Difference between revisions of "Donegal Guards"

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{{Update Needed|[[Field Manual: 3085]]}}
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| image         = [[Image:Donegal Guards -Brigade logo.png|191px|Brigade Insignia of the Donegal Guards]]
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{{infoBoxStateUnit
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| Designation    = Donegal Guards
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| image   = [[Image:Donegal Guards Insignia.png|180px|Insignia of the Donegal Guards]]
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| formed        = [[2315]]–[[2340]]
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| nickname = Túatha Dé Danann
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| Disbanded      =
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| parent formation = [[LCAF]]
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| Previous Designation =
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| formed  = <nowiki>After 2314, before 2341</nowiki>
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| Nickname      = Tuatha Dé Danann
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| year    = 3145
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| Affiliation    = [[Lyran Commonwealth]];<br />[[Protectorate of Donegal]] (prior to 2341)
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| unitname = Donegal Guards
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| Parent Command = [[LCAF]]
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| Sub-Command    =  
 
}}
 
}}
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<onlyinclude>
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The '''Donegal Guards''' began their existence as the military force for the [[Protectorate of Donegal]]. Even after the formation of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]], the Donegal Guards remain one of the nation's military cornerstones. They have been well supplied and equipped throughout their history, as the Donegal Province was spared the worst of the damage in the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]].  The Donegal Guards are noted for their dogged determination, with their inclusion in a campaign being seen as a sign of the High Command's resolve.<ref name=FMLAp62>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 62</ref> At its zenith, the start of the [[First Succession War]], the brigade numbered 20 [[BattleMech]] regiments and an additional 80 regiments of conventional forces.<ref>''First Succession War'', p. 139</ref>
−
The '''Donegal Guards''' predate the formation of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. Originally the defensive force of the [[Protectorate of Donegal]], the Donegal Guards are a large and well supplied unit, mostly because the Protectorate of Donegal was not ravaged by the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]].  The Donegal Guards fight with dogged determination.  At its zenith, the brigade numbered 20 [[BattleMech]] regiments and an additional 80 regiments of conventional forces.
 
−
</onlyinclude>
 
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
−
The roots of these brigades dates back to the Protectorate of Donegal. Since that time, the units fought with a solid reputation against the enemies of the Commonwealth with great success. They have always followed their tradition to stand with the [[Archon]] and the protectorate. <ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'' p. 62</ref> The regiments of the Donegal Guards were originally all named for famed regiments from [[Terra]] that shared the predominantly Irish heritage of the Protectorate, although this tradition would fade with time.<ref name="FR2765:LCp10">''Field Report 2765: Lyran Commonwealth'', p. 10-11, "Donegal Guards"</ref>
+
The brigade's roots begin with [[Seth Marsden]]'s Donegal Freights and Goods. By [[2310]], Marsden was already employing mercenaries to protect his trade convoys, and that need for protection transformed into a need for a standing army when Marsden's company became an interstellar government.<ref name=FMLAp63>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 63</ref> During their early years, one of the Donegals' greatest challenges was spreading out their relatively small numbers to cover dozens of star systems and huge tracts of uninhabited land.<ref>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 52</ref> Since that time, the units fought with a solid reputation against the enemies of the Commonwealth with great success. The units are characterized by loyalty to the [[Archon]], the Protectorate and the Commonwealth, even when stationed far from home.<ref name=FMLAp62 /> The regiments of the Donegal Guards were originally all named for famed regiments from [[Terra]] that shared the predominantly Irish heritage of the Protectorate, although this tradition would fade with time.<ref name="FR2765:LCp10">''Field Report 2765: LCAF'', pp. 10–11: "Donegal Guards"</ref>
  
 
=== Star League Era ===
 
=== Star League Era ===
−
The most loyal of the regional brigades, the Donegal Guards continued to join with the various state brigades of the [[Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces]] in support of the Commonwealth and the [[Archon]]. The Donegal Guards had lost half a dozen regiments in the brutal fighting of the closing years of the [[Age of War]] prior to the formation of the [[Star League]], but throughout the Star League era the Guards enjoyed access to the best equipment outside of the [[Royal Guards]] brigade. The Donegal Guards remained the formation of choice to conduct those offensive operations too large for the smaller Royal Guards brigade to handle alone, and the Guards attracted officers who sought to advance via their leadership and grasp of strategic skills, rather than through politics and favouritism. It was during the Star League era that the shift in unit traditions away from favoring or honoring those units associated with Ireland became distinctly noticeable amongst some of the regiments. By [[2765]] the Guards were eleven regiments strong.<ref name="FR2765:LCp10"/>
+
The most loyal of the regional brigades, the Donegal Guards continued to join with the various state brigades of the [[Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces]] in support of the Commonwealth and the [[Archon]]. The Donegal Guards lost half a dozen regiments in the brutal fighting of the closing years of the [[Age of War]] prior to the formation of the [[Star League]], but throughout the Star League era the Guards enjoyed access to the best equipment outside of the [[Royal Guards]] brigade. The Donegal Guards remained the formation of choice to conduct those offensive operations too large for the smaller Royal Guards brigade to handle alone, and the Guards attracted officers who sought to advance via their leadership and grasp of strategic skills, rather than through politics and favoritism. It was during the Star League era that the shift in unit traditions away from favoring or honoring those units associated with Ireland became distinctly noticeable among some regiments. By [[2765]] the Guards were eleven regiments strong.<ref name="FR2765:LCp10"/>
  
−
The Donegal Guards grew in strength during the leadup to the [[First Succession War]], and by [[2786]] mustered seventeen full 'Mech regiments. Two of these, the [[5th Donegal Guards|Fifth]] and [[Fourteenth Donegal Guards]] were former [[Star League Defense Force]] units, whilst the [[9th Donegal Guards|Ninth]], [[13th Donegal Guards|Thirteenth]], [[15th Donegal Guards|Fifteenth]] and [[Sixteenth Donegal Guards]] were reactivated regiments. During the First Succession War three new regiments of Guards - the [[18th Donegal Guards|Eighteenth]], [[19th Donegal Guards|Nineteenth]] and [[Twentieth Donegal Guards]] were founded.<ref name="FSWp139">''First Succession War'', p. 139, "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces (LCAF)"</ref>  
+
The Donegal Guards grew in strength during the lead-up to the [[First Succession War]], and by [[2786]] mustered seventeen full 'Mech regiments. Two of these, the [[Fifth Donegal Guards|Fifth]] and [[Fourteenth Donegal Guards]] were former [[Star League Defense Force]] units, whilst the [[Ninth Donegal Guards|Ninth]], [[Thirteenth Donegal Guards|Thirteenth]], [[Fifteenth Donegal Guards|Fifteenth]] and [[Sixteenth Donegal Guards]] were reactivated regiments. During the First Succession War three new regiments of Guards - the [[Eighteenth Donegal Guards|Eighteenth]], [[Nineteenth Donegal Guards|Nineteenth]] and [[Twentieth Donegal Guards]] were founded.<ref name="FSWp139">''First Succession War'', p. 139: "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces (LCAF)"</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Clan Invasion===
 +
The leaders of the [[Federated Commonwealth]] assigned the future [[Archon-Prince]] [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] to the [[Twelfth Donegal Guards]] as his first posting following graduation from [[The Nagelring]]. This honor proved to be fleeting, however, as the unit was destroyed by [[Clan Jade Falcon]] in an attempt to capture the young Prince on [[Trellwan]].<ref name=JFSp26>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 26: "Trell I"</ref> The [[Tenth Donegal Guards]], once celebrated as the peak of martial skill for the brigade, suffered a punishing loss to [[Clan Wolf]] on [[Chateau]]<ref>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 59</ref> before surrendering to the Falcons on [[Zoetermeer]] rather than face the threat of orbital bombardment.<ref name=FMLAp62 />
 +
 
 +
The Thirteenth Donegal Guards were given the task of the first Inner Sphere raid on a Clan-held world. In [[3053]], the Thirteenth's recon elements were sent to attack [[La Grave]] and able to escape intact. While unsuccessful, the raid did show that the Inner Sphere could maintain pressure on the Clans, a type of warfare the Falcons were unused to.<ref name=JFS33>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 33</ref>
 +
 
 +
The Second and Third Guards were selected to participate in [[Operation BULLDOG]] as part of the [[Second Star League Defense Force]]. The Second made history as the first Lyran unit welcomed onto Luthien, where they garrisoned the Combine capital before hunting down Jaguar stragglers,<ref name=FMLAp63 /> while the Third joined the [[Second Genyosha]] and [[First St. Ives Lancers]] under [[Kai Allard Liao]] to battle the [[Seventh Jaguar Dragoons (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Seventh Jaguar Dragoons]] on [[Tarazed]]. Though successful, the Third suffered a higher than expected level of casualties and was pulled back for the remainder of the campaign.<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 64</ref>
  
 
===FedCom Civil War===
 
===FedCom Civil War===
−
The whole brigade sided with [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] and five regiments were destroyed in the conflict.<ref>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 169</ref> Note that ''FM:Updates'' isn't very clear on which regiments were destroyed. Based on the fact that they were all listed as being at 5-20% of their pre-Civil War strength, possible candidates are:
+
Other than the Seventeenth, the whole brigade sided with [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] and five regiments were destroyed in the conflict.<ref>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 169</ref> Note that ''FM:Updates'' isn't very clear on which regiments were destroyed. Based on the fact that they were all listed as being at 5-20% of their pre–Civil War strength, possible candidates are:
−
* Fourth in Wave 6 on [[New Syrtis]]<ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 182-183</ref>
+
* Fourth in Wave 6 on [[New Syrtis]]<ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 182–183</ref>
 
* Fifth in Wave 7 on [[New Avalon]]
 
* Fifth in Wave 7 on [[New Avalon]]
−
* Sixth on [[Melissia]]  
+
* Sixth on [[Melissia]]
 
* Eighth in Wave 4 on [[Kathil]]
 
* Eighth in Wave 4 on [[Kathil]]
 
* Eleventh on [[Graceland]]<ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 185</ref>
 
* Eleventh on [[Graceland]]<ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 185</ref>
−
* Thirteenth in Wave 5 on [[Dalkeith]]<ref>''Field Manual: Updates'', pp. 177-179</ref>
+
* Thirteenth in Wave 5 on [[Dalkeith]]<ref>''Field Manual: Updates'', pp. 177–179</ref>
  
 
===Jihad===
 
===Jihad===
−
As of mid-Jihad, the Second and the Seventh were the only active regiments.<ref>''Masters and Minions'', p. 98</ref> After the end of the [[Jihad]] the Second and Seventh were the only surviving units. The Fourth Donegal Guards were destroyed in the [[Capellan Confederation]] attack on [[New Syrtis]], the Fifth Donegal Guards were destroyed by the [[Word of Blake|Blakists]] on [[New Avalon]] and the few survivors were drafted into other units, the Eighth Guards were destroyed on [[Kathil]], and the Third Guards were killed on [[Donegal]]; the last two attacks were by the Blakists. The Thirteenth and Fourteenth Donegal Guards were also destroyed by the Blakists. The survivors from the Third were rolled into the Second Guards while the surviving members of the Sixth reinforced the Seventh Guards. The Eleventh and Seventeenth Guards were destroyed by the [[Free Worlds League Military]] during [[Operation Broken Fist]].<ref name="frla11">''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 11</ref>
+
As of mid-Jihad, the Second and the Seventh were the only active regiments.<ref>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 98</ref> The Fourth Donegal Guards were destroyed in the [[Capellan Confederation]] attack on [[New Syrtis]], the Fifth Donegal Guards were destroyed by the [[Word of Blake|Blakists]] on [[New Avalon]] and the few survivors were drafted into other units. The Word destroyed the Eighth Guards on [[Kathil]] and the Third Guards on [[Donegal]] as well as the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Donegal Guards. The survivors from the Third were rolled into the Second Guards while the surviving members of the Sixth reinforced the Seventh Guards. The Eleventh and Seventeenth Guards were destroyed by the [[Free Worlds League Military]] during [[Operation Broken Fist]].<ref name="frla11">''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 11</ref>
 +
 
 +
While the Second only conducted diversionary raids into the [[Blakist Protectorate]] prior to Stone's Coalition invading, the Seventh was included in the plans for [[Operation SCOUR]].<ref name="frla11" /> Prior to the invasion of Terra, the Earthquakers were posted alongside the [[Sixth Pesht Regulars]] on [[Lyons]], where long-simmering tensions erupted into open combat between the two units on 12 December [[3076]]. Fighting continued until General [[Belle Lee]] interceded in January [[3077]], separating both parties and ordering them off-world.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 20</ref> Despite this, the Seventh participated in attacks on [[Word of Blake ROM|ROM]] headquarters on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] as well as [[Sandhurst]].<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 96</ref>
 +
 
 +
Following the Jihad, the LCAF rebuilt a substantial number of regiments within the Donegal Guards, reactivating the Fourth, Eighth and Eleventh regiments by [[3085]].<ref name="FM:3085p95">''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 95: "The Einherjar"</ref> The rebuilding efforts were in large part due to [[Hauptmann-General]] [[Sarah Steiner (31st c.)|Sarah Steiner]], who fought off efforts to have the brigade disbanded. While Sarah's efforts were limited, in that the Fourth, Eighth and Eleventh were all reactivated as [[Light Combat Team]]s rather than the RCTs of the past, it was a notable success. Archon [[Adam Steiner]] was criticized for not rebuilding the Fourteenth as a priority, but as many would have criticized him for rebuilding his former command had he chosen differently. The rebuilding efforts devoted to the Donegal Guards by the LCAF went down very well with the Guards, which continued to display fanatical levels of loyalty to the Commonwealth. There were concerns that the brigade needed more time to train and rebuild, but the diminished size of the LCAF meant that the Guards were back on the frontlines sooner than anticipated; while it was considered that this was placing additional stress on the Guards, the Guards themselves viewed this as a mark of respect towards them.<ref name="FM:3085p100">''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 100: "Donegal Guards"</ref>
 +
 
 +
Each of the three reactivated commands were established via differing routes. The Fourth was rebuilt primarily using survivors from the Fourth who had been captured on [[New Syrtis]] and spent most of the Jihad in Capellan prison camps. The Eighth was raised on Donegal using new recruits, while the Eleventh was rebuilt by incorporating an irregular unit, the [[Blackjacks]], into the LCAF and constructing the new regiment around them. Between the reactivation of the regiments and 3085, the brigade saw combat on numerous fronts - the Second was kept occupied dealing with training raids launched by [[Clan Jade Falcon]], as were the Fourth, who repulsed a determined attack on [[Yeguas]], and the Eleventh was responsible for recapturing [[Graceland]]. While there was some discontent on the part of the Seventh on being kept on light duties and cadre work, they were responsible for training both the Eighth Donegal Guards<ref name="FM:3085p100"/> and the [[First Donegal Jaegers]], something [[Colonel]] [[Bamin Taylor]] of the Jaegers directly credit as being responsible his regiment becoming the highest-performing unit within the [[Lyran Reserves]].<ref name="FM:3085p103">''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 103: "Lyran Reserves"</ref>
  
 
===Dark Age===
 
===Dark Age===
−
During fighting along the [[Free Worlds League]] and [[Wolf Empire]] borders, half the Donegal Guard's 'Mech regiments were destroyed. A brigade that once had ten 'Mech regiments, seven of which led [[Regimental Combat Team]]s became a unit with a single RCT and four 'Mech regiments. Despite this, the brigade's component regiments remained loyal and had high morale.<ref>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 127</ref>
+
In the years after the Jihad, the Donegal Guards continued to rebuild, coming close to regaining their number prior to the [[FedCom Civil War]]. But this did not last. During fighting along the [[Free Worlds League]] and [[Wolf Empire]] borders, half the Donegal Guard's 'Mech regiments were destroyed. A brigade that once had ten 'Mech regiments, seven of which led [[Regimental Combat Team]]s became a unit with a single RCT and four 'Mech regiments. The political upheaval of the 3140s also left the brigade divided politically. Both the Second and Fourth Guards were declared rogue by Archon [[Vedet Brewer]] during his brief time in power, but pledged their loyalty to Archon [[Trillian Steiner]], while the Seventeenth fanatically backed Duke Brewer and was kept under the watchful eye of the [[Third Royal Guards]] and the [[LIC]] after his ouster.<ref name=FM3145p127>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 127</ref>
  
−
==Command==
+
==Officers==
−
[[Kathleen Heany]] led the brigade recently, since the "retirement" of Geoffry Berg. She fought in many wars and is regarded by many as old school. Her XO, [[Sarah Steiner]] is a competent strategist and developed many new tactics with her last position.  Following the [[Federated Commonwealth Civil War]], Heany was replaced by General [[Caesar Steiner]]. However, day-to-day management of the Donegal Guards was in the hands of Sarah Steiner due to Caesar's responsibilities operating the Cavanaugh Theater, commanding the 2nd Donegal Guard, and serving as an adviser to Archon [[Peter Steiner-Davion]]. Sarah Steiner became the Brigade Commander following the assassination of her predecessor, a position she continues to hold after the Jihad's conclusion.
+
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
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! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank
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! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name
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! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command
 +
|-
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| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Donegal Guards'''
 +
|-
 +
| ||[[Geoffry Berg]]||
 +
|-
 +
| [[General]]||[[Kathleen Heany]]||[[3058]]<ref name=FMLA62-CO-SS-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 62: "Commanding Officer", Steiner is rescued and rejoins the Donegal Guards</ref>
 +
|-
 +
| General||[[Caesar Steiner]]||April [[3067]] - February [[3068]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Hauptmann-General]]||[[Sarah Steiner (31st c.)|Sarah Steiner]]||February 3068 - [[3085]]<ref name=FRLAAF11-DG-SS-1>''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 11: "Donegal Guards", Sarah Steiner commands the Donegal Guards after the Jihad</ref><ref name=FM3085p100>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 100: "Donegal Guards", Sarah Steiner's command of the Donegal Guards in 3085</ref>
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
==Forces==
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==Tactics==
−
8 RCT and 3 'free' regiments are the main force of these command. The equipment covers a weight range  from light, high mobile units to those which use sheer fire power and mass.
+
Different per Unit.
  
 
==Units of the Donegal Guards==
 
==Units of the Donegal Guards==
 +
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
 
* [[First Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[First Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Second Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Second Donegal Guards]]
−
* [[Third Donegal Guards]] (destroyed during the [[Jihad]])<ref name="frla11"/>
+
* [[Third Donegal Guards]]
−
* [[Fourth Donegal Guards]] (destroyed during the [[Jihad]])<ref name="frla11"/>
+
* [[Fourth Donegal Guards]]
−
* [[Fifth Donegal Guards]] (merged with [[1st Davion Guards]] in January [[3068]])<ref>''Jihad Turning Points: New Avalon''</ref>
+
* [[Fifth Donegal Guards]]
−
* [[Sixth Donegal Guards]] (destroyed during the [[Jihad]])<ref name="frla11"/>
+
* [[Sixth Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Seventh Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Seventh Donegal Guards]]
−
* [[Eighth Donegal Guards]] (destroyed during the [[Jihad]])<ref>''Masters and Minions'', p. 98</ref>
+
* [[Eighth Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Ninth Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Ninth Donegal Guards]]
−
* [[Tenth Donegal Guards]] (destroyed during [[Operation Revival]])
+
* [[Tenth Donegal Guards]]
−
* [[Eleventh Donegal Guards]] (destroyed during the [[Jihad]])<ref name="frla11"/>
+
* [[Eleventh Donegal Guards]]
−
* [[Twelfth Donegal Guards]] (destroyed during [[Operation Revival]])
+
* [[Twelfth Donegal Guards]]
−
* [[Thirteenth Donegal Guards]] (destroyed during the [[Jihad]])<ref name="frla11"/>
+
* [[Thirteenth Donegal Guards]]
−
* [[Fourteenth Donegal Guards]] (destroyed during the [[Jihad]])<ref name="frla11"/>
+
* [[Fourteenth Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Fifteenth Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Fifteenth Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Sixteenth Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Sixteenth Donegal Guards]]
−
* [[Seventeenth Donegal Guards]] (destroyed during the [[Jihad]])<ref name="frla11"/>
+
* [[Seventeenth Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Eighteenth Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Eighteenth Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Nineteenth Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Nineteenth Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Twentieth Donegal Guards]]
 
* [[Twentieth Donegal Guards]]
 +
{{div col end}}
 +
 +
== Notes ==
 +
:* The First Guards was destroyed in the [[Second Succession War]].<ref name=2SWp99>''Second Succession War'', p. 99</ref>
 +
:* The Third Guards was destroyed defending [[Donegal]] during the [[Jihad]]. After the planet's liberation, the survivors joined the Second Guards.<ref name="frla11"/>
 +
:* The Fifth Guards was destroyed during the Blakist attack on [[New Avalon]] and merged with [[First Davion Guards]] in January [[3068]].<ref>''Jihad Turning Points: New Avalon''</ref>
 +
:* The Sixth Guards was destroyed on [[Melissia]] during the [[Jihad]]. Survivors were reassigned to the Seventh.<ref name="frla11"/>
 +
:* The Seventh Guards was shattered by [[Clan Wolf]] and absorbed by the Eighth Guards during the [[Dark Age]].<ref name=FM3145p127 />
 +
:* The Ninth Guards was destroyed in the [[Second Succession War]].<ref name=2SWp99 />
 +
:* The Tenth Guards was destroyed during [[Clan Invasion]].
 +
:* The Twelfth Guards was destroyed during [[Clan Invasion]].
 +
:* The Thirteenth Guards was destroyed in the expansion of the [[Blakist Protectorate]].<ref name="frla11"/>
 +
:* The Fourteenth Guards was destroyed attempting to liberate [[Tharkad]] in the [[Jihad]].<ref name="frla11"/>
 +
:* The Fifteenth Guards was destroyed in the [[Second Succession War]].<ref name=2SWp99 />
  
 
==Color Scheme and Unit Insignia==
 
==Color Scheme and Unit Insignia==
Line 68: Line 111:
  
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:Camosteinerdonegalguards1.png|''[[Commando]]'' in Donegal Guards colors
+
Donegal Guards -Brigade logo.png|Brigade Insignia of the Donegal Guards
−
Image:Camosteinerdonegalguards.png|''[[Barghest]]'' of the Donegal Guards
+
1st Donegal Guards logo.png|[[First Donegal Guards]]
−
Image:Donegal Guards Insignia.png|Insignia of the Donegal Guards Brigade
+
Donegalguards02rd.png|[[Second Donegal Guards]]
−
Image:Donegalguards02rd.png|Second Donegal Guards Insignia
+
Donegalguards03rd.png|[[Third Donegal Guards]]
−
Image:Donegalguards03rd.png|Third Donegal Guards Insignia
+
Donegalguards04th.png|[[Fourth Donegal Guards]]
−
Image:Donegalguards04th.png|Fourth Donegal Guards Insignia
+
5th Donegal.jpg|[[5th Donegal Guards]]
−
Image:5th Donegal.jpg|5th Donegal Guards Insignia
+
Donegalguards06th.png|[[Sixth Donegal Guards]]
−
Image:Donegalguards06th.png|Sixth Donegal Guards Insignia
+
Donegal Guards 07th logo.png|[[Seventh Donegal Guards]]
−
Image:Donegalguards07th.png|Seventh Donegal Guards Insignia
+
Donegalguards08th.png|[[Eighth Donegal Guards]]
−
Image:Donegalguards08th.png|Eighth Donegal Guards Insignia
+
Donegalguards11th.png|[[Eleventh Donegal Guards]]
−
Image:Donegalguards11th.png|Eleventh Donegal Guards Insignia
+
Donegalguards13th.png|[[Thirteenth Donegal Guards]]
−
Image:Donegalguards13th.png|Thirteenth Donegal Guards Insignia
+
Donegalguards14th.png|[[Fourteenth Donegal Guards]]
−
Image:Donegalguards14th.png|Fourteenth Donegal Guards Insignia
+
Donegalguards17th.png|[[Seventeenth Donegal Guards]]
−
Image:Donegalguards17th.png|Seventeenth Donegal Guards Insignia
+
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
<gallery>
 +
Camosteinerdonegalguards1.png|''[[Commando]]'' in Donegal Guards colors
 +
Camosteinerdonegalguards.png|''[[Barghest]]'' of the Donegal Guards
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 88: Line 135:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 +
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
 
* ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)|FedCom Civil War]]''
 
* ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)|FedCom Civil War]]''
 +
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''
 +
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
−
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''
 
 
* ''[[Field Report: LAAF]]''
 
* ''[[Field Report: LAAF]]''
−
* ''[[Field Report 2765: Lyran Commonwealth]]''
+
* ''[[Field Report 2765: LCAF]]''
−
* ''[[First Succession War (Source Book)|First Succession War]]''
+
* ''[[First Succession War (sourcebook)|First Succession War]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Turning Points: New Avalon]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Turning Points: New Avalon]]''
−
* ''[[Masters and Minions]]''
+
* ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''
 +
* ''[[Wolf Clan Sourcebook]]''
 +
{{div col end}}
 +
 
 
[[Category: Federated Commonwealth Commands|Donegal Guards, 00]]
 
[[Category: Federated Commonwealth Commands|Donegal Guards, 00]]
 
[[Category: Lyran Commands|Donegal Guards]]
 
[[Category: Lyran Commands|Donegal Guards]]

Latest revision as of 07:39, 24 January 2024

Brigade Insignia of the Donegal Guards
Donegal Guards
Formed 2315–2340
Nickname Tuatha Dé Danann
Affiliation Lyran Commonwealth;
Protectorate of Donegal (prior to 2341)
Parent Command LCAF

The Donegal Guards began their existence as the military force for the Protectorate of Donegal. Even after the formation of the Lyran Commonwealth, the Donegal Guards remain one of the nation's military cornerstones. They have been well supplied and equipped throughout their history, as the Donegal Province was spared the worst of the damage in the Succession Wars. The Donegal Guards are noted for their dogged determination, with their inclusion in a campaign being seen as a sign of the High Command's resolve.[1] At its zenith, the start of the First Succession War, the brigade numbered 20 BattleMech regiments and an additional 80 regiments of conventional forces.[2]

History[edit]

The brigade's roots begin with Seth Marsden's Donegal Freights and Goods. By 2310, Marsden was already employing mercenaries to protect his trade convoys, and that need for protection transformed into a need for a standing army when Marsden's company became an interstellar government.[3] During their early years, one of the Donegals' greatest challenges was spreading out their relatively small numbers to cover dozens of star systems and huge tracts of uninhabited land.[4] Since that time, the units fought with a solid reputation against the enemies of the Commonwealth with great success. The units are characterized by loyalty to the Archon, the Protectorate and the Commonwealth, even when stationed far from home.[1] The regiments of the Donegal Guards were originally all named for famed regiments from Terra that shared the predominantly Irish heritage of the Protectorate, although this tradition would fade with time.[5]

Star League Era[edit]

The most loyal of the regional brigades, the Donegal Guards continued to join with the various state brigades of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces in support of the Commonwealth and the Archon. The Donegal Guards lost half a dozen regiments in the brutal fighting of the closing years of the Age of War prior to the formation of the Star League, but throughout the Star League era the Guards enjoyed access to the best equipment outside of the Royal Guards brigade. The Donegal Guards remained the formation of choice to conduct those offensive operations too large for the smaller Royal Guards brigade to handle alone, and the Guards attracted officers who sought to advance via their leadership and grasp of strategic skills, rather than through politics and favoritism. It was during the Star League era that the shift in unit traditions away from favoring or honoring those units associated with Ireland became distinctly noticeable among some regiments. By 2765 the Guards were eleven regiments strong.[5]

The Donegal Guards grew in strength during the lead-up to the First Succession War, and by 2786 mustered seventeen full 'Mech regiments. Two of these, the Fifth and Fourteenth Donegal Guards were former Star League Defense Force units, whilst the Ninth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Donegal Guards were reactivated regiments. During the First Succession War three new regiments of Guards - the Eighteenth, Nineteenth and Twentieth Donegal Guards were founded.[6]

Clan Invasion[edit]

The leaders of the Federated Commonwealth assigned the future Archon-Prince Victor Steiner-Davion to the Twelfth Donegal Guards as his first posting following graduation from The Nagelring. This honor proved to be fleeting, however, as the unit was destroyed by Clan Jade Falcon in an attempt to capture the young Prince on Trellwan.[7] The Tenth Donegal Guards, once celebrated as the peak of martial skill for the brigade, suffered a punishing loss to Clan Wolf on Chateau[8] before surrendering to the Falcons on Zoetermeer rather than face the threat of orbital bombardment.[1]

The Thirteenth Donegal Guards were given the task of the first Inner Sphere raid on a Clan-held world. In 3053, the Thirteenth's recon elements were sent to attack La Grave and able to escape intact. While unsuccessful, the raid did show that the Inner Sphere could maintain pressure on the Clans, a type of warfare the Falcons were unused to.[9]

The Second and Third Guards were selected to participate in Operation BULLDOG as part of the Second Star League Defense Force. The Second made history as the first Lyran unit welcomed onto Luthien, where they garrisoned the Combine capital before hunting down Jaguar stragglers,[3] while the Third joined the Second Genyosha and First St. Ives Lancers under Kai Allard Liao to battle the Seventh Jaguar Dragoons on Tarazed. Though successful, the Third suffered a higher than expected level of casualties and was pulled back for the remainder of the campaign.[10]

FedCom Civil War[edit]

Other than the Seventeenth, the whole brigade sided with Katherine Steiner-Davion and five regiments were destroyed in the conflict.[11] Note that FM:Updates isn't very clear on which regiments were destroyed. Based on the fact that they were all listed as being at 5-20% of their pre–Civil War strength, possible candidates are:

Jihad[edit]

As of mid-Jihad, the Second and the Seventh were the only active regiments.[15] The Fourth Donegal Guards were destroyed in the Capellan Confederation attack on New Syrtis, the Fifth Donegal Guards were destroyed by the Blakists on New Avalon and the few survivors were drafted into other units. The Word destroyed the Eighth Guards on Kathil and the Third Guards on Donegal as well as the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Donegal Guards. The survivors from the Third were rolled into the Second Guards while the surviving members of the Sixth reinforced the Seventh Guards. The Eleventh and Seventeenth Guards were destroyed by the Free Worlds League Military during Operation Broken Fist.[16]

While the Second only conducted diversionary raids into the Blakist Protectorate prior to Stone's Coalition invading, the Seventh was included in the plans for Operation SCOUR.[16] Prior to the invasion of Terra, the Earthquakers were posted alongside the Sixth Pesht Regulars on Lyons, where long-simmering tensions erupted into open combat between the two units on 12 December 3076. Fighting continued until General Belle Lee interceded in January 3077, separating both parties and ordering them off-world.[17] Despite this, the Seventh participated in attacks on ROM headquarters on Mars as well as Sandhurst.[18]

Following the Jihad, the LCAF rebuilt a substantial number of regiments within the Donegal Guards, reactivating the Fourth, Eighth and Eleventh regiments by 3085.[19] The rebuilding efforts were in large part due to Hauptmann-General Sarah Steiner, who fought off efforts to have the brigade disbanded. While Sarah's efforts were limited, in that the Fourth, Eighth and Eleventh were all reactivated as Light Combat Teams rather than the RCTs of the past, it was a notable success. Archon Adam Steiner was criticized for not rebuilding the Fourteenth as a priority, but as many would have criticized him for rebuilding his former command had he chosen differently. The rebuilding efforts devoted to the Donegal Guards by the LCAF went down very well with the Guards, which continued to display fanatical levels of loyalty to the Commonwealth. There were concerns that the brigade needed more time to train and rebuild, but the diminished size of the LCAF meant that the Guards were back on the frontlines sooner than anticipated; while it was considered that this was placing additional stress on the Guards, the Guards themselves viewed this as a mark of respect towards them.[20]

Each of the three reactivated commands were established via differing routes. The Fourth was rebuilt primarily using survivors from the Fourth who had been captured on New Syrtis and spent most of the Jihad in Capellan prison camps. The Eighth was raised on Donegal using new recruits, while the Eleventh was rebuilt by incorporating an irregular unit, the Blackjacks, into the LCAF and constructing the new regiment around them. Between the reactivation of the regiments and 3085, the brigade saw combat on numerous fronts - the Second was kept occupied dealing with training raids launched by Clan Jade Falcon, as were the Fourth, who repulsed a determined attack on Yeguas, and the Eleventh was responsible for recapturing Graceland. While there was some discontent on the part of the Seventh on being kept on light duties and cadre work, they were responsible for training both the Eighth Donegal Guards[20] and the First Donegal Jaegers, something Colonel Bamin Taylor of the Jaegers directly credit as being responsible his regiment becoming the highest-performing unit within the Lyran Reserves.[21]

Dark Age[edit]

In the years after the Jihad, the Donegal Guards continued to rebuild, coming close to regaining their number prior to the FedCom Civil War. But this did not last. During fighting along the Free Worlds League and Wolf Empire borders, half the Donegal Guard's 'Mech regiments were destroyed. A brigade that once had ten 'Mech regiments, seven of which led Regimental Combat Teams became a unit with a single RCT and four 'Mech regiments. The political upheaval of the 3140s also left the brigade divided politically. Both the Second and Fourth Guards were declared rogue by Archon Vedet Brewer during his brief time in power, but pledged their loyalty to Archon Trillian Steiner, while the Seventeenth fanatically backed Duke Brewer and was kept under the watchful eye of the Third Royal Guards and the LIC after his ouster.[22]

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of the Donegal Guards
Geoffry Berg
General Kathleen Heany 3058[23]
General Caesar Steiner April 3067 - February 3068
Hauptmann-General Sarah Steiner February 3068 - 3085[24][25]

Tactics[edit]

Different per Unit.

Units of the Donegal Guards[edit]

Notes[edit]

Color Scheme and Unit Insignia[edit]

The Donegal Guards paint their BattleMechs and Combat Vehicles blue-gray.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 62
  2. ↑ First Succession War, p. 139
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 63
  4. ↑ Era Report: 2750, p. 52
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Field Report 2765: LCAF, pp. 10–11: "Donegal Guards"
  6. ↑ First Succession War, p. 139: "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces (LCAF)"
  7. ↑ Jade Falcon Sourcebook, p. 26: "Trell I"
  8. ↑ Wolf Clan Sourcebook, p. 59
  9. ↑ Jade Falcon Sourcebook, p. 33
  10. ↑ Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 64
  11. ↑ Field Manual: Updates, p. 169
  12. ↑ FedCom Civil War, pp. 182–183
  13. ↑ FedCom Civil War, p. 185
  14. ↑ Field Manual: Updates, pp. 177–179
  15. ↑ Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers, p. 98
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 Field Report: LAAF, p. 11
  17. ↑ Jihad Hot Spots: Terra, p. 20
  18. ↑ Jihad Hot Spots: Terra, p. 96
  19. ↑ Field Manual: 3085, p. 95: "The Einherjar"
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Field Manual: 3085, p. 100: "Donegal Guards"
  21. ↑ Field Manual: 3085, p. 103: "Lyran Reserves"
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Field Manual: 3145, p. 127
  23. ↑ Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 62: "Commanding Officer", Steiner is rescued and rejoins the Donegal Guards
  24. ↑ Field Report: LAAF, p. 11: "Donegal Guards", Sarah Steiner commands the Donegal Guards after the Jihad
  25. ↑ Field Manual: 3085, p. 100: "Donegal Guards", Sarah Steiner's command of the Donegal Guards in 3085
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 Second Succession War, p. 99
  27. ↑ Jihad Turning Points: New Avalon

Bibliography[edit]

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