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Difference between revisions of "Wilson's Hussars"
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| image = [[File:Wilson's Hussars.jpg|150px|Emblem of Wilson's Hussars]]
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{{Update Needed|[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]}}
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| Designation = Wilson's Hussars
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{{infoBoxMercUnit
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| Formed = [[3007]]
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| image     = [[File:Wilson's Hussars.jpg]]
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| Disbanded = [[3076]]
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| unitname  = Wilson's Hussars: Never Give Up
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| Previous Designation = Lafarge Hussars
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| year      = 3067
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| Nickname =  
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| commander = Major Donna Wilson
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| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]]
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| jumpships = no
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----
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| dropships = yes
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[[Federated Suns]] (formerly)
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| aero      = no
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----
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| armor    = yes
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[[Capellan Confederation]] (formerly)
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| infantry  = yes
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| Parent Command = Independent
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| Sub-Command =
 
}}
 
}}
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'''Wilson's Hussars''', aka  '''Wilson's Wimps''', (2996–3067) and '''Wilson's Winners''' (3067–3076) was the quintessential hard-luck mercenaries of the [[thirty-first century]].<ref>''Mercenary Handbook'', p. 65</ref>
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
−
For years Wilson’s Hussars had been seen as the prime example of
+
===Foundation===
−
the hard-luck mercenary command, with other mercenaries uttering their
+
Originally a Capellan battalion, the '''Lafarge Hussars''', the unit which would one day become '''Wilson's Hussars''' started as a proud and celebrated unit, faithfully serving [[House Liao]] for countless years in numerous battles under the command of near-legendary Major Alexander Floyd. This all ended on the contested planet [[Battle of Burroughs (2996)|Battle of Burroughs]] in [[2996]], when the [[Federated Suns]] [[6th Syrtis Fusiliers]] crushed them. Over a third of the unit's MechWarriors died in the short but savage fight, as well as Major Floyd, when a drop pod crushed his [[Warhammer]]. The rest of the battalion surrendered and were allowed to retain their equipment in exchange for swearing fealty to [[House Davion]], becoming a regular militia attached to their victors.<ref name=MH-93>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 93</ref>
−
name as an analogy of failure and poverty. In an effort to reverse this,
 
−
Major Donna Wilson launched a one-woman crusade to bring her
 
−
Hussars back from the brink of oblivion as soon as she assumed command
 
−
in the mid-3050s. Arriving on [[Outreach]] in [[3056]] on board a
 
−
decrepit—and, as some suggested, stolen—DropShip, the Hussars
 
−
began a desperate hunt for new contracts that finally struck gold when a
 
−
small-time freelance security force offered to join the command, infusing
 
−
the Hussars with new blood and new capabilities. The much-needed
 
−
boost helped the Hussars win a contract with the Federated Suns on the
 
−
eve of the [[FedCom Civil War]], where the reformed Hussars would finally
 
−
face their trial by fire.
 
−
The [[FedCom Civil War]] proved to be the career turning point that
 
−
Wilson’s Hussars needed when they led an ad-hoc force of assorted smaller merc units to victory against the [[17th Arcturan Guards]] on [[Small World]]. Emerging victorious by the fall of [[3066]], when the fighting for [[Small World]] ended the Hussars signed a new longterm
 
−
contract with the [[Federated Suns]] and settled down on [[Nopah]] to rest, refit, and await new orders.
 
−
The start of the [[Jihad]] soon found the Hussars on the defensive. Though they took no part in the initial strikes of Duke Hasek’s
 
−
[[Operation Sovereign Justice]] or the defense against the [[Capellan]] counterattack, the Hussars were still placed on alert as the Word of
 
−
Blake’s forces surged beyond their [[Chaos March]] conquests to expand their Protectorate in all directions. In late [[3068]], Blake troops finally
 
−
hit [[Nopah]]. The combined-arms Hussars quickly went to ground after the zealots landed, fighting hit-and-run actions until they were
 
−
able to retreat to [[Valexa]] by early [[3069]]. Desperate to maintain the defensive lines against Blake encroachment, the [[AFFS]] officially reassigned
 
−
the Hussars to [[Valexa]] in June [[3069]] and extended their contract through [[3072]]. <ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'' p118</ref>
 
  
 +
They remained in service to House Davion for many years, giving faithful if not exemplary service. Finally, shorted by three months of back pay, Major Jennifer Langstrom led the fully restored Hussars battalion out of Davion service for the mercenary life. She believed it would prove more profitable than the garrison duties they were drawing from their [[Federated Suns]] masters. Taking service with [[House Kurita]] in [[3007]], they did at first excel, defending successfully [[New Samarkand]], which netted them with a lance of 'mechs and a ''Leopard'' DropShip. The Hussars seemed destined for greatness.<ref name=MH-93/>
  
−
Long considered the epitome of hard luck units, Wilson’s Hussars suffered for years from
+
After their initial successes came a series of less successful missions and the Hussars left Kurita service for more glory and the hopes of a restored reputation in the service of House Liao. Though initially the unit served well and was successful, their luck ran out in [[3014]] on the planet [[St. Ives]]. Defending against a House Davion raid Major Langstrom lost her life when armored units destroyed her ''[[BattleMaster]]''. Her brother Michael Langstrom then took command, leading to an era of disaster and deterioration for the once storied Hussars.<ref name=MH-93/>
−
a combination of bad luck, poor commanders, and abysmal battlefield performance until Major
 
−
Donna Wilson began a one-woman crusade to drag her unit away from its hand-to-mouth existence.
 
−
After several months of fruitless attempts to land even minor garrison contracts, the
 
−
Hussars received a lucky break when a small-time freelance corporate security force with limited
 
−
technical support resources offered to join the unit. The addition of three lances of [[Drillson]]
 
−
hovertanks, two platoons of infantry, and a small technical support crew provided a much-needed
 
−
boost to the Hussars, who landed a contract with the [[Federated Suns]] at the outset of the [[FedCom Civil War]].
 
−
During the war, Wilson’s command experience was put to the test when she and the Hussars were given command of an ad-hoc
 
−
force comprised of various [[Chaos March]] mercenary commands, and the unit sustained moderate damage in the fighting for [[Small World]]
 
−
under contract to Major General Robert Koenig of the [[5th Syrtis Fusiliers]]. In return for promises of “quite favorable” salvage rights and preferential treatment for future [[AFFS]] contracts, the Hussars led a two-battalion force to victory against the Seventeenth Arcturan Guard after two weeks of heavy fighting. General Davis Lillie of the Seventeenth ultimately surrendered the planet to Koenig after a Hussar-led combat drop on their landing zone shattered the last of the Loyalist regiment’s resolve.
 
−
After the fighting on [[Small World]] ended, the Hussars negotiated mergers with several of the units that had been attached to their command.
 
−
Though some, including one company from [[Harlock’s Warriors]] opted to return to their former posts and commands, the addition
 
−
of the others as new assets swelled the Hussars’ ranks from two ’Mech lances to one battalion and has given them renewed confidence.
 
−
They still have a long way to go, however, before they completely erase the hard-luck image that has haunted them for so long.
 
−
Today, Wilson’s Hussars paint their machines in a patchwork of purple and white—a vast improvement over the mismatched colors
 
−
and primer schemes of their leaner years. The unit insignia is a rectangular field split horizontally into purple and white halves, with a
 
−
hand giving the “OK” sign. <ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 65</ref>
 
  
 +
Under Michael Langstrom's uninspired leadership, though only lasted two years, the unit's morale deteriorated. His command style caused near mutiny and his inability to effectively lead led to disaster after disaster, culminating on Ingersol, where, due to incompetence and panic, he caused most of the Hussars to be destroyed in the crash of the [[DropShip]] he ordered into danger to save him.<ref name=MH-93/> Though Langstrom did survive the initial crash, his 'Mech was soon destroyed by energy weapon fire. His assistant, Captain [[David Wilson (Wilson's Hussars)|David Wilson]], which had killed him, succeeded Michael as leader of the now called ''Wilson's Hussars'', and led the remnants of the unit to safety on their remaining DropShip.<ref name=MH-93/>
  
−
The unit changed under [[Major]] Donna Wilson was fundamental. A lucky combination of force expansion (12 [[Drillson]]s + 2 company platoons + support stuff) and a good contract shifted the direction of the units long painful skid.
+
===The Periphery Years===
 +
In [[3018]], a corrupt Kurita official framed the Hussars for bribery, and successfully sued in the [[MRB]] courts to withhold payment for their victorious raid on [[Suk II]]. They launched a counterraid on [[Kobe]], but were badly beaten.<ref name=MH-93/> By [[3021]] Wilson's Hussars had officially gone rogue, based on the Periphery world of [[Butte Hold]] and in the employ of the Bandit King [[Redjack Ryan]]. Ryan tasked the Hussars with raiding the Draconis Combine world of [[Kimball VI]]. Kimball VI had a population of just 100,000, and relied on the small planetary militia and the [[Laws Flight]] mercenary unit for defense; Ryan envisaged an easy raid, securing him mining and ore processing equipment in the face of little resistance.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp20">''Technical Readout: 3026'', p. 18; ''Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition'', p. 20: "Warrior H-7 Attack Helicopter"</ref> Sheila Bannock, the unit's Executive Officer (and close friend of Captain Wilson) had recently been killed in a bar brawl, however, and Wilson's grief had compromised his usual tactical skill.<ref name=MH-94>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 94</ref>
  
−
==Officer==
+
The Hussars landed thirty kilometers south of a mountain range with active mines and moved north in [[company]] strength. By the time the Hussars reached the foothills they had been targeted by the mercenary garrison, who proceeded to ambush and harass the Hussars using their [[Warrior (Combat Vehicle)|Warrior H-7 Attack Helicopters]]. The Hussars couldn't close with the fast VTOLs after the initial ambush against the Hussars' Recon Lance, but Wilson insisted on trying, leading his entire company in pursuit of the mercenaries. That pursuit ended in an ambush in a box canyon, where the waiting planetary militia dropped SRMs and Infernos on the luckless Hussars. After losing 3 [['Mech]]s Wilson called for a general retreat, and his surviving 'Mechs were harassed constantly by the mercenary helicopters all the way back to their drop zone.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp20"/>
−
Major Donna Wilson is the daughter of the former commander and will continue the family business. Major Wilson gave birth to twin sons Charles and Theodore during the unit’s time on Outreach, ensuring that Wilson’s Hussars will continue to stay in the family.
 
  
−
==Tactic==
+
Following the disastrous defeat, the Hussars terminated employment with Ryan. They picked up a contract with [[Helmar Valasek]], Bandit King of [[Santander V]] shortly thereafter. Valasek assigned some of his own MechWarriors to assist the Hussars in raiding Longbow Mountain in the [[Taurian Concordat]]. They had to launch a ground assault against the fortress, while a team of [[Santander's Killers]] attacked from the top. The fortress' artillery was formidable, and this raid failed disastrously as well. The Hussars were shattered, and forced to escape to the landing zone, where the Killers rendezvous after them. In fact, the Hussars weren't only a distraction: they also were literally cannon fodder, and ironically, their so called ''cowardice'' saved them: the Killers had orders to retreat without them, leaving them behind to die. When the news of their survival reached the Bandit King, he ordered the retreating Hussars to be abandoned in [[Lushann]], on the [[Outworlds Alliance]], where they remained through at least [[3025]].<ref name=MH-94/><ref>''After Action Report: Longbow Mountain'' in ''Shrapnel#11'', pp. 183–184</ref>
−
The unit prefer personal/physical combat and hammer the enemy in the ground while the conventionel forces seed chaos in the rear area.
+
 
 +
===Return to the Inner Sphere===
 +
In [[3050]], following a possible tangle with the Clans, the Hussars returned to Outreach with just two operational Lances of 'Mechs and (allegedly) the same trashed DropShip that had evacuated them from [[Ingersoll]] thirty years previously. While David Wilson was still in command, his daughter Donna (who led their retreat from the Periphery)<ref name=CMM-70>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 70</ref> would assume his mantle by 3056.<ref name=FMM-94/> It seemed the prototypical hard-luck unit had finally hit rock-bottom. On Outreach the Hussars initially scrambled for contracts, willing to accept anything to allow them to continue to exist as a unit.<ref name=FMM-94/> After months of fruitless searching a bit of luck fell their way when a small security force agreed to a merger, bringing with them a company of [[Drillson]] tanks and two platoons of infantry as well as much needed support personnel. From there on out things continued to change for the better.<ref name=MS-65>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 65: "Wilson's Hussars Profile"</ref>
 +
 
 +
Taking a contract with the [[Federated Suns]] in [[3056]] on the eve of the [[FedCom Civil War]], the unit served admirably, culminating in the defeat of the [[17th Arcturan Guards]] on the planet [[Small World]]. The Hussars were tasked with command of an ad hoc unit of many smaller mercenary units in this victory. Afterwards many of the forces they led chose to join the Hussars, increasing their 'Mech assets from two [[Lance]]s to a full [[Battalion]] in strength.<ref name=MS-65/> With this added strength the Wilson's Hussars once again flirted with greatness. For the first time in a long time, they seemed ready to face the future with at least some chance for victory.<ref name=MS-65/>
 +
 
 +
===The Jihad===
 +
Wilson's Hussars were under a long-term contract for the [[AFFS]] when the [[Word of Blake Jihad]] broke out. Stationed on the breadbasket world of [[Nopah]], they faced a Blakist assault. A lucky shot of a Hussar's sniper killed the Blakist commander, and the unit used the opportunity to overrun the spaceport and flee in their own recovered DropShip. But their streak of good luck ended when they joined the AFFS as part of a force that landed on [[Schedar]] on the 2nd of December [[3076]]. Schedar was one of three worlds to be attacked simultaneously by the AFFS—the other two worlds being [[Caselton]] and [[Mirach]]—in an attempt to liberate the worlds from the [[Word of Blake Protectorate]].<ref>'Unit Digest: Wilson's Hussars''</ref><ref name="JHS:Tp23">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 23: "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp56">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 56: "The Jihad In Review"</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Destruction===
 +
The battle for Schedar was particularly brutal, and Wilson's Hussars were wiped out completely attempting to blunt the advance of [[Word of Blake]] troops counterattacking the AFFS forces. The sacrifice made by the Hussars gave the [[Cunningham's_Commandos#Merger|2nd Federated Suns Armored Cavalry]] the opportunity needed to regroup and eventually force the Blakists back.<ref name="JHS:Tp18">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', pp. 18–20: "AFFS Reclaims Three Worlds"</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Officers==
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank
 +
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name
 +
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Wilson's Hussars'''
 +
|-
 +
| [[Major]]||[[Alexander Floyd]]||??? - [[2996]]<ref name=MH-93/>
 +
|-
 +
| Major||[[Jennifer Langstrom]]||2996 - [[3014]]<ref name=MH-93/>
 +
|-
 +
| Major||[[Michael Langstrom]]|| 3014 - [[3016]]<ref name=MH-93/>
 +
|-
 +
| [[Captain]]||[[David Wilson (Wilson's Hussars)|David Wilson]]|| 3016 - [[3055]]<ref name=MH-93/>
 +
|-
 +
| Major||[[Donna Wilson]]||[[3056]] - [[3076]]<ref name=MS-65/><ref name=JHS:Tp18/>
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Other Officers===
 +
* [[Lieutenant]] [[Sheila Bannock]] was the Executive Officer from and unknown date until at least [[3021]]<ref name=MH-94/>
 +
* Lieutenants [[Paula Stilson]], [[Bryce MacDowell]], and [[Arthur Blankenship]] were Lance Commanders circa [[3025]].<ref name="MH-97">''The Mercenary's Handbook'', p.97</ref>
 +
* Lieutenant (later [[Captain]]) [[Kern Verrick]] was the Executive Officer, around [[3059]] and until [[3067]].<ref name="FMM-94">''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 94</ref><ref name=MS-65/>
 +
 
 +
==Tactics==
 +
The Hussars favor up-close-and-personal tactics,<ref name=FMM-94/><ref name=MS-65/> using 'Mech forces to hammer their opponents at close range while conventional assets wreak havoc in the enemies' rear. The Hussars prefer heavier-weight [[BattleMechs]] whenever possible, but rarely have more than a few functioning.<ref name=MS-65/>
 +
 
 +
==Composition History==
 +
===3014–3016===
 +
At some point during this period, the [[DropShip]] ''[[Morrow]]'' was lost.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 93</ref>
 +
 
 +
===3025===
 +
'''Wilson's Hussars''' (1 [[Company]]/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=MH-93/>
 +
* CO: Captain David Wilson
 +
:* Command Lance - ''[[Marauder]]'' (Good Condition); ''[[Griffin]], [[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]], [[Phoenix Hawk]]'' (all Crippled)
 +
:* Assault Lance - ''[[Warhammer]]'' (Damaged); ''[[Awesome]], [[Hunchback]]'' (Destroyed); ''[[Rifleman]]'' (Crippled)
 +
:* Fire Lance - ''[[Archer]], [[Jenner]]'' (Damaged), ''[[Enforcer]], [[Wasp]]'' (Crippled)
 +
:* Recon Lance - ''[[Ostroc]], [[Stinger]]'' (Damaged), ''[[Wasp]]'' (Crippled), ''[[Locust]]'' (Destroyed)
 +
:* Unassigned - ''[[Thunderbolt]], [[Ostscout]]'' (Severely Damaged)
 +
- The majority of the equipment of the Hussars is of Salvage or Destroyed quality at best. At this time there are only eight functional 'Mechs in the company.
 +
 
 +
===3050===
 +
'''Wilson's Hussars''' (1 [[Company]]/Veteran)<ref name=CMM-70/>
 +
*CO: Captain David Wilson
 +
:* Command Lance (Medium-Heavy) (Includes 1 ''[[Catapult]]'' with Clan Double Heat Sinks)
 +
:* Unknown Lance (Light-Medium)
 +
'''Aerospace Assets'''
 +
:* [[DropShip]] ''[[Red Eagle (Individual DropShip)|Red Eagle]]'',<ref name=CMM-70/><ref name=MH-93/> ''[[Union]]''-class
 +
 
 +
===3059===
 +
'''Wilson’s Hussars''' (2 Lances/Veteran/Questionable)<ref name= FMMercsp114/>
 +
:* CO: Major Donna Wilson)<ref name= FMMercsp114/>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Outreach]].<ref name = FMMercsp114 >'' Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 114</ref>
 +
 
 +
===3067===
 +
'''Wilson's Hussars''' (1 [[Battalion]]/Veteran/Questionable}<ref name=MS-65/>
 +
* CO: Major Donna Wilson
 +
** XO: Captain Kern Verrick
 +
 
 +
'''Murphy's Wrath''' (Mixed Armor/Infantry Company/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=MS-65/>
 +
* Able Platoon - Captain Malcolm Kavanaugh
 +
* Baker Platoon - [[Lieutenant]] Scott Walker
 +
* Mighty Mighty Drillsons - Lieutenant Daniel Jarra
 +
- Note: 12 [[Drillson]] Tanks in 6 Lances
 +
 
 +
===3076===
 +
''Wilson's Hussars''' (1 medium 'Mech battalion, 3 armor lances (Drillsons), 2 infantry platoons)<ref>'Unit Digest: Wilson's Hussars''</ref>
 +
 
 +
'''Aerospace Assets'''
 +
:* [[DropShip]] ''[[Raconteur]]'', ''[[Union]]''-class<ref name=MS-65/>
  
 
==Support==
 
==Support==
−
The unit members are all skilled in maintenance their machines, but they must hire additional forces for larger repairs. For transport the unit can use their own ''[[Union]]''-class DropShip, the ''Raconteur''.
+
===3025===
 +
The unit's support is "bleak", with only two Techs, a tiny stockpile of generic parts, no weaponry, and the majority of the Company's 'Mechs destroyed or barely operational. Only Wilson's [[Marauder]] is in good repair, and more than half of the 'Mechs are damaged beyond recovery.
 +
 
 +
===3050===
 +
No tech support, other than the MechWarriors themselves.<ref name=CMM-70/>
  
−
==Composition==
+
===3059===
−
===3067<ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 65, "Unit Composition"</ref>===
+
The unit is seeking contracts that pay in parts and tech support, with one advanced weapon (an ER PPC) and no Techs.<ref name="FMM-94"/>
−
'''Wilson’s Hussars'''(1 Battalion/Veteran/Questionable)
 
−
* CO/1st Battalion: Major Donna Wilson
 
−
* XO: [[Captain]] Kern Verrik
 
  
−
'''Murphy’s Wrath'''(1 Mixed [[Company]]/Regular/Reliable)
+
===3065===
−
* Able [[Platoon]]: Captain Malcolm Kavanaugh
+
Minor repairs can be handled by the integral support staff, MechWarriors and crews, but major repairs, updates and overhauls need additional support from external sources<ref name=MS-65/>
−
* Baker Platoon: [[Lieutenant]] Scott Walker
 
−
* Mighty Mighty Drillsons: Lieutenant Daniel Jarra
 
  
−
==Notes==
+
==Color Scheme==
−
*They own few advanced technologies and reserved it for the best pilots.
+
The Hussars use a patchwork of white and purple on their 'Mechs and vehicles; a vast improvement on what they've had over the decades.<ref>Mercenaries Supplemental, p. 65</ref>
−
*Tanks with infantry support.
 
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
File:Wilsonhussars-warriors.png  
+
File:Wilsonhussars-warriors.png|Members of Wilson's Hussars
−
File:Wilsonhussars-pin.png ‎  
+
File:Wilsonhussars-mechwarrior.png|A Wilson's Hussars MechWarrior
−
File:Wilsonhussars-mechwarrior.png ‎
+
File:Wilsonhussars-headband.png|Headband worn by members of Wilson's Hussars
−
File:Wilsonhussars-headband.png
+
File:Wilsonhussars-pin.png ‎|Pin worn by members of Wilson's Hussars
 +
File:Wilsonshussars-unit-commander.png|Wilson's Hussars unit commander insignia
 +
File:Wilsonshussars-lance-commander.png|Wilson's Hussars lance commander insignia
 +
File:Wilsonshussars-mechwarrior-batch.png|Wilson's Hussars MechWarrior insignia
 +
File:Wilson's Hussars MechWarrior.jpg|Wilson's Hussars MechWarriors scrounging
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Notes==
 +
* The most recent canon source, [[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]], states that the dropship the Hussars used to return to Outreach was the same ship on which they evacuated Ingersol. [[Mercenary's Handbook]], however, claims that they sold the ship (the ''Red Eagle'') to purchase transport from House Liao to the Periphery. It is plausible that the Hussars renamed a purchased or stolen ship after her, causing confusion in the MRB on their return, or even repurchased the lost ship. [[Mercenaries Supplemental]], however, names the Dropship as the ''Union''-class ''Raconteur''.
 +
 +
* [[Field Manual: Mercenaries]] (In-universe date 1 Oct 3059) gives information that directly conflicts with the dates and unit strengths given in the more recent [[Mercenaries: Supplemental]] (referencing the unit's FedCom Civil War performance and the period 3056–3060). This data is deliberately omitted.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references />
 
<references />
 +
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
−
*''[[Mercenaries Supplemental]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''
−
*''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]''  
+
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''
 +
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''
 +
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental]]''
 +
* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]''
 +
* ''[[Shrapnel #11|''Shrapnel'', Issue #11]]''
 +
* ''[[Unit Digest: Wilson's Hussars]] in [[Shrapnel (magazine)#Issue 13|Shrapnel, Issue 13]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition]]''
  
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Wilson's Hussars]]
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Wilson's Hussars]]

Latest revision as of 21:07, 14 January 2024

Emblem of Wilson's Hussars
Wilson's Hussars
Formed 3007
Disbanded 3076
Previous Designation(s) Lafarge Hussars
Affiliation Mercenary

Federated Suns (formerly)

Capellan Confederation (formerly)

Parent Command Independent

Wilson's Hussars, aka Wilson's Wimps, (2996–3067) and Wilson's Winners (3067–3076) was the quintessential hard-luck mercenaries of the thirty-first century.[1]

History[edit]

Foundation[edit]

Originally a Capellan battalion, the Lafarge Hussars, the unit which would one day become Wilson's Hussars started as a proud and celebrated unit, faithfully serving House Liao for countless years in numerous battles under the command of near-legendary Major Alexander Floyd. This all ended on the contested planet Battle of Burroughs in 2996, when the Federated Suns 6th Syrtis Fusiliers crushed them. Over a third of the unit's MechWarriors died in the short but savage fight, as well as Major Floyd, when a drop pod crushed his Warhammer. The rest of the battalion surrendered and were allowed to retain their equipment in exchange for swearing fealty to House Davion, becoming a regular militia attached to their victors.[2]

They remained in service to House Davion for many years, giving faithful if not exemplary service. Finally, shorted by three months of back pay, Major Jennifer Langstrom led the fully restored Hussars battalion out of Davion service for the mercenary life. She believed it would prove more profitable than the garrison duties they were drawing from their Federated Suns masters. Taking service with House Kurita in 3007, they did at first excel, defending successfully New Samarkand, which netted them with a lance of 'mechs and a Leopard DropShip. The Hussars seemed destined for greatness.[2]

After their initial successes came a series of less successful missions and the Hussars left Kurita service for more glory and the hopes of a restored reputation in the service of House Liao. Though initially the unit served well and was successful, their luck ran out in 3014 on the planet St. Ives. Defending against a House Davion raid Major Langstrom lost her life when armored units destroyed her BattleMaster. Her brother Michael Langstrom then took command, leading to an era of disaster and deterioration for the once storied Hussars.[2]

Under Michael Langstrom's uninspired leadership, though only lasted two years, the unit's morale deteriorated. His command style caused near mutiny and his inability to effectively lead led to disaster after disaster, culminating on Ingersol, where, due to incompetence and panic, he caused most of the Hussars to be destroyed in the crash of the DropShip he ordered into danger to save him.[2] Though Langstrom did survive the initial crash, his 'Mech was soon destroyed by energy weapon fire. His assistant, Captain David Wilson, which had killed him, succeeded Michael as leader of the now called Wilson's Hussars, and led the remnants of the unit to safety on their remaining DropShip.[2]

The Periphery Years[edit]

In 3018, a corrupt Kurita official framed the Hussars for bribery, and successfully sued in the MRB courts to withhold payment for their victorious raid on Suk II. They launched a counterraid on Kobe, but were badly beaten.[2] By 3021 Wilson's Hussars had officially gone rogue, based on the Periphery world of Butte Hold and in the employ of the Bandit King Redjack Ryan. Ryan tasked the Hussars with raiding the Draconis Combine world of Kimball VI. Kimball VI had a population of just 100,000, and relied on the small planetary militia and the Laws Flight mercenary unit for defense; Ryan envisaged an easy raid, securing him mining and ore processing equipment in the face of little resistance.[3] Sheila Bannock, the unit's Executive Officer (and close friend of Captain Wilson) had recently been killed in a bar brawl, however, and Wilson's grief had compromised his usual tactical skill.[4]

The Hussars landed thirty kilometers south of a mountain range with active mines and moved north in company strength. By the time the Hussars reached the foothills they had been targeted by the mercenary garrison, who proceeded to ambush and harass the Hussars using their Warrior H-7 Attack Helicopters. The Hussars couldn't close with the fast VTOLs after the initial ambush against the Hussars' Recon Lance, but Wilson insisted on trying, leading his entire company in pursuit of the mercenaries. That pursuit ended in an ambush in a box canyon, where the waiting planetary militia dropped SRMs and Infernos on the luckless Hussars. After losing 3 'Mechs Wilson called for a general retreat, and his surviving 'Mechs were harassed constantly by the mercenary helicopters all the way back to their drop zone.[3]

Following the disastrous defeat, the Hussars terminated employment with Ryan. They picked up a contract with Helmar Valasek, Bandit King of Santander V shortly thereafter. Valasek assigned some of his own MechWarriors to assist the Hussars in raiding Longbow Mountain in the Taurian Concordat. They had to launch a ground assault against the fortress, while a team of Santander's Killers attacked from the top. The fortress' artillery was formidable, and this raid failed disastrously as well. The Hussars were shattered, and forced to escape to the landing zone, where the Killers rendezvous after them. In fact, the Hussars weren't only a distraction: they also were literally cannon fodder, and ironically, their so called cowardice saved them: the Killers had orders to retreat without them, leaving them behind to die. When the news of their survival reached the Bandit King, he ordered the retreating Hussars to be abandoned in Lushann, on the Outworlds Alliance, where they remained through at least 3025.[4][5]

Return to the Inner Sphere[edit]

In 3050, following a possible tangle with the Clans, the Hussars returned to Outreach with just two operational Lances of 'Mechs and (allegedly) the same trashed DropShip that had evacuated them from Ingersoll thirty years previously. While David Wilson was still in command, his daughter Donna (who led their retreat from the Periphery)[6] would assume his mantle by 3056.[7] It seemed the prototypical hard-luck unit had finally hit rock-bottom. On Outreach the Hussars initially scrambled for contracts, willing to accept anything to allow them to continue to exist as a unit.[7] After months of fruitless searching a bit of luck fell their way when a small security force agreed to a merger, bringing with them a company of Drillson tanks and two platoons of infantry as well as much needed support personnel. From there on out things continued to change for the better.[8]

Taking a contract with the Federated Suns in 3056 on the eve of the FedCom Civil War, the unit served admirably, culminating in the defeat of the 17th Arcturan Guards on the planet Small World. The Hussars were tasked with command of an ad hoc unit of many smaller mercenary units in this victory. Afterwards many of the forces they led chose to join the Hussars, increasing their 'Mech assets from two Lances to a full Battalion in strength.[8] With this added strength the Wilson's Hussars once again flirted with greatness. For the first time in a long time, they seemed ready to face the future with at least some chance for victory.[8]

The Jihad[edit]

Wilson's Hussars were under a long-term contract for the AFFS when the Word of Blake Jihad broke out. Stationed on the breadbasket world of Nopah, they faced a Blakist assault. A lucky shot of a Hussar's sniper killed the Blakist commander, and the unit used the opportunity to overrun the spaceport and flee in their own recovered DropShip. But their streak of good luck ended when they joined the AFFS as part of a force that landed on Schedar on the 2nd of December 3076. Schedar was one of three worlds to be attacked simultaneously by the AFFS—the other two worlds being Caselton and Mirach—in an attempt to liberate the worlds from the Word of Blake Protectorate.[9][10][11]

Destruction[edit]

The battle for Schedar was particularly brutal, and Wilson's Hussars were wiped out completely attempting to blunt the advance of Word of Blake troops counterattacking the AFFS forces. The sacrifice made by the Hussars gave the 2nd Federated Suns Armored Cavalry the opportunity needed to regroup and eventually force the Blakists back.[12]

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of Wilson's Hussars
Major Alexander Floyd ??? - 2996[2]
Major Jennifer Langstrom 2996 - 3014[2]
Major Michael Langstrom 3014 - 3016[2]
Captain David Wilson 3016 - 3055[2]
Major Donna Wilson 3056 - 3076[8][12]

Other Officers[edit]

Tactics[edit]

The Hussars favor up-close-and-personal tactics,[7][8] using 'Mech forces to hammer their opponents at close range while conventional assets wreak havoc in the enemies' rear. The Hussars prefer heavier-weight BattleMechs whenever possible, but rarely have more than a few functioning.[8]

Composition History[edit]

3014–3016[edit]

At some point during this period, the DropShip Morrow was lost.[14]

3025[edit]

Wilson's Hussars (1 Company/Regular/Questionable)[2]

  • CO: Captain David Wilson

- The majority of the equipment of the Hussars is of Salvage or Destroyed quality at best. At this time there are only eight functional 'Mechs in the company.

3050[edit]

Wilson's Hussars (1 Company/Veteran)[6]

  • CO: Captain David Wilson
  • Command Lance (Medium-Heavy) (Includes 1 Catapult with Clan Double Heat Sinks)
  • Unknown Lance (Light-Medium)

Aerospace Assets

3059[edit]

Wilson’s Hussars (2 Lances/Veteran/Questionable)[15]

  • CO: Major Donna Wilson)[15]
Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Outreach.[15]

3067[edit]

Wilson's Hussars (1 Battalion/Veteran/Questionable}[8]

  • CO: Major Donna Wilson
    • XO: Captain Kern Verrick

Murphy's Wrath (Mixed Armor/Infantry Company/Regular/Reliable)[8]

  • Able Platoon - Captain Malcolm Kavanaugh
  • Baker Platoon - Lieutenant Scott Walker
  • Mighty Mighty Drillsons - Lieutenant Daniel Jarra

- Note: 12 Drillson Tanks in 6 Lances

3076[edit]

Wilson's Hussars' (1 medium 'Mech battalion, 3 armor lances (Drillsons), 2 infantry platoons)[16]

Aerospace Assets

Support[edit]

3025[edit]

The unit's support is "bleak", with only two Techs, a tiny stockpile of generic parts, no weaponry, and the majority of the Company's 'Mechs destroyed or barely operational. Only Wilson's Marauder is in good repair, and more than half of the 'Mechs are damaged beyond recovery.

3050[edit]

No tech support, other than the MechWarriors themselves.[6]

3059[edit]

The unit is seeking contracts that pay in parts and tech support, with one advanced weapon (an ER PPC) and no Techs.[7]

3065[edit]

Minor repairs can be handled by the integral support staff, MechWarriors and crews, but major repairs, updates and overhauls need additional support from external sources[8]

Color Scheme[edit]

The Hussars use a patchwork of white and purple on their 'Mechs and vehicles; a vast improvement on what they've had over the decades.[17]

Gallery[edit]

  • Members of Wilson's Hussars

  • A Wilson's Hussars MechWarrior

  • Headband worn by members of Wilson's Hussars

  • Pin worn by members of Wilson's Hussars

  • Wilson's Hussars unit commander insignia

  • Wilson's Hussars lance commander insignia

  • Wilson's Hussars MechWarrior insignia

  • Wilson's Hussars MechWarriors scrounging

Notes[edit]

  • The most recent canon source, Combat Manual: Mercenaries, states that the dropship the Hussars used to return to Outreach was the same ship on which they evacuated Ingersol. Mercenary's Handbook, however, claims that they sold the ship (the Red Eagle) to purchase transport from House Liao to the Periphery. It is plausible that the Hussars renamed a purchased or stolen ship after her, causing confusion in the MRB on their return, or even repurchased the lost ship. Mercenaries Supplemental, however, names the Dropship as the Union-class Raconteur.
  • Field Manual: Mercenaries (In-universe date 1 Oct 3059) gives information that directly conflicts with the dates and unit strengths given in the more recent Mercenaries: Supplemental (referencing the unit's FedCom Civil War performance and the period 3056–3060). This data is deliberately omitted.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Mercenary Handbook, p. 65
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 Mercenary's Handbook, p. 93
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Technical Readout: 3026, p. 18; Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition, p. 20: "Warrior H-7 Attack Helicopter"
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Mercenary's Handbook, p. 94
  5. ↑ After Action Report: Longbow Mountain in Shrapnel#11, pp. 183–184
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Combat Manual: Mercenaries, p. 70
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Field Manual: Mercenaries, p. 94
  8. ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 Mercenaries Supplemental, p. 65: "Wilson's Hussars Profile"
  9. ↑ 'Unit Digest: Wilson's Hussars
  10. ↑ Jihad Hot Spots: Terra, p. 23: "Timeline of the Jihad"
  11. ↑ Jihad: Final Reckoning, p. 56: "The Jihad In Review"
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Jihad Hot Spots: Terra, pp. 18–20: "AFFS Reclaims Three Worlds"
  13. ↑ The Mercenary's Handbook, p.97
  14. ↑ Mercenary's Handbook, p. 93
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Field Manual: Mercenaries, p. 114
  16. ↑ 'Unit Digest: Wilson's Hussars
  17. ↑ Mercenaries Supplemental, p. 65

Bibliography[edit]

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