Difference between revisions of "Operation GUERRERO"

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Operation Guerrero was a short conflict between the [[Federated Commonwealth]], the [[Free Worlds League]], and the [[Capellan Confederation]]. Despite lasting only three months (September 3057 - December 3057), the conflict set the stage for serious repercussions over the next two decades, ultimately culminating in the [[FedCom Civil War]].
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{{InfoBoxConflict
 +
| conflict = Operation GUERRERO
 +
| partof = the [[Clan Invasion]]
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| image =
 +
| caption = Operation GUERRERO
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| date = September [[3057]]
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| enddate = December 3057
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| place =
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| planet =
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| territory =
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* '''Free Worlds League''': Recovers most planets lost in [[Fourth Succession War]].<br>
 +
* '''Capellan Confederation''': Recovers some planets lost in the Fourth Succession War.<br>
 +
* '''Federated Commonwealth''': Loses majority of acquisitions from the Fourth Succession War; split into two nations, [[Lyran Alliance]] and [[Federated Suns]].<br>
 +
*  Creation of new region called the [[Chaos March]].
 +
| faction1 = Attacker<br />[[Free Worlds League]], [[Capellan Confederation]]
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| faction2 = Defender<br />[[Federated Commonwealth]]
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| commander1 =
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| commander2 =
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| forces1=
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| forces2=
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| result = Overall FedCom defeat{{cn}}
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| environment =
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| conditions = Normal
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}}
  
= Background =
+
'''Operation GUERRERO''' was a short conflict between the [[Federated Commonwealth]], the [[Free Worlds League]], and the [[Capellan Confederation]]. Despite lasting only four months, the conflict set the stage for serious repercussions over the next two decades, ultimately precipitating the [[FedCom Civil War]]. The conflict was from September to December of [[3057]].<ref name=ER:3062p23>''Era Report: 3062'', p. 23: "Timeline of Events"</ref>
  
After the death of [[Joshua Marik]] in [[3057]], [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] replaced the [[Operation Doppelganger|child with a double]] to keep war supplies from the Free Worlds League coming to his forces. [[Thomas Marik]] discovered this substitution in September of that year, and ordered the [[FWLM]] to attack the Federated Commonwealth in retaliation for the deception. Most of these worlds were former Free Worlds League planets that the Federated Commonwealth had captured and integrated into the [[Sarna March]]. [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] ordered the [[CCAF]] to attack Sarna March worlds as well to support his (possible) father-in-law.
+
== Background ==
 +
After the death of [[Joshua Marik]] in [[3057]], [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] replaced the [[Operation GEMINI|child with a double]] to keep war supplies from the Free Worlds League coming to his forces. [[Thomas Marik]] discovered this substitution in September of that year, and ordered the [[Free Worlds League Military]] to attack the Federated Commonwealth in retaliation for the deception. Most of these worlds were former Free Worlds League planets that the Federated Commonwealth had captured and integrated into the [[Sarna March]]. [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] ordered the [[Capellan Confederation Armed Forces]] to attack Sarna March worlds as well to support his (possible) father-in-law.
  
 
Simultaneously with the attacks on the Sarna March by the FWLM and CCAF, [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] announced the formation of the [[Lyran Alliance]] and declared her nation neutral in the conflict.
 
Simultaneously with the attacks on the Sarna March by the FWLM and CCAF, [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] announced the formation of the [[Lyran Alliance]] and declared her nation neutral in the conflict.
Line 10: Line 34:
 
The Federated Commonwealth was completely taken by surprise by the attacks, as most of their attention was on the [[Clan]] front. The [[LIC]], [[DMI]], and [[MIIO]] erroneously attributed the movements of the FWLM attackers along the Sarna March border to routine troop movements.
 
The Federated Commonwealth was completely taken by surprise by the attacks, as most of their attention was on the [[Clan]] front. The [[LIC]], [[DMI]], and [[MIIO]] erroneously attributed the movements of the FWLM attackers along the Sarna March border to routine troop movements.
 
=== FWLM First Wave ===
 
=== FWLM First Wave ===
In September 3057, the FWLM attacked the [[Callison]], [[Denebola]], [[Marcus]], [[Van Diemen IV]], [[Talitha]] and [[Wasat]] systems. These six systems were each attacked by three FWLM regiments. The systems were chosen specifically because they were garrisoned by Federated Commonwealth troops.<ref>[[Shattered Sphere]], p. 74</ref>
+
In September 3057, the FWLM attacked the [[Callison]], [[Denebola]], [[Marcus]], [[Van Diemen IV]], [[Talitha]] and [[Wasat]] systems. Each system was attacked by three FWLM regiments and were specifically chosen because they were garrisoned by Federated Commonwealth troops.<ref name=ShSp-74/>
  
 +
Callison was attacked by the [[4th Free Worlds Legionnaires]], [[1st Free Worlds Guards]], and [[Falcons|Silver Hawk Irregular's Falcon]] regiment. The [[11th Lyran Guards]] withdrew in good order from the system, basically leaving the system to the FWLM forces. The remaining planetary militia resisted for several days.<ref name=ShSp-74>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 74: "Operation Guerrero, First Wave"</ref>
  
: '''Planet''':[[Callison]]
+
Denebola was taken by the [[6th Free Worlds Legionnaires]], [[Atrean Hussars]], and [[4th Marik Militia]]. Though normally defended by a [[Armed Forces of the Federated Suns#Capellan and Sarna March Militias|Sarna March Militia]] unit, the [[Denebola FTM]] was conducting exercises on [[Caph]] with [[Gustafson's Grenadiers]]<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 114</ref> which left the system's defense to the small planetary militia. The planetary militia surrendered without firing a shot.<ref name=ShSp-74/>
: '''Attackers''':[[4th Free Worlds Legionnaires]] + [[1st Free Worlds Guards]] + [[Falcons|Silver Hawk Irregular's Falcon]]
 
: '''Defenders''':small planetary militia
 
: '''Outcome''':Callison was attacked by the [[4th Free Worlds Legionnaires]], [[1st Free Worlds Guards]], and [[Falcons|Silver Hawk Irregular's Falcon]] regiment. Though normally defended by a [[Armed Forces of the Federated Suns#Capellan and Sarna March Militias|Sarna March Militia]] unit, the [[Denebola FTM]] was conducting exercises on [[Caph]] with [[Gustafson's Grenadiers]]<ref>[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]], p. 114</ref> which left the system's defense to the small planetary militia. After holding out for several days the militia unit surrendered.
 
: '''Source''':
 
  
 +
The attack on Marcus was very different from the Callison and Denebola attacks. Defended by the [[12th FedCom RCT]], Marcus was attacked by the [[7th Free Worlds Legionnaires]], [[5th Marik Militia]], and [[12th Atrean Dragoons]]. The FedCom 'Mech regiment attacked the larger force in a suicidal attempt to provide time for the rest of the FedCom defenders to withdraw. This attack destroyed a third of the Seventh Legionnaires, but the Fifth Militia and Twelfth Dragoons circled behind the Twelfth FedCom's 'Mechs and destroyed them.
  
: '''Planet''':[[Denebola]]
+
On [[Van Diemen IV]] the [[FedCom]] defenders successfully held off the [[10th Marik Militia]] and [[23rd Marik Militia]] regiments, and the [[3rd Oriente Hussars]] until December, when the [[1st Sirian Lancers]] reinforced the FWLM.
: '''Attackers''':[[6th Free Worlds Legionnaires]]<br />[[Atrean Hussars]]<br />[[4th Marik Militia]]
 
: '''Defenders''':[[11th Lyran Guards]] (withdrew)
 
: '''Outcome''':Denebola was taken by the [[6th Free Worlds Legionnaires]], [[Atrean Hussars]], and [[4th Marik Militia]]. The [[11th Lyran Guards]] withdrew in good order from the system, basically leaving the system to the FWLM forces.
 
: '''Source''':
 
  
 +
[[Talitha]] was secured for the Free Worlds League by the [[6th Marik Militia]] and [[Atrean Hussars]].<ref>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 74: Third FWLM regiment and FedCom defending unit not named in source</ref>
  
: '''Planet''':[[Marcus]]
+
The [[2nd Republican]] regiment was destroyed on Wasat by the [[13th Marik Militia|Thirteenth Marik Militia]], [[4th Oriente Hussars]], and [[2nd Sirian Lancers]].
: '''Attackers''':[[7th Free Worlds Legionnaires]]<br />[[5th Marik Militia]]<br />[[12th Atrean Dragoons]]
 
: '''Defenders''':[[12th FedCom RCT]]
 
: '''Outcome''':The attack on Marcus was very different from the Callison and Denebola attacks. Defended by the [[12th FedCom RCT]], Marcus was attacked by the [[7th Free Worlds Legionnaires]], [[5th Marik Militia]], and [[12th Atrean Dragoons]]. The FedCom 'Mech regiment attacked the larger force in a suicidal attempt to provide time for the rest of the FedCom defenders to withdraw. This attack destroyed a third of the Seventh Legionnaires, but the Fifth Militia and Twelfth Dragoons circled behind the Twelfth FedCom's 'Mechs and destroyed them.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':[[Van Diemen IV]]
 
: '''Attackers''':[[10th Marik Militia]] + [[23rd Marik Militia]] + [[3rd Oriente Hussars]] + [[1st Sirian Lancers]]
 
: '''Defenders''':On [[Van Diemen IV]] the [[FedCom]] defenders successfully held off the [[10th Marik Militia]] and [[23rd Marik Militia]] regiments, and the [[3rd Oriente Hussars]] until December, when the [[1st Sirian Lancers]] reinforced the FLWM.
 
: '''Outcome''':
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':[[Talitha]]
 
: '''Attackers''':[[6th Marik Militia]] + [[Atrean Hussars]] + [[Iron Guard]]
 
: '''Defenders''':[[1st Republican]]
 
: '''Outcome''':[[Talitha]] was secured for the Free Worlds League by the [[6th Marik Militia]] and [[Atrean Hussars]].<ref>[[Shattered Sphere]], p. 74 (Note: Third FWLM regiment and FedCom defending unit not named in source.)</ref>
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':[[Wasat]]
 
: '''Attackers''':[[13th Marik Militia|Thirteenth Marik Militia]] + [[4th Oriente Hussars]] + [[2nd Sirian Lancers]]
 
: '''Defenders''':[[2nd Republican]]
 
: '''Outcome''': The [[2nd Republican]] regiment was destroyed on Wasat by the [[13th Marik Militia|Thirteenth Marik Militia]], [[4th Oriente Hussars]], and [[2nd Sirian Lancers]].
 
: '''Source''':
 
  
 
=== FWLM Second Wave ===
 
=== FWLM Second Wave ===
 
 
With more time to prepare, the FedCom defenders did marginally better at defending their systems from the Free Worlds League forces that attacked, though they lost [[Devil's Rock]], [[Oliver]], [[Castor]], [[Pollux]], and [[Zosma]]. Unlike the first wave, the FWLM didn't always use overwhelming force when taking these systems, allowing the FedCom defenders to give a better performance.
 
With more time to prepare, the FedCom defenders did marginally better at defending their systems from the Free Worlds League forces that attacked, though they lost [[Devil's Rock]], [[Oliver]], [[Castor]], [[Pollux]], and [[Zosma]]. Unlike the first wave, the FWLM didn't always use overwhelming force when taking these systems, allowing the FedCom defenders to give a better performance.
  
 +
On Devil's Rock the [[3rd Free Worlds Guards]] were rapidly bogged down in a harsh fight with the planetary militia, but eventually crushed all organized resistance.
  
: '''Planet''':[[Devil's Rock]]
+
The [[3rd NAIS Cadet Cadre]] cost the [[20th Marik Militia]] and the [[1st Orloff Grenadiers]] dearly, but eventually were forced off of [[Oliver]].
: '''Attackers''':[[3rd Free Worlds Guards]]
 
: '''Defenders''':planetary militia
 
: '''Outcome''':On Devil's Rock the [[3rd Free Worlds Guards]] were rapidly bogged down in a harsh fight with the planetary militia, but eventually crushed all organized resistance.
 
: '''Source''':
 
  
 +
Castor and Zosma were only defended by a few planetary militia units which were easily defeated by the [[3rd Sirian Lancers]] (Castor) and the [[9th Marik Militia]] (Zosma).
  
: '''Planet''':[[Zosma]]
+
Pollux's defenders were limited to two regiments: One each of armor and infantry. The other five regiments either withdrew to the Lyran Alliance or joined the Free Worlds League, so the [[34th Marik Militia]] gained control of the system within a week of their arrival.
: '''Attackers''':[[9th Marik Militia]]
 
: '''Defenders''':planetary militia
 
: '''Outcome''':The defenders were no match for this Combat Group
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':[[Castor]]
 
: '''Attackers''':[[3rd Sirian Lancers]]
 
: '''Defenders''':planetary militia
 
: '''Outcome''':Castor by a few planetary militia units which were easily defeated by the [[3rd Sirian Lancers]].
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':[[Oliver]]
 
: '''Attackers''':[[20th Marik Militia]] + [[1st Orloff Grenadiers]]
 
: '''Defenders''':[[3rd NAIS Cadet Cadre]]
 
: '''Outcome''':The [[3rd NAIS Cadet Cadre]] cost the [[20th Marik Militia]] and the [[1st Orloff Grenadiers]] dearly, but eventually were forced off of [[Oliver]].
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':[[Pollux]]
 
: '''Attackers''':[[34th Marik Militia]]
 
: '''Defenders''':planetary militia
 
: '''Outcome''':Pollux's defenders were limited to two regiments: One each of armor and infantry. The other five regiments either withdrew to the Lyran Alliance or joined the Free Worlds League, so the [[34th Marik Militia]] gained control of the system within a week of their arrival.
 
: '''Source''':
 
  
 
== Role of the Capellan Confederation ==
 
== Role of the Capellan Confederation ==
Though the death of Joshua Marik and the attempt to deceive the [[Captain-General]] was the excuse given for starting Operation Guerrero, the Free Worlds League Military wasn't the major aggressor in the struggle. Once the FWLM forces took possession of the eleven Sarna March systems that had belonged to the Free Worlds League prior to the [[Fourth Succession War]], Thomas Marik ordered his troops to consolidate their holdings.
+
Though the death of Joshua Marik and the attempt to deceive the [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] was the excuse given for starting Operation GUERRERO, the Free Worlds League Military wasn't the major aggressor in the struggle. Once the FWLM forces took possession of the eleven Sarna March systems that had belonged to the Free Worlds League prior to the [[Fourth Succession War]], Thomas Marik ordered his troops to consolidate their holdings.
 
 
Sun-Tzu Liao, however, had been fomenting rebellion on many Sarna March worlds since he took the [[Celestial Throne]] in [[3052]] and wouldn't be satisfied until all the former Capellan worlds were once again part of the Confederation. While engaged to [[Isis Marik]] he also pushed Thomas to assist him in attacking the Sarna March. For five years Thomas refused, but when Operation Guerrero began, the [[LCCC]] assigned the tactical and strategic command rights of several [[Mercenary|mercenary units]] to the CCAF.
 
 
 
=== Capellan Preparations Pre-Guerrero ===
 
The Capellan Confederation sponsored pro-Capellan freedom fighters on former Sarna March worlds, and in [[3056]] these groups stepped up their attacks on Federated Commonwealth forces. The most well known resistance group, ''[[Zhanzeng de Guang]]'' (War of Light), struck police and militia units on [[Aldebaran]], [[Gan Singh]], [[Zurich]], and [[Styk]].<ref>[[Shattered Sphere]], p. 68</ref> Throughout [[3056]] and [[3057]] the Zhanzeng de Guang and other resistance groups set up cells on [[Acamar]], [[Fletcher]], and [[Nanking]]. These groups did whatever they could to destabilize the [[Davion]]-installed governments, but neither the CCAF or FWLM would commit troops to support their efforts until Operation Guerrero was authorized.
 
 
 
As a result of the joint invasion the CCAF captured in their first attempt -
 
 
 
:19 Planets:
 
  
:and cretate rebellions on
+
Sun-Tzu Liao, however, had been fomenting rebellion on many Sarna March worlds since he took the [[Celestial Throne]] in [[3052]] and wouldn't be satisfied until all the former Capellan worlds were once again part of the Confederation. While engaged to [[Isis Marik]] he also pushed Thomas to assist him in attacking the Sarna March. For five years Thomas refused, but when Operation GUERRERO began, the [[LCCC]] assigned the tactical and strategic command rights of several [[Mercenary|mercenary units]] to the CCAF.
 
 
:50 Planets:
 
  
 +
=== Capellan preparations pre-GUERRERO ===
 +
The Capellan Confederation sponsored pro-Capellan terrorist groups on former Sarna March worlds, and in [[3056]] these groups stepped up their attacks on Federated Commonwealth forces. The most well-known terrorist group, ''[[Zhanzheng de Guang]]'' (War of Light), struck police and militia units on [[Aldebaran]], [[Gan Singh]], [[Zurich]], and [[Styk]].<ref name=ShSpherep68>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 68</ref> Throughout [[3056]] and [[3057]] the ''Zhanzheng de Guang'' and other terror groups set up cells on [[Acamar]], [[Fletcher (CC)|Fletcher]], and [[Nanking]]. These groups did whatever they could to destabilize the [[House Davion|Davion]]-installed governments, but neither the CCAF nor FWLM would commit troops to support their efforts until Operation GUERRERO was authorized.
  
 
=== CCAF First Wave ===
 
=== CCAF First Wave ===
 +
Five [[Warrior House]] regiments attacked [[Liao]] on the same day that the Free Worlds League announced hostilities with the Federated Commonwealth. The Liao SMM surrendered without a shot being fired and the system fell immediately. At the same time, the ''Zhanzheng de Guang'' took control of [[Zurich]], overthrowing the existing pro-Davion government.<ref name=ShSpherep68 />
  
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
+
In the invasion zone bordering the Confederation proper, Sun-Tzu Liao launched invasions of nine worlds. Regiments were used to confront lone Davion battalions, and trios of regiments to attack single AFFC regiments. All nine invasion were complete successes. Simultaneously with this, revolutionary activity on eight nearby worlds was stepped up to the point the pro-Liao forces were engaged in hit-and-run attacks that would seriously fatigue the AFFC garrisons, leaving them vulnerable for the second CCAF wave.<ref>''Bred for War'', p. 100</ref>
|+ Summary of CCAF First Wave
 
|-
 
! Planet
 
! Capellan Forces
 
! Federated Commonwealth Forces
 
|-
 
| [[Liao]]
 
| Five Warrior House Regiments
 
| Liao SMM
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Zurich]]
 
| Zhanzeng de Guang
 
| Planetary Militia
 
|}
 
 
 
Five [[Warrior House]] regiments attacked [[Liao]] on the same day that the Free Worlds League announced hostilities with the Federated Commonwealth. The Liao SMM surrendered without a shot being fired and the system fell immediately. At the same time, the Zhanzeng de Guang took control of Zurich, overthrowing the existing pro-Davion government.<ref>[[Shattered Sphere]], p. 68</ref>
 
  
 
=== CCAF Second Wave ===
 
=== CCAF Second Wave ===
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
+
At the start of Operation GUERRERO's second wave, Sun-Tzu Liao activated guerrilla networks on [[Caph]], [[Keid]], [[New Home]], [[Epsilon Indi]], and [[Northwind]] in an attempt to return the worlds to the Capellan Confederation. These revolts were successful on each world except Epsilon Indi, and the FWLM sent mercenary units to every world except Keid. (Keid would later join the Lyran Alliance.)
|+ Summary of CCAF Second Wave
 
|-
 
! Planet
 
! Capellan Forces
 
! Federated Commonwealth Forces
 
|-
 
| [[Caph]]
 
| Capellan sponsored guerrillas
 
| Planetary Militia
 
|-
 
| [[Keid]]
 
| Capellan sponsored guerrillas
 
| Planetary Militia
 
|-
 
| [[New Home]]
 
| Capellan sponsored guerrillas
 
| Planetary Militia
 
|-
 
| [[Epsilon Indi]]
 
| Capellan sponsored guerrillas
 
| Planetary Militia
 
|-
 
| [[Northwind]]
 
| [[Northwind Highlanders]]<br/>[[Death Commandos]]
 
| Consul Guards<br/>[[3rd Royal Guards]]
 
|-
 
| [[Nanking]]
 
| [[Burr's Black Cobras|Black Cobras]]<br/>[[Smithson's Chinese Bandits]]
 
| Planetary Militia
 
|}
 
  
At the start of Operation Guerreo's second wave, Sun-Tzu Liao activated guerrilla networks on [[Caph]], [[Keid]], [[New Home]], [[Epsilon Indi]], and [[Northwind]] in an attempt to return the worlds to the Capellan Confederation. These revolts were successful on each world except Epsion Indi, and the FWLM sent mercenary units to every world except Kied. (Kied would later join the Lyran Alliance.)
+
On Northwind, home of the famed [[Northwind Highlanders|Northwind Highlander]] regiments, the pro-Liao terrorist activity, in fact a lone [[Death Commando]] manipulating the Highlanders, made a rebellion began. The [[Battle of Northwind (3057)]] prompted Victor Davion to send the [[3rd Royal Guards]] to insure the planet didn't leave the Federated Commonwealth. The Third's commander attempted to take the planet by force when on-world Highlanders started debating who they should fight for. This action prompted the off-world Northwind Highlander units to return home to liberate their planet, practically destroying the Third Royal Guard RCT in the process.<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 98</ref> Sun-Tzu declared Northwind an independent Confederation barony and permanently ceded it to the Highlanders.<ref>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 68: "The Highlander Gambit"</ref><ref>These events are detailed in the novel ''[[Highlander Gambit]]'' by [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]].</ref>
  
On Northwind, home of the famed [[Northwind Highlanders|Northwind Highlander]] regiments, the local Federated Commonwealth Representatives attempted to seize direct control of the planet from the Northwind Highlanders, prompting Victor Davion to send the [[3rd Royal Guards]] to ensure the planet didn't leave the Federated Commonwealth. The Third's commander attempted to take the planet by force from [[MacLeod's Regiment|McLeod's Highlanders]] that garrisoned the planet. The arrival of reinforcements [[Stirling's Fusiliers]] and aerospace support from the [[Death Commandos]] prevented Northwind from falling, practically destroying the Third Royal Guard RCT in the process.<ref>[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]], p. 98</ref> Sun-Tzu declared Northwind an independent Confederation barony and permanently ceded it to the Highlanders.<ref>[[Shattered Sphere]], p. 68 "The Highlander Gambit"</ref><ref>These events are detailed in the novel ''[[Highlander Gambit]]'' by [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]].</ref> The breakup of the Federated Commonwealth also prompted the Northwind Highlanders to recall all regiments garrisoning planets along the Clan border.
+
Zurich fell to a pro-Davion group when the [[Crater Cobras]] mercenary unit's [[Burr's Black Cobras|Black Cobras regiment]] was ordered to [[Nanking]] by the LCCC.
 
 
Zurich fell to a [[Dancing Joker|pro-Davion counter-terrorist group]] when the [[Crater Cobras]] mercenary unit's [[Burr's Black Cobras|Black Cobras regiment]] was ordered to [[Nanking]] by the LCCC.
 
  
 
The Black Cobras were assigned to secure Nanking for the Capellan Confederation, which would bring the system's factories under CCAF control. As the Cobras were making planetfall, their [[DropShips]] were destroyed by explosives placed by [[Dancing Joker|saboteurs]]. This effectively wiped out the Black Cobras as a whole, and [[Smithson's Chinese Bandits]] (a Marik mercenary unit already on Nanking) surrendered to the planet's defenders when a Federated Commonwealth relief force arrived.
 
The Black Cobras were assigned to secure Nanking for the Capellan Confederation, which would bring the system's factories under CCAF control. As the Cobras were making planetfall, their [[DropShips]] were destroyed by explosives placed by [[Dancing Joker|saboteurs]]. This effectively wiped out the Black Cobras as a whole, and [[Smithson's Chinese Bandits]] (a Marik mercenary unit already on Nanking) surrendered to the planet's defenders when a Federated Commonwealth relief force arrived.
  
= Aftermath =
+
Another attack in the operation happened at the beginning of November on the planet [[New Canton]]. The FedCom defenders, the [[First Kestrel Grenadiers]], found themselves besieged by part of [[McCarron's Armored Cavalry]] and the mercenary [[Twenty-first Centauri Lancers]]. The assault failed because the Lancers felt they were being used as cannon fodder, so they terminated their contract and retreated off planet.<ref>''All Good Things'' ''Shrapnel#4'' p. 158</ref>
There were several important outcomes that resulted from Operation Guerrero's success. The most obvious was the destruction of the Federated Commonwealth when Katherine Steiner-Davion formed the Lyran Alliance. Her actions, and Victor's efforts to oppose her, ultimately led to the [[FedCom Civil War]].  
 
  
Though the Free Worlds League gained eleven systems it had lost, the real victor was the Capellan Confederation. Most of the Capellan Confederation's Sarna Commonality worlds, controlled by the Federated Commonwealth since the [[Fourth Succession War]], would return to the Capellan Confederation. (Ironically, this didn't include [[Sarna]], which became one of several independent states in the [[Chaos March]].) Sun-Tzu Liao would also create a new commonality centered on Liao.  
+
== Aftermath ==
 +
There were several important outcomes that resulted from Operation GUERRERO's success. The most obvious was the destruction of the Federated Commonwealth when Katherine Steiner-Davion formed the Lyran Alliance. Her actions, and Victor's efforts to oppose her, ultimately led to the [[FedCom Civil War]].
  
The other major outcome of this conflict was the creation of the Chaos March, where forces loyal to the Capellan Confederation, Free Worlds League, Federated Suns, and [[Word of Blake]] struggled for control of many of the former Sarna March worlds. Rather than a single strong entity that the Capellan Confederation couldn't defeat, the Chaos March was populated by at least six minor and short lived independent nations. Sun-Tzu Liao's [[Xin Sheng]]-inspired CCAF would have little trouble conquering these nations in the next few decades.
+
Though the Free Worlds League gained eleven systems it had lost, the real victor was the Capellan Confederation. Most of the Capellan Confederation's Sarna Commonality worlds, controlled by the Federated Commonwealth since the [[Fourth Succession War]], would return to the Capellan Confederation. (Ironically, this didn't include [[Sarna]], which became one of several independent states in the [[Chaos March]].) Sun-Tzu Liao would also create a new commonality centered on Liao.
  
== Independent Nations in Chaos March ==
+
The other major outcome of this conflict was the creation of the Chaos March, where forces loyal to the Capellan Confederation, Free Worlds League, Federated Suns, and [[Word of Blake]] struggled for control of many of the former Sarna March worlds. Rather than a single strong entity that the Capellan Confederation couldn't defeat, the Chaos March comprised at least six minor and short-lived independent nations. Sun-Tzu Liao's ''[[Xin Sheng]]''–inspired CCAF would have little trouble conquering these nations in the next few decades.
Independent nations in the Chaos March created as result of the invasion
 
  
====[[Duchy of Small]]====
+
== References ==
 
+
<references />
: '''Planet''':Ingress
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':It forged a alliance with Small World in exchange for the protection of the Ducal Militia.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Small World
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''': The duke's regiment-sized force of personal guards defeated the Cappelan terrorists and then declared the world independent.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
 
====[[Saiph Triumvirate]]====
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Saiph
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':Elements of the Fifth Lyran Regulars abandoned Saiph, leading to civil war. Pro-Capellan groups gained control of the world.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Tall Trees
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':Elements of the Fifth Lyran Regulars abandoned Tall Trees, leading to civil war. Pro-Capellan groups took control.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':New Canton
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':On New Canton forces of McCarron's Armored Cavalry and First Kestrel Grenadiers clashed together for two months and then abandoned the planet. Count Lado Balatine sent 'Mech forces as support for counterrevolutionary movements. The counterrevolutionaries won and the Triumvirate was born.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
 
====[[Sarna Supremacy]]====
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Sarna
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':Stapleton's Grenadiers and the Tooth of Ymir attacked the Kaifeng SMM, the Sarna Martial Academy's First Battalion, and Grim Determination. The Grenadiers fled after taking substantial losses from the air superiority of the defenders. The Tooth of Ymir surrendered.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Sakhalin
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':Grim Determination and the newly hired Tooth of Ymir liberated Sakhalin from the single battalion of Kingston's Legionnaires.
 
: '''Source''':
 
  
 +
== Bibliography ==
 +
* ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]''
 +
* ''[[Shattered Sphere]]''
  
: '''Planet''':Kaifeng
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':The Kaifeng SMM liberated the planet from Liao-friendly forces.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
====[[Sirian Holds]]====
 
: '''Planet''':Procyon
 
: '''Attackers''':civilians
 
: '''Defenders''':Jo's Fourth Cavalry
 
: '''Outcome''':Jo's Fourth Cavalry and Boodelay's Backup (both Mercs) defended both planets. The units were crushed by followers of Alisendar Gyrn (he believe he his the reborn Jerome Blake). Followers destroying all modern technology. Thugs of Gyrn's began rounding up dissidents, intellectuals, technicians, and many others, ostensibly to begin their re-education as purificaton for a new era. <br />Both plaents were later liberated through an attack by the Sirian Lancers.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''': Sirius
 
: '''Attackers''':civilians
 
: '''Defenders''':Boodelay's Backup
 
: '''Outcome''':
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
====[[Styk Commonality]]====
 
 
: '''Planet''':Styk
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''': The Third Donegal Guards abandoned the planet, leading to chaos and civil unrest. Pro-Capellan forces were defeated through the intervention of assorted mercenary units. Styk and Gan Singh later created the Styk Commonality.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Gan Singh
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':Pro-Capellan forces were defeated by assorted mercenary units. The planet announced the creation of the [[Styk Commonality]] to defend themselves.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
====[[Terracap Confederation]]====
 
 
: '''Planet''':Terra Firma
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':A huge part of the Lyran defenders abandoned the world after the declaration of the Lyran Alliance. The remaining militia held off the pro-Capellan forces until the arrival of the Blackhearts mercenary unit. The mercs and revolutionaries defeated the defenders.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':[[Capella]]
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':The Fists of Mokal landed on the planet and forged an alliance with one faction. After their victory on one planet they succed on Terra Firma too.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
==== Independent Worlds of [[Chaos March]] ====
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Acamar
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':Capellan agents and their nobel private armies seized the planet. Merchants hired the [[Tiger Sharks]]. The mercs turn the cause of the war but were repulsed by an counterattack of pro-Liao forces. No central goverment exist. Many indepent City states are the rule.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Arboris
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''': Two battalions of [[Ishara's Grenadiers]] pressed hard on the understrenght [[Arboris SMM]]. As the Grenadiers began to harass the civilian a resitance movement were born. The Farmers Freedom Army forged an alliance with the Arboris SMM. The Freedom army turned against the SMM after a great victory over the Grenadiers. None of the three faction have enough power to controll the hole planet.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Bryant
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':Liao and Marik forces bypassed Bryant for more tempting targets.  A local warlord calling himself Viscount Dvensky claimed Bryant as his fiefdom.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Caph
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':The Denebola Skye March Militia and Gustafson's Grenadiers (planetary homeguard) were on exercise when Liao agents make uprises on the planet. The revolt was crashed by local forces. As consequence two factions odered each to surrender but none agreed. Lindon's Battalion were on the planet for rest and refit. The unit saw themself as neutral but were attacked. The [[Stealthy Tigers]] and [[Always Faithful]] mercs landed too and shift the tide in the Liao corner. No faction have total controll on the planet.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Carver V
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':Liao sympathizers, aided and abetted by Capellan agents, took advantage of the Liao-Marik invasion to rebel against the planet's Commonwealth government. A mercenary heavy aerospace unit - [[Angels of No Mercy]] - inflicted heavy damage on the FedCom militia. 4 fation (pro-davion,-steiner,-marik and liao) battle over the planet for controll.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Elgin
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':The 5th Republican were on the planet for the protection of the noble elite. The command were unsuccesful by the defense of important sites. The commander were demasquerad as a Maskirovka spy. The noble forces attacked the FedCom forces and after their defeat turn on each other.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Epsilon Eridani
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':The Epsilon Eridani SMM rooted the liao cells out with great effectivity. The commander of the milita declare the indepence from every great house. He were elected as leader of the planet.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Epsilon Indi
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':The Zhanzheng de guang make and uprising against the goverment. They were widely defeated by the combined forces of milita and citizens. The pro-liao forces get support through the [[Langendorf Lancers]] (Marik-Mercs) but culdn't make a final decision.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Fletcher
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':Zhanzheng de guang guerillas fight against a strong and effective citizen's militia. No faction have total controll.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Genoa
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':After early victories for the militia (they have a informant in the liao forces) the where crushed by the rebels. Local cooperation battle them down and fight against each other for the next presidency of the planet.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Hall
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':The 4th Republican crushed any rebel movement with brutal force. The commander of the unit crowning himself Emperor of Hall after the speech of Katherine Steiner-Davion. One local opposition remain on the planet and the Ridzik twins Yuri and Nikoli are fighting too against the other faction. 
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Hsien
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':The Second F-C RCT were rooted out by the First and Second Regiments of the MAC. The unit was later destroyed on Elgin by Swann Cavaliers.
 
:After the assault three realms have been established and the balance of power is stable.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Keid
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':A short-lived anti-Davion rebellion led to the fall of power from Duke Joseph Hunsen. His daughter were later installed in power and she ask for help from the Lyran Alliance. The Archon sent the 30th Lyran Guards as support.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':New Home
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':The 30th Lyran Guards declared martial law after repeated attacks on their forces. The planetary government lost control and the rebels gained more power. The guards fight against the new formed New Home Regulars (mixed regiment) but neither force could win a last.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Northwind
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':The Chancellor helped the Highlanders through an agent. The 3rd Royals battle about the control but lost against the combined might of two regiments (MacLeod's Highlanders + Stirling's Fusiliers).
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Outreach
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao proclaimed Outreach as an independent barony of the Capellan Confederation. The Dragoons gover the planet wih fair hand.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
 
: '''Planet''':Sheratan
 
: '''Attackers''':
 
: '''Defenders''':
 
: '''Outcome''':The Sheratan Knights (single regiment of warriors loyal to the FedCom) make short work with the rebels. The arrival of the [[Fist of Mokal]] turned the tide for the Liao forces. The local government collapsed after huge fires on the planet.
 
: '''Source''':
 
 
==Planets attacked by the CCAF==
 
 
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
 
|-
 
! Planet
 
! FedCom Forces
 
! CCAF
 
|-
 
|Sarna
 
|Grim Determination and Sarna Martial Academy Training Battalion
 
|Stapleton's Grenadiers<ref>''[[Mercenaries Supplemental II]], p.45''</ref>
 
|-
 
|Campertown
 
|Twelfth Vegan Rangers {Alpha}
 
|Fourth Tau Ceti Rangers
 
|-
 
|Wazan
 
|6th Syrtis Fusiliers
 
|Kamakura's Hussars 
 
|-
 
|Wei
 
|Wei CMM
 
|1st MAC   
 
|-
 
|Kaifeng
 
|Kaifeng SMM
 
|-
 
|Sakhalin
 
|3rd F-C RCT ?
 
|3rd MAC
 
|-
 
|Second Try
 
|8th F-C RCT
 
|???
 
|-
 
|New Canton
 
|1st Kestrel Grenadiers
 
|???                               
 
|-
 
|Corey
 
|Corey SMM
 
|???
 
|-
 
|Raballa
 
|???
 
|???
 
|-
 
|Lesalles
 
|4th F-C RCT
 
|???
 
|-
 
|Shengsi
 
|5th Crucis Lancers
 
|???
 
|-
 
|Tsitang
 
|5th F-C RCT
 
|???
 
|-
 
|Styk
 
|3rd Donegal Guards (FM LA p. 64)
 
|Warrior House Imarra
 
|-
 
|Elnath
 
|15th Arcturan Guards (FM LA p. 56)
 
|???
 
|-
 
|Phact
 
|2nd Robinson Rangers
 
|???
 
|-
 
|Tsinghai
 
|12th Vegan {Beta}
 
|???
 
|-
 
|Old Kentucky
 
|12th Vegan {Gamma}
 
|???
 
|-
 
|Chamdo
 
|12th Vegan {Delta}
 
|???
 
|-
 
|Truth
 
|20th Avalon Hussars
 
|???
 
|-
 
|Tsingtao
 
|6th Lyran Guards
 
|???
 
|-
 
|Bora
 
|5th Syrtis Fusiliers
 
|???
 
|}
 
 
<br />In roughly six months, the Confederation reclaimed nineteen systems lost during the Fourth Succession War and also instigated pro-Liao movements or anti-Davion rebellions on more than fifty other worlds.
 
 
==Planets attacked by the FWLM==
 
 
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
 
|-
 
! Planet
 
! FWLM
 
! Defenders
 
|-
 
| Acamar
 
| Greenburg's Godzillas (Mercs)
 
| Militia
 
|-
 
| Asuncion (FWL)
 
| 3rd Free Worlds Legionnaires<br />3rd Free Worlds Guards<br />1st Atrean Dragoons
 
| Zion-backed Mercenaries<br />Unruly Mob
 
|-
 
| Callison
 
| 4th Free Worlds Legionnaires<br />1st Free Worlds Guards<br />Falcons
 
| 11th Lyran Guards<br />Planetary Militia<br />(Guards withdrew when Falcons arrived on-world)
 
|-
 
| Caph (CM)
 
| Stealthy Tigers (Mercs)
 
| Gustafson's Grenadiers (Mercs)
 
|-
 
| Capolla
 
| Blackhearts (Mercs)<br />Assisted CCAF
 
| Lyran Garrison (Unknown)
 
|-
 
| Castor
 
| 3rd Sirian Lancers
 
| Handful of militia regiments
 
|-
 
| Denebola
 
| 6th Free Worlds Legionnaires
 
| small planetary militia
 
|-
 
| Devil's Rock
 
| 3rd Free Worlds Guards
 
| Planetary Militia
 
|-
 
| Elgin
 
| Swann's Cavaliers (Mercs)<br />Assisted CCAF?
 
| 2nd FedCom RCT
 
|-
 
| Graham IV
 
| 30th Marik Militia
 
| Planetary Militia
 
|-
 
| Marcus
 
| 7th Free Worlds Legionnaires<br />12th Atrean Dragoons<br />5th Marik Militia
 
| 12th FedCom RCT
 
|-
 
| Oliver
 
| 20th Marik Militia<br />1st Orloff Grenadiers
 
| 3rd NAIS Cadre
 
|-
 
| Pollux
 
| 34th Marik Militia
 
| 7 militia regiments
 
|-
 
| Procyon
 
| 4th Free Worlds Legionnaires<br />1st Sirian Lancers
 
| Mercenaries
 
|-
 
| Sirius
 
| 2nd Sirian Lancers<br />3rd Sirian Lancers
 
|(Unknown, probably mercs) Sirian Holds Campaign
 
|-
 
| Talithia
 
| Atrean Hussars<br />6th Marik Militia<br />Iron Guard
 
| 1st Republican
 
|-
 
| Van Diemon IV
 
| 10th Marik Militia<br />3rd Oriente Hussars
 
| 3rd Republican
 
|-
 
| Wasat
 
| 13th Marik Militia<br />2nd Sirian Lancers<br />4th Oriente Hussars<br />21st Centauri Lancers (Mercs)
 
| 2nd Republican
 
|-
 
| Zosma
 
| 9th Marik Militia
 
| FedCom Militia
 
|-
 
| Zurich
 
| Crater Cobras (Mercs)
 
| (Unknown)
 
|}
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Unknown) Barrett's Fusiliers (Mercs) (Unknown) Assisted CCAF
 
(Unknown) Redfield's Renegades (Mercs) (Unknown) Assisted CCAF
 
 
 
== References ==
 
<references />
 
  
[[Category: Events]]
 
 
[[Category: Clan Invasion Era Military Operations|Guerrero, Operation]]
 
[[Category: Clan Invasion Era Military Operations|Guerrero, Operation]]

Latest revision as of 19:04, 6 March 2024

Operation GUERRERO
Part of the Clan Invasion
Start Date September 3057
End Date December 3057
Result Overall FedCom defeat[citation needed]
Territorial
changes
* Free Worlds League: Recovers most planets lost in Fourth Succession War.
  • Capellan Confederation: Recovers some planets lost in the Fourth Succession War.
  • Federated Commonwealth: Loses majority of acquisitions from the Fourth Succession War; split into two nations, Lyran Alliance and Federated Suns.
  • Creation of new region called the Chaos March.
Factions
Attacker
Free Worlds League, Capellan Confederation
Defender
Federated Commonwealth
Conditions
Normal


Operation GUERRERO was a short conflict between the Federated Commonwealth, the Free Worlds League, and the Capellan Confederation. Despite lasting only four months, the conflict set the stage for serious repercussions over the next two decades, ultimately precipitating the FedCom Civil War. The conflict was from September to December of 3057.[1]

Background[edit]

After the death of Joshua Marik in 3057, Victor Steiner-Davion replaced the child with a double to keep war supplies from the Free Worlds League coming to his forces. Thomas Marik discovered this substitution in September of that year, and ordered the Free Worlds League Military to attack the Federated Commonwealth in retaliation for the deception. Most of these worlds were former Free Worlds League planets that the Federated Commonwealth had captured and integrated into the Sarna March. Sun-Tzu Liao ordered the Capellan Confederation Armed Forces to attack Sarna March worlds as well to support his (possible) father-in-law.

Simultaneously with the attacks on the Sarna March by the FWLM and CCAF, Katherine Steiner-Davion announced the formation of the Lyran Alliance and declared her nation neutral in the conflict.

Military Actions[edit]

The Federated Commonwealth was completely taken by surprise by the attacks, as most of their attention was on the Clan front. The LIC, DMI, and MIIO erroneously attributed the movements of the FWLM attackers along the Sarna March border to routine troop movements.

FWLM First Wave[edit]

In September 3057, the FWLM attacked the Callison, Denebola, Marcus, Van Diemen IV, Talitha and Wasat systems. Each system was attacked by three FWLM regiments and were specifically chosen because they were garrisoned by Federated Commonwealth troops.[2]

Callison was attacked by the 4th Free Worlds Legionnaires, 1st Free Worlds Guards, and Silver Hawk Irregular's Falcon regiment. The 11th Lyran Guards withdrew in good order from the system, basically leaving the system to the FWLM forces. The remaining planetary militia resisted for several days.[2]

Denebola was taken by the 6th Free Worlds Legionnaires, Atrean Hussars, and 4th Marik Militia. Though normally defended by a Sarna March Militia unit, the Denebola FTM was conducting exercises on Caph with Gustafson's Grenadiers[3] which left the system's defense to the small planetary militia. The planetary militia surrendered without firing a shot.[2]

The attack on Marcus was very different from the Callison and Denebola attacks. Defended by the 12th FedCom RCT, Marcus was attacked by the 7th Free Worlds Legionnaires, 5th Marik Militia, and 12th Atrean Dragoons. The FedCom 'Mech regiment attacked the larger force in a suicidal attempt to provide time for the rest of the FedCom defenders to withdraw. This attack destroyed a third of the Seventh Legionnaires, but the Fifth Militia and Twelfth Dragoons circled behind the Twelfth FedCom's 'Mechs and destroyed them.

On Van Diemen IV the FedCom defenders successfully held off the 10th Marik Militia and 23rd Marik Militia regiments, and the 3rd Oriente Hussars until December, when the 1st Sirian Lancers reinforced the FWLM.

Talitha was secured for the Free Worlds League by the 6th Marik Militia and Atrean Hussars.[4]

The 2nd Republican regiment was destroyed on Wasat by the Thirteenth Marik Militia, 4th Oriente Hussars, and 2nd Sirian Lancers.

FWLM Second Wave[edit]

With more time to prepare, the FedCom defenders did marginally better at defending their systems from the Free Worlds League forces that attacked, though they lost Devil's Rock, Oliver, Castor, Pollux, and Zosma. Unlike the first wave, the FWLM didn't always use overwhelming force when taking these systems, allowing the FedCom defenders to give a better performance.

On Devil's Rock the 3rd Free Worlds Guards were rapidly bogged down in a harsh fight with the planetary militia, but eventually crushed all organized resistance.

The 3rd NAIS Cadet Cadre cost the 20th Marik Militia and the 1st Orloff Grenadiers dearly, but eventually were forced off of Oliver.

Castor and Zosma were only defended by a few planetary militia units which were easily defeated by the 3rd Sirian Lancers (Castor) and the 9th Marik Militia (Zosma).

Pollux's defenders were limited to two regiments: One each of armor and infantry. The other five regiments either withdrew to the Lyran Alliance or joined the Free Worlds League, so the 34th Marik Militia gained control of the system within a week of their arrival.

Role of the Capellan Confederation[edit]

Though the death of Joshua Marik and the attempt to deceive the Captain-General was the excuse given for starting Operation GUERRERO, the Free Worlds League Military wasn't the major aggressor in the struggle. Once the FWLM forces took possession of the eleven Sarna March systems that had belonged to the Free Worlds League prior to the Fourth Succession War, Thomas Marik ordered his troops to consolidate their holdings.

Sun-Tzu Liao, however, had been fomenting rebellion on many Sarna March worlds since he took the Celestial Throne in 3052 and wouldn't be satisfied until all the former Capellan worlds were once again part of the Confederation. While engaged to Isis Marik he also pushed Thomas to assist him in attacking the Sarna March. For five years Thomas refused, but when Operation GUERRERO began, the LCCC assigned the tactical and strategic command rights of several mercenary units to the CCAF.

Capellan preparations pre-GUERRERO[edit]

The Capellan Confederation sponsored pro-Capellan terrorist groups on former Sarna March worlds, and in 3056 these groups stepped up their attacks on Federated Commonwealth forces. The most well-known terrorist group, Zhanzheng de Guang (War of Light), struck police and militia units on Aldebaran, Gan Singh, Zurich, and Styk.[5] Throughout 3056 and 3057 the Zhanzheng de Guang and other terror groups set up cells on Acamar, Fletcher, and Nanking. These groups did whatever they could to destabilize the Davion-installed governments, but neither the CCAF nor FWLM would commit troops to support their efforts until Operation GUERRERO was authorized.

CCAF First Wave[edit]

Five Warrior House regiments attacked Liao on the same day that the Free Worlds League announced hostilities with the Federated Commonwealth. The Liao SMM surrendered without a shot being fired and the system fell immediately. At the same time, the Zhanzheng de Guang took control of Zurich, overthrowing the existing pro-Davion government.[5]

In the invasion zone bordering the Confederation proper, Sun-Tzu Liao launched invasions of nine worlds. Regiments were used to confront lone Davion battalions, and trios of regiments to attack single AFFC regiments. All nine invasion were complete successes. Simultaneously with this, revolutionary activity on eight nearby worlds was stepped up to the point the pro-Liao forces were engaged in hit-and-run attacks that would seriously fatigue the AFFC garrisons, leaving them vulnerable for the second CCAF wave.[6]

CCAF Second Wave[edit]

At the start of Operation GUERRERO's second wave, Sun-Tzu Liao activated guerrilla networks on Caph, Keid, New Home, Epsilon Indi, and Northwind in an attempt to return the worlds to the Capellan Confederation. These revolts were successful on each world except Epsilon Indi, and the FWLM sent mercenary units to every world except Keid. (Keid would later join the Lyran Alliance.)

On Northwind, home of the famed Northwind Highlander regiments, the pro-Liao terrorist activity, in fact a lone Death Commando manipulating the Highlanders, made a rebellion began. The Battle of Northwind (3057) prompted Victor Davion to send the 3rd Royal Guards to insure the planet didn't leave the Federated Commonwealth. The Third's commander attempted to take the planet by force when on-world Highlanders started debating who they should fight for. This action prompted the off-world Northwind Highlander units to return home to liberate their planet, practically destroying the Third Royal Guard RCT in the process.[7] Sun-Tzu declared Northwind an independent Confederation barony and permanently ceded it to the Highlanders.[8][9]

Zurich fell to a pro-Davion group when the Crater Cobras mercenary unit's Black Cobras regiment was ordered to Nanking by the LCCC.

The Black Cobras were assigned to secure Nanking for the Capellan Confederation, which would bring the system's factories under CCAF control. As the Cobras were making planetfall, their DropShips were destroyed by explosives placed by saboteurs. This effectively wiped out the Black Cobras as a whole, and Smithson's Chinese Bandits (a Marik mercenary unit already on Nanking) surrendered to the planet's defenders when a Federated Commonwealth relief force arrived.

Another attack in the operation happened at the beginning of November on the planet New Canton. The FedCom defenders, the First Kestrel Grenadiers, found themselves besieged by part of McCarron's Armored Cavalry and the mercenary Twenty-first Centauri Lancers. The assault failed because the Lancers felt they were being used as cannon fodder, so they terminated their contract and retreated off planet.[10]

Aftermath[edit]

There were several important outcomes that resulted from Operation GUERRERO's success. The most obvious was the destruction of the Federated Commonwealth when Katherine Steiner-Davion formed the Lyran Alliance. Her actions, and Victor's efforts to oppose her, ultimately led to the FedCom Civil War.

Though the Free Worlds League gained eleven systems it had lost, the real victor was the Capellan Confederation. Most of the Capellan Confederation's Sarna Commonality worlds, controlled by the Federated Commonwealth since the Fourth Succession War, would return to the Capellan Confederation. (Ironically, this didn't include Sarna, which became one of several independent states in the Chaos March.) Sun-Tzu Liao would also create a new commonality centered on Liao.

The other major outcome of this conflict was the creation of the Chaos March, where forces loyal to the Capellan Confederation, Free Worlds League, Federated Suns, and Word of Blake struggled for control of many of the former Sarna March worlds. Rather than a single strong entity that the Capellan Confederation couldn't defeat, the Chaos March comprised at least six minor and short-lived independent nations. Sun-Tzu Liao's Xin Sheng–inspired CCAF would have little trouble conquering these nations in the next few decades.

References[edit]

  1. Era Report: 3062, p. 23: "Timeline of Events"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Shattered Sphere, p. 74: "Operation Guerrero, First Wave"
  3. Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 114
  4. Shattered Sphere, p. 74: Third FWLM regiment and FedCom defending unit not named in source
  5. 5.0 5.1 Shattered Sphere, p. 68
  6. Bred for War, p. 100
  7. Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 98
  8. Shattered Sphere, p. 68: "The Highlander Gambit"
  9. These events are detailed in the novel Highlander Gambit by Blaine Lee Pardoe.
  10. All Good Things Shrapnel#4 p. 158

Bibliography[edit]