alexandria in early February. This bit of welcome news was tempered by the fact that the Guards could also be used to reinforce the battles currently in progress across the border on Kimball II and Konstance, so their addition to the garrison was not guaranteed. In the meantime, the mercenary brigade still had a contract to fulfill in helping the militia rebuild and brigade was now considerably understrength. Losses had not been crippling but all of the combat formations had suffered significant loss, the new fighter group being hit particularly hard.

Despite the need to replace losses and repair damage, the arrival of large scale Lyran reinforcements combined with the LCAF offensive across the border convinced Colonel Bedford that the opportunity had presented itself to expand the brigade without having to wait for down time between contracts. The bank account for the brigade had managed to remain over 200 million C-Bills for more than two years despite the regular operating costs and replacement of losses. The brigades’ agents were set loose on Galatea, Tharkad, Atreus and New Avalon with long shopping lists intended to bring each combat battalion up to full strength and expand the brigade wherever possible to fill gaps. While funds were not available for the full scope of planned expansions it was decided to begin while a contract existed that would permit new units to gain experience without being thrust into full planetary campaigns.

The normal regimental organization commonly in use had long been set aside in favour of more a flexible ‘Brigade Group’ doctrine that Colonel Bedford and his commanders had been experimenting with since the brigade had formed in 3015. Borrowing from old Earth’s British Commonwealth military traditions the battalions of the brigade were more of an administrative organization rather than a fixed combat formation. The 1st Rifles, for example, were the parent formation for the brigades’ standard combat infantry and was responsible for basic and advanced infantry training. The 11th Hussars were responsible for the training of tank crews, the 17th Lancers trained the Mech pilots and so on. The same battalion headquarters were also the core headquarters for combat formation training in combined arms and led combined arms battalions in combat. This practice was now solidified as official doctrine and the brigade looked to eventually expand to a force consisting of six combined arms combat battalions, two reconnaissance battalions, one combat support battalion and one artillery battalion supported by an aerospace fighter group consisting of the equivalent of two fighter wings. Behind these combat units would be two service battalions consisting of the techs and equipment for maintaining and repairing the force’s equipment and maintain the flow of supplies in combat.

No.1 Aerospace Fighter Group

The three squadrons of No. 1 group had taken a beating in the January fighting and no one in the command staff had any illusions regarding what would have happened to the brigade’s ground forces had the Kurita aerospace forces not been deflected or turned back. Of the eight Sholigar light fighters of 504 Squadron (City of Nottingham) two had been destroyed with two more crippled. The medium Shilone fighters of 501 Squadron (City of Gloucester) were all destroyed or crippled, the brigade’s techs holding out hope that three might be salvageable and returned to service. Only the heavy fighters of 302 Squadron (City of Krakow) had come through the fighting without permanent loss, although two Reivers and two Chippewas would need serious repairs. The plan to expand the large wing to a full ‘Group’ of three fighter companies were confirmed and funds set aside to procure what fighters could be found over the next two months. By April, No. 1 Group would be reinforced to 30 aerospace fighters in three expanded squadrons. The numbers were less than hoped but there were simply not enough C-Bills to do more. It also proved impossible, given the current strategic situation, to obtain all the replacement Kurita models requested by the techs of 1st Service Battalion to maintain the previous level of standardisation.

Within the brigade’s command staff and the fighter squadrons themselves was a debate on whether the fighter group should be configured as a heavy ground strike formation or a lighter air superiority group of predominantly, if not all, fast light aerospace fighters. Experience on Lyons and the more recent events on Alexandria had shown how fast light fighters could pin down much heavier opponents in air-to-air combat, preventing them from carrying out ground strikes without incurring major risks other than lucky hits at long range. Proponents of the heavy wing argued that the heavy fighters would wear down the light fighters in repeated action, even at long range. Once free of the enemy interceptors the heavies would be free to pummel the ground targets by strafing and bombing attacks. The debate was still ongoing and was not likely to be decided soon. The squadrons of No. 1 Group would continue to carry fighters of all weight classes for now.

No. 1 Aerospace Fighter Group (+) [r] –
-   504 Sqn: 6 Sholagar 21L, 2 Sabre 27
-   501 Sqn: 4 Shilone 17AC; 2 Stingray F90; 4 Stingray F90S
-   302 Sqn: 2 Slayer 15A, 2 Slayer 15B, 4 Chippewa W10, 4 Reiver F100

ACS Combat Team Statistics:
504 Sqn (+) [r] – r15; lt; mov: 10; Arm – 8; S:3; M:3; L:0; Tac: 0; Mor: 7; Skill: 4; Spec – BOMB1
501 Sqn (+) [r] – r14; med; mov: 6; Arm – 10; S:4; M:5; L:2; Tac: 4; Mor: 7 Skill: 4; Spec – BOMB2
302 Sqn (+) [r] – r16; hvy; Mov: 5; Arm – 19; S:8; M:8; L:4; Tac: 5; Mor: 7; Skill: 4; Spec – BOMB4

ACS Combat Unit Statistic:
No.1 Aerospace Fighter Group (+) [r] – r15; mix; Mov: 5; Arm – 37; S:15; M:16: L:6 Tac: 5; Mor: 7; Skill: 4 Spec – BOMB7

Regimental Headquarters and the 8th Hussars

The use of the brigade’s swiftest units in forming a reconnaissance formation had proven extremely successful over the past three years but withdrawing one-third of the brigades’ company strength from fighting in direct combat had left the brigade with no reserve formation. In the classic ‘two-up’ deployment a regiment could deploy two of its three battalions forward and hold its third battalion to reinforce success or counterattack a penetration. The only force remaining to the 1st Mechanised Brigade to use as a reserve in case of trouble was the regimental headquarters company. Possessing only four heavy Mechs, the RHQ's three light scout carriers and the infantry guard, RHQ was ill-suited to the purpose. In the last two major battles, the RHQ company had been committed to direct fighting, albeit with the support of artillery’s full company of heavy guns, and suffered serious damage in their efforts.

In order to avoid future risk to the brigades’ commanding officer and his operational staff it was decided to remove RHQ from the equation entirely. The regimental HQ company would be formed into a “Brigade HQ Battlegroup” with the regimental tactical HQ and Hi-Scout Drone Platoon now kept to the rear where they could conduct their assigned roles without actually becoming front line combat units. The remaining elements of the battlegroup would form a fighting company centered around the RHQ command lance and two new lances, either armour or Mechs as resources permitted.

The airmobile infantry of 13 Commando and the newly raised 13th Light Dragoons Squadron, formed from drafts from the 17th Lancers and new hires, would form an understrength Combat Support Battalion, the 8th Hussars, under newly promoted Lieutenant-Colonel William de la Pole, the former OC of the 17th Lancers C Company. The 8th Hussars would consist of extremely fast and tactically flexible sub units. Being light and fast these two companies could also form a second formation for reconnaissance or screening missions. The Hussars would also be expanded to a full battalion once resources allowed. As of late March 3019, this new formation lacked even a formal battalion HQ and was attached to Brigade HQ Battlegroup.

1st Mechanised Brigade RHQ Battlegroup (-) -

ACS Combat Team Statistics:
1st Mechanised Brigade RHQ (-) [r] – r16; mix; Mov: 6; TMM: 2; Arm – 8; S:2; M:2; L:1; Tac: 1; Mor: 7; Skill: 4; Spec - MHQ3

8th Hussars - Combat Support Battalion (-) -

ACS Combat Team Statistics:
No. 13 Commando Air Mobile Scout [r] – v24; Mix; Mov: 11/3j; TMM: 4; Arm – 4; S:2; M:1; L:0; Tac: 0; Mor: 6; Skill: 3; Spec - RCN
13th Lt Dragoons [r] – r15; Mix; Mov: 6/2j; TMM: 2; Arm – 8; S:3; M:3; L:1; Tac: 4; Mor: 7; Skill: 4

ACS Combat Unit Statistics:
8th Hussars (-) [r] – r19; Mix; Mov: 8; TMM: 4; Arm – 12; S:5; M:4; L:1; Tac: 2; Mor: 7; Skill: 4

To be continued,….
« Last Edit: 24 March 2018, 10:46:11 by The Purist »
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
1. HAVE FUN
2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

Daryk

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #67 on: 02 September 2017, 07:34:34 »
You might want to look into the German "Kampfstaffel" concept as part of your Brigade HQ organization.  It's something the Lyrans might suggest.

Another thing to consider for your aerospace group would be some anti-DropShip fighters like Lucifers (R20s, specifically).  And the note on Sarna about the LCF-X30 could mean Shipil (on Skye) is experimenting with Blazer Cannons already (the X30 is much later, but Blazer Cannons are over 200 years old at this point, and never went extinct).

EDIT: Here's a note from the Wikipedia page about the battle of Mersa Matruh regarding the kampfstaffel concept:
"Kampfstaffel Kiehl was a light kampfgruppe or battle group under the command of Colonel Kiehl that was attached to the Afrika Korps headquarters. Due to the fluid nature of operations in the desert, combat forces often passed close to command units of the opposite side. A number of commanding officers of both armies were captured over the course of the desert war. To address this problem Rommel had a special unit of light forces attached to the Afrika Korps headquarters, which he often used as a mobile reserve."
« Last Edit: 02 September 2017, 09:37:30 by Daryk »

The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #68 on: 02 September 2017, 12:08:53 »
Regarding the brigade HQ BG - I was looking to keep within the spirit of the ACS limits for formations. The actual HQ coy consists of the Mobile HQ and its guards along with the Hi-Scout Drone platoon. The teeth of the HQ would be the Command Coy, whether they turn out to be Mech or a mixed force will depend on cash flow and availability. By limiting the brigade BG (short battalion) to five lances/platoons it fits in with "Regimental Battle Group" organization presented in the 4th SW atlas.

The Lucifer R20 is certainly a flying tank but the fighter group currently has Slayers 15 A & B, Reiver F100 and Chippewa W10s. The fighter group may end up with two standard wings, one of light 'interceptors' and a second of heavy attack fighters - if the future cash flow allows for such luxuries.
« Last Edit: 16 November 2018, 13:21:37 by The Purist »
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
1. HAVE FUN
2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #69 on: 02 September 2017, 12:17:15 »
Expansion and Confirming a New Doctrine

Alexandretta, Alexandria, Feb-Mar, 3019

Continued from post 66

The 4th Dragoons

The reorganization and expansion of the brigade also resulted in the formal organization of the 4th Dragoons as the brigades’ primary reconnaissance formation. Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel John Beaufort, formerly Officer Commanding B Company, 17th Lancers, the companies that formed the 4th Dragoons were permanent transfers from the 1st Rifles, 11th Hussars and 17th Lancers. These were the same companies that had formed Combat Command R under Lieutenant-Colonel Talbot for the campaigns on Lyons and Alexandria over the past two years. With the addition of a newly raised tactical headquarters, command lance, A and B Echelons, the 4th Dragoons became the brigades’ only fully formed battalion, in both numbers and intended equipment, by the end of March 3019. The new 4th Dragoons were also one of the most experienced formation in the brigade with the constituent companies, despite recent losses, possessing a large proportion of the brigades’ veteran troops.

ACS Combat Unit Statistics –

4th Dragoons (+) [r] – r20; mix; Mov: 8; TMM: 3; Arm – 33; S:10; M:11; L:2; Tac: 0; Mor: 7; Skill: 4; Spec – RCN

1st Rifles

As of the end of March, 3019, Lieutenant-Colonel Talbot’s 1st Rifles were short an entire company of mechanised infantry thanks to the transfer of its hovercraft mounted troops to the 4th Dragoons. The expansion also found the brigade with more serviceable Mechs than pilots to drive them so the battalion command lance was unmanned despite possessing an Ostroc, two Shadow Hawks and a Vindicator. Pilots were not expected before May or June at the earliest.

Replacing a full company of infantry and their equipment with experienced new hires would take time and the brigades’ agents advised the new company could not arrive in system before mid-May. In the meantime, the battalion’s carefully horded collection of Davion Goblin tanks were used to partially convert A Company into a heavy mechanised infantry unit. Each platoon received a single Goblin SRM vehicle to carry one of its squads while the company HQ received two Goblin LRM vehicles and a newly purchased Bulldog LRM heavy tank, retaining only one of the older wheeled APC LRM variants. These heavier vehicles allowed for a marked increase in the company’s firepower and only had a minimal affect on manoeuvre . If the formation proved successful, thought would be given to converting all three line companies to the same structure if the Goblin tanks could be acquired. However, for now, the 1st Rifles would remain understrength until at least June.


ACS Combat Unit Statistics (includes missing formations)–

1st Rifles (+) [r] – r16; Mix; Mov: 6; TMM: 2; Arm – 27; S:10; M:6; L:3; Tac: 2; Mor: 7; Skill: 4


11th Hussars

Replacing tanks lost from the 11th Hussars A and B squadrons used up a significant portion of the brigades’ spares and captured equipment that were salvageable. Outfitting a third company of armour to replace the hover tanks proved possible by pressing everything on wheels and tracks into the battalions’ troops. Similar to the 1st Rifles, the Mechs in the battalion's command lance had two empty cockpits. By early April only A Squadron was equipped to the liking of the brigade’s command staff, possessing the bulk of the heavy and assault tanks available. Both B and C squadrons managed to be equipped with a mixture of Hunter, Scorpion and Vedette tanks with a brace of Goblin variants, one Manticore, one SRM Carrier and a Demolisher spread thinly through both squadrons for some extra weight. Equipment was scarce enough that even by late March two extra wheeled APCs were pressed into C Squadron service as tanks until heavier machines became available. Inexplicably, two Scorpion light tanks were left on the spares list. The battalions TO&E called for far more heavy tanks than were available and despite the fact that the Scorpion was somewhat despised, the tankers had to make do with what was available. At least for now.

ACS Combat Unit Statistics –

11th Hussars (+) [r] – r20; Mix; Mov: 5; TMM: 2; Arm – 41; S:14; M:15; L:10; Tac: 3; Mor: 7; Skill: 4

17th Lancers

Of the three combat battalions engaged in January, the Mechs of the 17th Lancers suffered the least permanent damage. With the 29 spare mechs already with the brigade plus newly captured salvage, including the odd find of a Cyclops 10Z, the brigade’s tech teams were able to increase serviceability from 93 to 103 Mechs. Ninety-six of these are assigned to the lances throughout the brigades’ combat units, the 17th Lancers retaining the bulk of the heavy and medium models, increasing the battalion weight from medium to heavy. Seven light models were retained as spares with some thought to selling a few of these to help defray the massive costs faced by the brigade’s expansion and re-equipping. A few other captured Mechs were sold to the Lyrans for additional cash.

The largest problem facing the brigades' Mech expansion was a lack of trained Mech pilots. Major Thomas Bedford, commander of RHQs Command Lance and brother to the brigade commander, personally reviewed all applicant files before accepting the candidate. While mercenary Mech jockeys were hardly paragons of military discipline Major Bedford was as careful as he could be about who was accepted into the brigade even if it slowed down recruiting. By the end of March, the brigade had 18 Mechs assigned to lances without pilots with only eight new pilots arriving by May and a similar small intake expected in June. Six of the empty cockpits belonged to the new C Company, 17th lancers.

ACS Combat Unit Statistics –

17th Lancers (+) [r] – r19; Mix; Mov: 5; TMM: 2; Arm – 62; S:18; M:18; L:17; Tac: 3; Mor: 7; Skill: 4

1st Horse Artillery

A significant sum of money was also poured into the 1st Horse Artillery in order to add a second company of guns. Obtaining more Long Tom artillery systems proved impossible as the manufacturers were simply not releasing them to the arms market in the numbers required or at prices most mercenary enterprises were able, or willing, to pay. In their place, the gunners had received six Sniper artillery vehicles with four more in the procurement chain due to arrive in April and May. Two more were promised to complete the second company but after all other expenses were calculated, the exact timing could not be confirmed.

Lieutenant-Colonel Montagu’s preferred doctrine of massed fire against targets versus parcelling out the guns across the front had paid dividends in battles on Lyons and Alexandria. Even though a concentration may not strike the target directly, the impact of shells landing en masse from a full company shoot near a target would invariably ‘motivate’ the intended recipients to move elsewhere. The brigade’s master gunner assured the command that with more tubes his gunners would have an even greater impact than the recent thrashing of a company of Kurita medium Mechs. The artillery commander was warned, however, that due to the expense, he should not expect to see his third company or the anti-aircraft/security Mechs anytime soon.

ACS Combat Unit Statistics –

1st Horse Artillery (-) [r] – r16; CV; Mov: 3; TMM: 1; Arm – 19; S:2; M:0; L:0; Tac: 7; Mor: 7; Skill: 4; Spec – ART-LT8; ART-S3
« Last Edit: 07 February 2021, 14:15:55 by The Purist »
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
1. HAVE FUN
2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

Daryk

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #70 on: 02 September 2017, 12:49:56 »
Hooray for Goblins!  I commissioned Matt Plog to do some of the variants and posted them down in the non-canon units and combat vehicles forums, if you'd like to cross post them here.

As for AAA for the artillery, I thought flak ammo was available in this era...

The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #71 on: 02 September 2017, 13:09:04 »
Hooray for Goblins!  I commissioned Matt Plog to do some of the variants and posted them down in the non-canon units and combat vehicles forums, if you'd like to cross post them here.

Please do. To be honest, the Goblin is a bit slow and if too many are introduced into a unit their speed becomes an issue (compared to an APC). Tactical rating makes a difference in engagements so infantry needs fast carriers to get stuck in and able to engage effectively.

Still,.... a full company of Goblins with laser and/or SRM infantry have enough punch that even Mechs need to be concerned.

As for AAA for the artillery, I thought flak ammo was available in this era...

I believe it is but I would rather pound the target with HE and have a security coy in the artillery bn handle the AA work. Reinforcing an artillery battalion with Riflemen and Jaegermech would be expensive but worth it if the baddies show up within direct fire range.
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
1. HAVE FUN
2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

Daryk

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #72 on: 02 September 2017, 14:24:10 »
Sure thing!  Here's the SRM variant (they're large enough the LRM one will have to be in the post after this one).  The MG variant I had him do was my personal version based on the MegaMek art (with two SRM-6s vice one for the canon version, and moving four of the MGs into the turret like a ZSU), so I'm not sure you'd want it.  Obligatory link to Matt Plog's DeviantArt page.

And I'd issue at least one ton of flak ammo to each tube "just in case"...

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #73 on: 02 September 2017, 14:25:15 »
And the LRM (and Matt Plog link).

Sir Chaos

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #74 on: 02 September 2017, 16:42:56 »
I believe it is but I would rather pound the target with HE and have a security coy in the artillery bn handle the AA work. Reinforcing an artillery battalion with Riflemen and Jaegermech would be expensive but worth it if the baddies show up within direct fire range.

How about Partisans? Much cheaper, just as capable in the AA role, and a better fit for a vehicle-centered force as well.
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The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #75 on: 03 September 2017, 11:45:49 »
Now that is not a bad idea. Long Toms and Ballistas are slow in any case so the Partisan AA would fit right in. With 48 Elements allowed in a battalion there could be 36 artillery vehicles, a command lance and two platoons of AA tanks.

Sadly, after spending most of 200 million C-Bills over the past three months funds will be restricted until a new combat contract comes along. Once the reinforcements already in the pipeline arrive it will be mainly Mech pilots to fill empty cockpits for the foreseeable future.

The brigade won't suffer though. By July, with three combat, one reconnaissance and the ad hoc combat support battalion supported by two artillery companies and the aerospace group, the brigade could probably give a full Mech regiment a run for its money.
« Last Edit: 03 September 2017, 13:29:52 by The Purist »
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The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #76 on: 03 September 2017, 12:03:20 »
Sure thing!  Here's the SRM variant (they're large enough the LRM one will have to be in the post after this one).  The MG variant I had him do was my personal version based on the MegaMek art (with two SRM-6s vice one for the canon version, and moving four of the MGs into the turret like a ZSU), so I'm not sure you'd want it.  Obligatory link to Matt Plog's DeviantArt page.

And I'd issue at least one ton of flak ammo to each tube "just in case"...

Good looking drawings,.... I've always envied artists their skills. I'm lucky to draw a recognizable stickman.  :o

IFV 3000

I've designed a 35 ton IFV based of the drive train and lower hull of the Hunter. The movement of 5 gives it a TMM of 2 and the vehicle is protected by 7 tons of armour and armed with a medium laser two SRM 6 and an MG,... and the infantry squad.

AS Stats are: Size 1; Mov: 5; TMM: 2; Arm 4; Str: 2; S: 3; M: 3; L: 0 Spec - IT1 and the usual SRM and TUR stats not used in SBF/ACS

FSV 3000

The Fire Support variant intended for coy HQs gives up the infantry and two tons of armour but has a turret with 4 x LRM 5 (3 tons of ammo) and an MG (1/2 ton of ammo). There is room for a medium laser in the hull in case anyone gets too close.

AS Stats are: Size 1; Mov: 5; TMM: 2; Arm 3; Str: 2; S: 2; M: 2; L: 2 Spec - IF1 and the usual LRM and TUR stats not used in SBF/ACS

Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
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Page 168 - Reunification War

Daryk

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #77 on: 03 September 2017, 12:25:31 »
I'd be curious to see the AS stats of my MG, AC/20 and Thumper Goblin variants.  Where are the rules again?  IO?

The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #78 on: 03 September 2017, 13:33:15 »
Strategic Ops. Not hard to convert CVs but your MG variant will have a very short range.

Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
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2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

Daryk

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #79 on: 03 September 2017, 15:04:30 »
OK, if I'm doing this right, the MG variant (5 MGs, 2 SRM-6s, 5 tons of Infantry) translates as:
Size 2; Mov: 4; TMM: 2; Arm 4; Str: 3; S: 1; M: 0; L: 0; Specials: TUR S: 3; M: 2; L: 0; IT5 (or MHQ3 and IT2 for the Battalion HQ model)

The AC/20 variant:
Size 2; Mov: 4; TMM: 2; Arm 3; Str: 2; S: 1; M: 0; L: 0; Specials: AC S: 2; M: 2; L: 0; IT1

And the Thumper:
Size 2; Mov: 4; TMM: 2; Arm 3; Str: 2; S: 1; M: 0; L: 0; Specials: ARTT-1; IT1

It looks like keeping that hull mounted MG has a benefit at the BF level...

The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #80 on: 04 September 2017, 13:28:10 »
I'm not sure without seeing the full layout of the vehicle but the weapons for MG carrier need fixing.
The five machine guns have 2 damage each for a total of 10 and each SRM 6 has 8 damage for short and medium range in the 3025 era.

This would give you a total of:
Range ------------S--------M--------L
Machine Gun ---10------ 0--------0
SRM 6 ------------ 8 ------ 8 -------0
SRM 6 ------------ 8 ------ 8 -------0

Total -------------26------- 16 -----0

Div by 10 FRU--- 3 -------- 2 -------0

AS damage should be S: 3; M: 2; L: 0

Move of 4 would give it a TMM of 1 as well.
« Last Edit: 04 September 2017, 13:32:10 by The Purist »
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
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Page 168 - Reunification War

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #81 on: 04 September 2017, 13:31:55 »
Both SRM-6s and 4 MGs are in the turret, so I think they're accounted for in the "special" category.  Am I reading that wrong?

The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #82 on: 04 September 2017, 13:42:45 »
The TUR Special simply means they have a 360 arc but the values don't change for 1 MG being in the hull.

4 x 2 for the MG = S: 8; M; 0; L: 0

2 x SRM 6 = S: 16; M: 16; L: 0

Total = S: 24/10 FRU = 3; M: 16/10 FRU 2

Your vehicle would have damage s/m/l of 3/2/0 and your special should read TUR:(3/2/-,SRM 1/1) if my memory isn't failing.
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
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2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

Daryk

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #83 on: 04 September 2017, 13:51:35 »
I suppose it depends out how you interpret this bit from SO, page 353:
"Damage for all turret-mounted weapons is calculated separately from other attacks."

That's why I listed the 3/2/0 profile for the TUR, but only 1/0/0 for the "main" unit stats.  Is that wrong?

The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #84 on: 05 September 2017, 12:05:21 »
I believe so.

If you pull up the AS Card for a Manticore you will see that the full forward arc firepower is 3/3/2 but the TUR is 2/3/2.

In the case of your IFV the forward arc and TUR values should not change whether the vehicle fires everything forward or all the turret weapons in other arcs.

There was very good discussion on conversions here back when I was learning conversion rules in 2015: http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=49778.0
« Last Edit: 05 September 2017, 12:09:23 by The Purist »
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
1. HAVE FUN
2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

Daryk

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #85 on: 05 September 2017, 20:02:21 »
Thanks for the reference!  It's getting close to bed time for me, so I'll have to read it tomorrow...

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #86 on: 15 September 2017, 02:26:52 »
<<Game Note: While the Campaign Game adjusts to the new rules set and begins building up some new momentum there is time to fill in some more of the backstory around the 1st Mechanised Brigade. Funding is a concern of all mercenary units, especially larger operations such as the brigade. In order to help with these costs Richard Bedford has had access to a small but important source of income from one of the family businesses, The Three Valley Shipping Company.>>

Mary, Rose and Henry VIII


The Henry VIII is a merchant class jumpship belonging to the Bedford family. Together with two Mule class transport dropships, Mary and Rose, these vessels form the “Three Valleys Shipping Company”.  Since the early colonisation period the Bedfords have owned and managed to keep afloat a shipping business built around one or two jumpships and their commercial dropship cargo carriers. In more lean times, especially late in the Great Succession War and well into the second war, the family was compelled to join consortiums in order to fund both jumpships and dropships as they fell victim to attacks and became more difficult to replace. Henry I was destroyed after being dragooned into federal service in the 26th Century during the early days of the Reunification War. Henry II was lost along interstellar shipping lanes during the Aramis Revolt and Kerensky’s campaign to recover Terra. Henry III and IV were both lost in quick succession during the opening years of Great Succession War, when jumpships were still considered legitimate targets, while Henry V went down fighting in the first war’s closing days. Henry the VI fell victim to a Liao attack on League shipping lanes during Operation Blacksmith during the Second Succession War and Henry VII simply vanished on a peacetime commerce run in 2865.

Henry the VIII, which began life as the ‘JS Profit’ was originally purchased in 2882 as part of a partnership with other shipping concerns but the family slowly bought out the other owners by pouring profits into the acquisition of shares. By 2996, the jumpship was owned solely by the Bedfords under the family patriarch John, who retained 51% ownership, with 49% being given to his three young sons, Thomas, Richard and Humphrey. Officially rechristened Henry VIII in 2999 the jumpship was joined by two refurbished Mule cargo carriers. These ships have been plying the trade routes and, when necessary, supporting the military ever since. The crews are well experienced and owners, alongside the three ship's captains, are not adverse to accepting military contracts mainly due to the increase in profits. The crews do not mind the additional profit-sharing bonuses that go with the risks. Seeing the approach of Anton Rebellion, Mary, Rose and Henry VIII were ‘sent away’ on a long-term trading mission to the Magistracy of Canopus to keep the vessels out of harms way.

Since 3015, Henry VIII and his consorts have been plying the commercial shipping lanes within the Free Worlds’ League with occasional trips to the neighbouring Houses when the political atmosphere has permitted trade to increase. Of note in the shipping company’s books are the payments to Richard Bedford’s account. While Richard sold many of his personal assets when the 1st Mechanised Brigade was formed he has retained a ‘silent’ partner relationship within “Three Valleys Shipping Company”. In turn Richard had dipped into the fund to help defray costs within the brigade, usually purchasing additional supplies and spare parts through separate third-party contracts. These additional supplies were instrumental in helping the brigade avoid accepting House supplies, thereby reducing the risks of falling victim to the ‘company store’ trap. The diversion of profits, especially since late 3018, has also helped Humphrey Bedford, also known as Humphrey Pembroke, president and CEO of ‘Pembroke Agricultural and Mining Equipment’ and Lieutenant Colonel of the FWL reserve ‘Three Valleys Regiment’, fund a new research project revolving around developing a private venture light combat vehicle for the mercenary brigade as well as the planetary militia.

But more on that at another time.
« Last Edit: 19 October 2020, 17:46:30 by The Purist »
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
1. HAVE FUN
2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

Sharpnel

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #87 on: 15 September 2017, 05:04:41 »
Do Exeter, Gloucester and Clarence* captain the DropShips?







* I took those names from Henry V as they were the Duke of Bedford's Uncle and two brothers respectively.
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The Purist

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #88 on: 15 September 2017, 09:00:57 »
Hah!!! I figured that sooner or later someone was going to twig on to the Hundred Years' War theme that I built around the brigade. Well done!   ;D

But to answer your question, no, the three mentioned noblemen do not captain the three vessels. That said, their 31st Century counterparts are in wings waiting to see how the story develops and where they may enter the stage. 
« Last Edit: 15 September 2017, 09:28:05 by The Purist »
Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought upon the unthinking - John Maynard Keynes.

"...Remember also the two "prime directives" in playing BattleTech:
1. HAVE FUN
2. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RULES THAT YOU STOP HAVING FUN"
Page 168 - Reunification War

snakespinner

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Re: The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)
« Reply #89 on: 15 September 2017, 18:00:30 »
Shakespeare is preparing for their arrival on stage.
Is the Henry VIII crewed by all the wives of the captain. ::)
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