Holdfast Guard

(Redirected from Bey's Backboarders)
Capellanhussarsholdfastguard.png
Holdfast Guard
Formed 2368[1]
Previous Designation(s) Seventh Tikonov Union Guards
Nickname The Survivors
Affiliation Capellan Confederation
Tikonov Grand Union (previous)
Parent Command Capellan Hussars


The Holdfast Guard was a Capellan Confederation military formation, which was originally known as the Blandford's Grenadiers.

Blandford's Grenadiers trace its origin back to the pre–Confederation nation of the Tikonov Union. Being part of the Tikonov Union Guards, the Grenadiers' original commanding officer, Harrison Blandford, reorganized the Regiment and they were added in to Franco Liao's Capellan Defense Force.

The unit actual roots stem from former military commands of the Fourth and Seventh Tikonov Union Guards which were originally formed between 2310 and 2315 respectively. They were reorganized in 2368, where it was used to disbanded private noble armies which stand in the way of the newly formed CCAF.[1]

History[edit]

Early History[edit]

Formed from the Fourth and Seventh Tikonov Union Guards during the formation of the Capellan Confederation, Blandford's Grenadiers proved their value to Chancellor Franco Liao by disarming a number of noble warbands that opposed him, and Franco's successors would continue the tradition of using the Grenadiers to stamp out any hints of insurrection against the Confederation's rulers.[2]

Star League Era[edit]

By the closing years of the Star League era the Grenadiers held the distinction of being one of only two regiments to have been a part of the Capellan Hussars brigade since their formation. Each regiment of the Hussars was associated with a particular Commonality within the Confederation, and the Grenadiers were eventually transferred into the Sarna Commonality. By the eve of the Amaris Civil War the Grenadiers were one of the most experienced regiments in the Capellan Confederation Armed Forces, as a result of so many Barduc MechWarriors being transferred into the regiment over the years.[2]

First Succession War[edit]

In 2795, following the appointment of Sandol Quinn as regent to Ilsa Liao, the Capellan Confederation Armed Forces launched an invasion of the Federated Suns intended to capture the politically significant Chesterton system. Planned by Quinn, the operation was intended to take advantage of the AFFS' continuing focus on trying to resist the massive Draconis Combine invasion of the Federated Suns, which stood poised to capture New Avalon itself. Quinn's plan involved encircling Chesterton by taking the systems around it, using mercenary units for the initial invasions — predominantly or exclusively former Star League Defense Force commands that had been recruited by the Confederation — and following up with CCAF line regiments to reinforce the assault and then secure the captured worlds. Whilst launching one or two planetary invasions at a time aimed at systems around Chesterton, Quinn also had the CCAF copy tactics used by the Combine so effectively, leapfrogging over border systems to capture a number of systems further inside the Federated Suns to add pressure to the AFFS. Quinn's strategy worked well for several years; Ulan Batar was assaulted in 2797, with Blandford's Grenadiers securing the planet under Confederation control in January the following year, when they dug the last of the insurgents resisting the invasion out of the foothills around the planetary capital city.[3]

Blandford's Grenadiers were credit in their defense of Lincoln, where they fought against mercenaries in Kurita employ during between 2802-2803. When Free Worlds League employed the mercenary unit Edom's Bandits during their attempt to conquer Sirius in 2810, the Guards destroyed them.[4]

Second Succession War[edit]

On Carver V, the unit destroyed the mercenary unit under House Davion employed called Tamara's Black Sword in 2846 during a deep border raid.[citation needed]

Third Succession War[edit]

During the Third Succession War, the unit saw considerable action against mercenaries units employed against Liao worlds. They fought against Saffron's Slashers in a fierce fight on Wei in 2925. Three years later, they annihilated Normand's Condottiere while the mercenaries tried to raid Palos in 2928, because they used their surrender as a trap.[citation needed]

Between the years of 2930 to 2950, the FWLM deployed number of forces against this command during cross border raids. As the 3rd Capellan Hussars regiment, Chancellor Maximilian Liao, tasked them with the security of the House of Scions to guarantee that the nobility would their loyalty to him.[1]

The Fourth Succession War[edit]

The events of the Fourth Succession War, the unit saw no action during the conflict. It remained on station at its garrison post on Capella.

Andurien/Canopus Invasion and War of 3039[edit]

Sigma Mare and Palladaine[edit]

During in 3030s, the Duchy of Andurien with aid of its allies from Magistracy of Canopus, invaded Capellan Confederation during what was known as the Andurien Secession. Blandford’s Grenadiers had not immediately deployed into action against the invaders until March 3032. The unit launched itself into action against Andurien forces occupying world of Sigma Mare. There the Grenadiers intended to confront the 4th Defenders of Andurien who had taken the planet a year earlier. However only found a light garrison force in their place/ which they easily overwhelmed and took the planet.[5]

In November of 3034, the Grenadiers arrived on world and took Palladaine without having fire shot, due to lack of defenders. The unit then moved back to its home garrison on Capella.

League Raid during War of 3039[edit]

In July of 3039, Ninth Marik Militia conducted a raid against the Grenadiers' homeworld of Capella. The Grenadiers were caught by complete surprise by the League unit, taking heavy casualties. They were only able to barely put token resistance against 9th Militia for two days, before they abandoned the planet.[6][7]

3040s[edit]

Blandford's Grenadiers name was changed to become known as the Holdfast Guard.[8]

Operation Guerrero[edit]


Xin Sheng Campaign[edit]

From 3063 through 3065, the Guard took an active stand as bodyguards for the House of Scions. They often posted armed men on the House floor to protect St. Ives members. This led to the formation of a second infantry regiment, currently two battalions in strength, for security measures.

Jihad[edit]

As part of Operation THUNDERSTRIKE, the Holdfast Guard defeated the 20th Avalon Hussars on Randar.[citation needed]

During the Jihad the Holdfast Guard repelled numerous raids on Capella by the Word of Blake. During the lulls between the raids, the Holdfast Guard rebuilt their ranks by drafting members of the militia, Home Guard, and mercenary units. Barely a third of the unit was combat-ready at the end of the Jihad, and most of those troops were half-trained recruits.[9]

After the Jihad ended, many members of the Holdfast Guard were transferred to the Red Lancers. The Holdfast Guard replaced these transferred personnel with experienced Jihad veterans. These troopers quickly rebuilt the unit, and their battlefield skills are excellent. By contrast, many of these soldiers are ill-equipped to deal with the various political and social aspects of their assignment to protect the House of Scions. To address this issue several Confucian scholars have been assigned to tutor the regiment's warriors in etiquette.[10]

The unit was still stationed in Capella in 3079.[11]

Dark Age[edit]

A combined force of Holdfast Guard and Death Commandos landed covertly on Liao. They stormed the capital city, Chang-an, destroying vast swaths of the city and killing hundreds of civilians. This October 11, 3111 action was later named the "Massacre of Liao" by the Republic of the Sphere. Outside the capital city, the Holdfast Guard faced the V Hastati Sentinels. While the Holdfast Guard forced the Fifth to advance slowly, the Dynasty Guard carried out a headhunter mission that killed the Fifth's command staff.[12]

The Guard arrived on Liao not long after its liberation, likely as insurance against any threat to their newly won holdings. The Guard has been embraced by the planet’s inhabitants, who continue to ride the wave of resurgent Capellan nationalism. In addition the Guard has sent detachments of its troops to numerous neighboring systems to conduct well publicized exercises and to instill "proper Capellan values". The Guards have begun integrating classes on Confucian thought into their educational systems due to the urging of local communities. This has had the Guards assist in the construction of the new Rújiào Institute of Cultural and Philosophical Studies on Liao.[13]

As part of the Capellan Crusades, the Holdfast Guard participated in an invasion of Styk.[14]

On February 6, 3149, the Holdfast Guard landed on Outreach. After fighting the XI Triarii Protectors the Guard took the capital city of New Kearny. While consolidating their position, a battalion of the XIV Principes Guards supported by multiple small mercenary commands attacked the Holdfast Guards. Once committed against the Holdfast Guard, Warrior House Imarra attacked the combined Principes Guards/Mercenary force from the rear. Within four weeks, the planetary defenders were all destroyed.[15][16]

As part of Operation TIAMAT's second wave, the Holdfast Guard landed on Procyon. Expecting heavy resistance from multiple Castle Brian sites, the Guards instead only faced the XIII Triarii Protectors. The Holdfast Guard quickly seized the spaceport and the capital.[17]

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of Blandford's Grenadiers
Colonel Harrison Blandford 2386[1]
Colonel Richard De Salvo 3025[1]
Colonel Robert Grimm 2925[1]
Commanding Officers of the Holdfast Guard
Colonel Kenneth Razani 3050 - 3054[18][19]
Sang-shao Anson Quinn 3062[20]
Sang-shao Ulan Bey 3067 - 3085[21][22]
Sang-shao Alexei Obradović 3145[23]

Other Unit officers[edit]

Tactics[edit]

The Holdfast Guards use solid and not-so-flashy military maneuvers in order to wear down an enemy force to defeat it.[20]

Composition History[edit]

2765[edit]

Blandford's Grenadiers (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[2]

- At this point in time the Grenadiers were stationed on Sarna.[2]

2786–2821[edit]

Blandford's Grenadiers (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[25]

- At this point in time the Grenadiers were a heavy-weight regiment operating at full strength and were based on Sarna.[25] In 2821 the unit was operating at just over one-third strength and were based on Sarna alongside the Second Liao Lancers.[25]

2830[edit]

Blandford's Grenadiers (Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)[26]

Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on Sarna with an operational readiness of 72 percent.[26]

2864[edit]

Blandford's Grenadiers (Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)[26]

Note: At this point in time heavy-weight unit was stationed on Fomalhaut with an operational readiness of 53 percent.[26]

3025[edit]

Blandford's Grenadiers (BattleMech Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[27]

  • CO: Colonel Richard De Salvo

- Principal BattleMechs that were used in the regiment included Catapults and Thunderbolts.

Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Capella.[28]

3028[edit]

Blandford's Grenadiers (Regiment/Elite & Veteran/Fanatical)[29]

Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Capella.[29]

3040[edit]

Blandford's Grenadiers (Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)[30]

Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Capella.[30]

3050[edit]

Blandford’s Grenadiers (Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)[18]

Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Capella.[18]

3054[edit]

Blandford's Grenadiers (Veteran/Fanatical)[19]

  • CO: Colonel Kenneth Razani

3063[edit]

Blandford's Grenadiers (BattleMech Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[20]

  • CO: Sang-shao Anson Quinn

Zhòng-shu Háng-ban (Sunstroke Flight) (2 Aerospace Wings/Veteran/Fanatical)[20]

- Primarily equipped with Transgressors, Transits and old Eagles

Quinn's Backboarders (Combat Vehicle Battalion/Veteran/Fanatical)[20]

  • Armor Commander: Sao-shao Cameron Martinez

- No Combat Vehicle less than 70 tons

1st Blandford's Defenders (Infantry Regiment/Regular/Fanatical)[20]

  • Infantry Commander: Zhong-shao Gabrielle Auks.

- Includes 1 company of battle armor

3067[edit]

Blandford's Grenadiers (BattleMech Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[21]

  • Grenadier and Holdfast Guard's Commanding Officer: Sang-shao Ulan Bey

Zhòng-shu Háng-ban (Sunstroke Flight) (2 Aerospace Wings/Veteran/Fanatical)[21]

Bey's Backboarders (Combat Vehicle Battalion/Veteran/Fanatical)[21]

  • Armor Commander: Sao-shao Cameron Martinez

1st Blandford's Defenders (Infantry Regiment/Regular/Fanatical)[21]

  • Infantry Commander: Zhong-shao Gabrielle Auks.

2nd Blandford's Defenders (2 Infantry Battalions/Green/Regular)[21]

  • Infantry Commander: Zhong-shao Jackson Davis

3079[edit]

Holdfast Guard (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[31]

Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Capella.[31] The Holdfast Guard quickly rebuilt after the Jihad by transferring in veterans from other units. They were nearly at their full pre-Jihad strength by 3079.[9]

3085[edit]

Holdfast Guard (Veteran/Fanatical)[22]

  • CO: Sang-shao Ulan Bey

Zhòng-shu Háng-ban (2 Wings/Veteran/Fanatical)[22]

Bey's Backboarders (1 Battalion/Regular/Fanatical)[22]

1st Blandford's Defenders (Veteran/Fanatical)[22]

2nd Blandford's Defenders (2 Battalions/Regular/Fanatical)[22]

3145[edit]

Holdfast Guard (Elite/Fanatical)[23]

  • CO: Sang-shao Alexei Obradović

Zhòng-shu Háng-ban (2 Wings/Elite/Fanatical)[23]

Alexei’s Armored-Anvils (Elite/Fanatical)[23]

Blandford’s Defenders Brigade (Elite/Fanatical)[23]

Notes[edit]

The unit was not listed in 20 Year Update sourcebook, however appears as Holdfast Guards in Field Manual: Capellan Confederation, which alludes to the command's continued existence as Grenadiers until being renamed years after the Fourth Succession War and Andurien Crisis.

Rules[edit]

Game Rules[edit]

First Succession War[edit]

  • Between 2786 and 2807, the composition of randomly generated lances from Blandford's Grenadiers are determined using a single roll on the Random Unit Assignment Tables per lance, with all of the lance's 'Mechs being the resulting type. Between 2808 and 2819, the lance composition is determined using two rolls on the Random Unit Assignment Tables per lance, and from 2820 lance composition is determined using one roll per 'Mech per lance.[32]
  • When generating Blandford's Grenadiers forces using Random Unit Assignment Tables during the First Succession War, Blandford's Grenadiers receives a +4 modifier to each roll on the appropriate table.[33]

FedCom Civil War[edit]

  • While using the Force Specific Rules, the Holdfast Guards have access to A-rated equipment and ignore any opposing force's special abilities which are directly affect the Guards.[34]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p. 78: "Blandford's Grenadiers" - Unit's early history from Formation to 3025.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Field Report 2765: CCAF, p. 7: "Capellan Hussars"
  3. First Succession War, p. 81: "Quinn's War: The Confederation-Suns Front"
  4. House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p. 78
  5. Historical: Brush Wars, p. 63: "Blandford's Grenadiers retake Liao world of Sigma Mare from Andurien control".
  6. Historical: War of 3039, pp. 63, 140: Free Worlds League Operations/Deployment Tables - The 9th Militia raids Capellan and Grenadiers are damaged heavily & barely able to put up a defense.
  7. Historical: Brush Wars, p. 79: "Capella (July)" - Raid by 9th Militia mentioned in the incursion.
  8. Historical: War of 3039, p. 140: "Unit still known as Blandford's Grenadiers during both Andurien War & War of 3039".
  9. 9.0 9.1 Field Report: CCAF, p. 8
  10. Field Manual: 3085, p. 23
  11. Field Report: CCAF, p. 8: "Regimental Status"
  12. Operational Turning Points: Capellan Crusades, p. 19
  13. Field Manual: 3145, p. 30: "Capellan Hussars - Holdfast Guard"
  14. Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 34: "Firebee MilitiaMech"
  15. Shattered Fortress, p. 64
  16. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 14, p. 10
  17. Shattered Fortress, p. 74: "The Capellan Thrust"
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 20 Year Update, p. 62: "CCAF Deployment Table - 3050"
  19. 19.0 19.1 Objective Raids, p. 41: "CCAF Deployment Table - 3054"
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 Field Manual: Capellan Confederation, p. 55: "Holdfast Guard Unit Profile"
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 Field Manual: Updates, p. 32: "CCAF Deployment Table - 3067"
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 Field Manual: 3085, p. 32: "CCAF Deployment Table - 3085"
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 Field Manual: 3145, p. 46: "CCAF Deployment Table - 3145"
  24. Technical Readout: 3075, Page 246
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 First Succession War, p. 135: "Capellan Confederation Armed Forces (CCAF)"
  26. 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 Second Succession War, p. 95
  27. House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p. 78: "Unit profile includes individual battalions".
  28. House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p. 105
  29. 29.0 29.1 Historical: Brush Wars, p. 87
  30. 30.0 30.1 Historical: War of 3039, p. 140
  31. 31.0 31.1 Field Report: CCAF, p. 8
  32. First Succession War, p. 147: "Force Compositions"
  33. First Succession War, p. 147: "RAT Die Roll Modifiers by Combat Command Table"
  34. Field Manual: Capellan Confederation, p. 126: "Unit special abilities and benefits

Bibliography[edit]