22nd Avalon Hussars

Avalon Hussars 22nd logo.png
Twenty-second Avalon Hussars
Formed Age of War
Disbanded 3144 (destroyed)[1]
Nickname The Strength of Tradition
Affiliation Federated Suns
Parent Command Avalon Hussars

History[edit]

Formation[edit]

Originally formed during the Age of War, the Twenty-second Avalon Hussars was one of many Hussars regiments to be drawn down during the Star League era as a consequence of the Council Edict of 2650 which limited the size of the military each Great House was allowed to field. The Twenty-second was then reactivated in 2752 following the repeal of the edict and the subsequent wide-scale rearmament each Great House began. The Twenty-second were soon actively embroiled in the border war on the Capellan border, and were deployed on the invasion of Redfield in support of the Seventeenth Avalon Hussars. The Twenty-second performed well during the invasion, and in recognition of this the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns High Command authorized the expansion of the Twenty-second through the addition of a fourth battalion, which was equipped with salvaged or captured Capellan war matériel. While the expansion in size boosted the firepower of the Twenty-second considerably, it also had the side effect of lowering the overall combat performance of the Twenty-second, which had still not returned to its original level by 2765.[2]

Succession Wars[edit]

Second Succession War[edit]

During Operation RAIN, one of two counteroffensives launched by the Federated Suns against the Capellan Confederation in late October 2829, Westphalia was invaded by the Twenty-second Avalon Hussars. Defending Westphalia was the responsibility of the First Chesterton Voltigeurs, who were supported by a pair of marine regiments and five companies of hovercraft, suited to Westphalia's water-rich environment. The Hussars had planned for this though, and had brought a substantial contingent of conventional forces suitable for blue-water operations with them - including hovercraft, hydrofoils and even a pair of submarines. While BattleMechs fought battles on the islands and littoral areas, naval battles in the deeper waters of the ocean saw hundreds dying, either lost with their ships or lost to starvation and thirst after being cast adrift. The Hussars eventually proved the more skilled of the two 'Mech commands, and after eleven weeks of combat the survivors of the Voltigeurs surrendered, and were shipped off to POW camps deeper in the Capellan March.[3]

Third Succession War[edit]

In 2796, the Twenty-second Avalon Hussars were on Delacruz when the Draconis Combine attacked the world. The Hussars left the system.[4]

Fourth Succession War[edit]

During the Fourth Succession War, the Twenty-second Avalon Hussars garrisoned Quentin.[5]

War of 3039[edit]

Landing on Telos IV, the Twenty-second Avalon Hussars and the Twelfth Vegan Rangers Delta Regiment quickly overcame the DCMS defenders. Though they were supposed to be relieved by MPs and garrison troops, those forces were delayed. This forced the Twenty-second to become peacekeepers, a role they weren't suited for. The native population just snubbed the Federated Suns troops.[6] The arrival of the 2nd Benjamin Regulars was the match that lit the fuse on Telos IV. Landing approximately 100 km away from the main spaceport, the Hussars and Rangers were slowly drawn away from the capital in an attempt to destroy the Second Benjamin. Once they were far enough away, the 41st Dieron Regulars landed at the main spaceport. The 41st captured most of the Federated DropShips and supplies, but lost a third of their forces in the process. The Twenty-second Avalon Hussars broke contact with the Second Benjamin Regulars and focused their attention on the 41st Dieron Regulars. A series of frontal assaults saw the Avalon Hussars destroy the 41st Dieron Regulars, but they lost nearly half their troops in the process.[7] Unable to make repairs or capture supplies, the Twenty-second Hussars and Twelfth Vegan Rangers withdrew from Telos IV.[8]

Clan Invasion[edit]

During the Clan Invasion the Twenty-second Avalon Hussars defended the Lyran Commonwealth worlds along the Clan Jade Falcon invasion corridor. After the Truce of Tukayyid they continued to serve as a raiding force, stinging the Falcons and Clan Wolf forces in a series of raids. Though successful, they lost many men and machines during the six year tour on the Clan front.[9]

Operation Guerrero[edit]

After the formation of the Lyran Alliance, the Twenty-second Avalon Hussars relocated from Lyran space back to the Federated Suns.[9] They didn't participate in Operation Guerrero.

Civil War[edit]

The Twenty-second Avalon Hussars didn't care for Katherine Steiner-Davion's politics, but as soldiers they were honor-bound to uphold the chain of command.[9] The homeworld of the Twenty-second Avalon Hussars was Bromhead, a posting they shared with the Second Davion Guards. To prevent the two units from coming to blows, they both left the world. The Twenty-second Hussars landed on the Wernke moon of Talon, where they fought the Seventh FedCom RCT.[10] After losing two battalions of 'Mechs and two battalions of infantry, the Seventh FedCom stopped attacking the Twenty-second's fortified positions.[11] The Twenty-second was content to hold a defensive position for most of the time, only striking at the Seventh long enough to allow shipments from Kallon Industries to escape the world. As soon as the ships were safely away, the Twenty-second immediately resumed a defensive stance.[12] After learning of the attack on New Syrtis however, the Twenty-second went on the attack. By surrounding the Seventh FedCom with several mixed battalions, the Twenty-second inflicted serious damage on the Seventh FedCom and nearly captured the entire unit but the Seventh was able to escape.[13] The Twenty-second returned to their defensive positions, and shortly faced an unexpected combat drop by the Seventh. The Seventh, under orders to pin the Twenty-second on Talon, dropped directly on top of the Twenty-second's positions. This allowed the Seventh to concentrate their fire on the dispersed Hussar units and inflict serious losses.[14] This conflict saw the destruction of the Seventh FedCom, but cost the Twenty-second Avalon Hussars more than 80% of their combat forces and at least 75% of their DropShips.[15]

The Twenty-second also dispatched a brigade of troops to New Avalon to defend the Archon, but that unit was destroyed.[16] In 3067, they were rebuilding on Crofton with matériel produced on Talon.[17]

Jihad[edit]

Though the Twenty-second wanted to rescue New Avalon from the Word of Blake siege, their commanders kept them in place to defend Crofton's factories. Shortly thereafter the Filtvelt Coalition formed, and the region suffered from a large number of pirate attacks. This was sufficient for the Twenty-second to vent their frustration and keep the unit in fighting trim.[18] In 3076 the severely understrength Twenty-second Avalon Hussars, along with the FSS New Syrtis, were redeployed to New Syrtis. There they absorbed the remains of the Twentieth Avalon Hussars to rebuild themselves.[19]

In 3079, the Twenty-second was transferred to New Avalon to serve as the capital world's garrison.[18]

After spending time rebuilding on New Avalon, the Twenty-second was assigned to take part in Operation MATADOR. The Twenty-second landed on Perdition and assisted the First Davion Guards in forcing the Taurian Concordat forces, the First MacLeod's Regiment, offworld.[20] The Twenty-second Avalon Hussars LCT was been authorized to maintain two battalions of BattleMechs, and its supporting forces were correspondingly larger.[21] This meant that the Twenty-second could act as a pair of LCTs if necessary. After Operation MATADOR concluded, the Twenty-second remained as the garrison force on Perdition.[22]

Dark Age[edit]

Victoria War[edit]

In the Victoria War the Twenty-second Avalon Hussars took Mitchel from the Capellan Confederation.[23] They then redeployed to Victoria itself in December, engaging the 3rd Confederation Reserve Cavalry and destroying the CCAF unit's last battalion. The Third CDF inflicted heavy losses on the Hussars however.[24]

Palmyra Disaster & Destruction[edit]

By late 3130s the unit had been rebuilt as a light combat team. The Hussars were among the thirteen regimental units assembled by Prince Caleb Davion on Palmyra in June 3144 and the unit among others were jumped by the Draconis Combine's surprised attack and hunted down in matter of weeks to extinction. [25]

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of Twenty-second Avalon Hussars
Marshal Timothy Ulso 3025[26]
Hauptmann General Aileen Lugo 3050[27]
Marshal Donna Iona 3054[28][9]
Admiral Solomon D'Angelo 3067[29]
Major General Lance Zhen 3085[22]

Tactics[edit]

The Twenty-second Avalon Hussars lacked any tactical specialties. Instead the focused on being skilled in a variety of terrains and environments.[9]

Composition History[edit]

2765[edit]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars (Reinforced Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[30]

- The Twenty-second had four 'Mech battalions at this point, having expanded using captured CCAF war matériel. The Twenty-second was based on Narellan at this point in time.[2]

2786 - 2821[edit]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[31]

- At this point in time the Hussars were a heavy-weight regiment stationed on Narellan and were operating at four-battalion strength.[31] In 2821 the unit were stationed on Bodnath and were operating at approximately two battalion-strength.[31]

2830[edit]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[32]

- At this point in time the Hussars were an assault-weight regiment and had rebuilt to a strength of approximately three battalions. The Hussars were stationed on Westphalia.[32]

2864[edit]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[32]

- At this point in time the Hussars were a heavy-weight regiment stationed on Westphalia, and had been reduced to approximately a battalion and a half in size.[32]

3025[edit]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars RCT (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)[33]

  • CO: Marshal Timothy Ulso[33]
Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Quentin.[33]

3040[edit]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars RCT (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)[34]

Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Carse.[34]

3050[edit]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars RCT (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)[35]

  • CO: Hauptmann General Aileen Lugo[35]
Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Helen.[35]

3054[edit]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars RCT () (2 Battalions/Veteran/Reliable)[28]

Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Clermont.[28]

3062[edit]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars (1 Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)[9]

  • CO: Marshal Donna Iona
- Equipped with a variety of 'Mech designs

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars Aerospace Brigade (2 Wings/Veteran/Reliable)[9]

  • 32nd Tactical Wing
  • 192nd Air Wing

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars Armor Brigade (3 Regiments/Veteran/Reliable)[9]

- The Brigade has massive supply problems

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars Infantry Brigade (5 Regiments/Veteran/Reliable)[9]

3067[edit]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars (Elite/Fanatical)[17]

  • CO: Admiral Solomon D'Angelo

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars Aerospace Brigade (Veteran/Reliable)[17]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars Armor Brigade (Elite/Fanatical)[17]

  • CO: Major General Bruce Vachon

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars Infantry Brigade (Regular/Reliable)[17]

  • CO: Major General Reynolds Duncan

3079[edit]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars LCT (2 Battalions/Elite/Fanatical)[36]

Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on New Avalon.[36] Though listed as an LCT, the Twenty-second has managed to hold onto two of its 'Mech battalions. These units, and their support units, are at 75% of their pre-Jihad strength.[18]

3085[edit]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars LCT (Elite/Fanatical)[22]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars Aerospace Brigade (Veteran/Fanatical)[22]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars Armor Brigade (Veteran/Fanatical)[22]

Twenty-second Avalon Hussars Infantry Brigade (Elite/Reliable)[22]

References[edit]

  1. Field Manual: 3145, p. 71: "Debacle at Palmyra"
  2. 2.0 2.1 Field Report 2765: AFFS, pp. 8–9: "Avalon Hussars"
  3. Second Succession War, p. 28: "The Suns-Confederation Front"
  4. Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, p. 118
  5. NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1, p. 11
  6. Historical: War of 3039, p. 39
  7. Historical: War of 3039, p. 87
  8. Historical: War of 3039, p. 88
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 Field Manual: Federated Suns, p. 55: "22nd Avalon Hussars Unit Profile"
  10. FedCom Civil War, p. 82
  11. FedCom Civil War, p. 96
  12. FedCom Civil War, p. 128
  13. FedCom Civil War, p. 142
  14. FedCom Civil War, p. 157
  15. FedCom Civil War, p. 158
  16. The Longest Road in The Corps, p. 204
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 Field Manual: Updates, p. 140: "AFFS Deployment Table - 3067"
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 Field Report: AFFS, p. 9
  19. Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers, p. 38
  20. Field Manual: 3085, p. 54
  21. Field Manual: 3085, p. 57
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 Field Manual: 3085, p. 73: "AFFS Deployment Table - 3085"
  23. Historical: Wars of the Republic Era, p. 53
  24. Historical: Wars of the Republic Era, p. 54
  25. Field Manual: 3145, pp. 25, 69–71, 74: 22nd Avalon Hussars among forces mustered at Palmyra and noted it was destroyed along with other AFFS units on the planet
  26. ''House Davion (The Federated Suns), p. 136 (PDF version): "Federated Suns Deployment Table"
  27. 20 Year Update, p. 19: "AFFC Deployment Table - 3050"
  28. 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 Objective Raids, p. 22: "AFFC Deployment Table - 3054"
  29. Field Manual: Updates, p. 126
  30. Field Report 2765: AFFS, p. 10: "Avalon Hussars - Regimental Status"
  31. 31.0 31.1 31.2 First Succession War, p. 134: "Armed Forces of the Federated Suns (AFFS)"
  32. 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 Second Succession War, p. 94: "Armed Forces of the Federated Suns (AFFS)"
  33. 33.0 33.1 33.2 House Davion (The Federated Suns), p. 134: "Federated Suns Deployment Table"
  34. 34.0 34.1 Historical: War of 3039, p. 135
  35. 35.0 35.1 35.2 20 Year Update, p. 19
  36. 36.0 36.1 Field Report: AFFS, p. 9

Bibliography[edit]