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Line 1: − {{Update Needed|[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]]|[[The Periphery, 2nd Edition (sourcebook)]]}} + {{Update Needed|[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]], [[The Periphery, 2nd Edition (sourcebook)]]}} − {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand + {{infoBoxMercUnit − | image = [[File:Simonson's Cutthroats logo.png|150px|Simonson's Cutthroats]] + | image = [[File:Simonson's_Cutthroats.gif|150px|Screaming Eagles]] − | Designation = Simonson's Cutthroats + | unitname = Simonson's Cutthroats − | formed = + | year = 3067 − | Disbanded = + | commander = Colonel Victor Simonson − | Previous Designation = McGee's Cutthroats + | jumpships = Yes − | Nickname = + | dropships = Yes − | Affiliation = [[Mercenary]] + | aero = No − | Parent Command = Independent + | armor = No − | Sub-Command = + | infantry = No }} }} Line 18:
Line 18: McGee's Cutthroats were formed from the remains of a [[Free Worlds League]] [[regiment]] which soon found service in the [[Draconis Combine]]. They served with distinction during the [[Third Succession War]], becoming one of the Combine's highest-paid and best-equipped mercenary outfits. <ref name=FMMR100>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 100, "Simonson's Cutthroats: Reluctant Renegades"</ref> They fought on [[Suk]] several times.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 110</ref> McGee's Cutthroats were formed from the remains of a [[Free Worlds League]] [[regiment]] which soon found service in the [[Draconis Combine]]. They served with distinction during the [[Third Succession War]], becoming one of the Combine's highest-paid and best-equipped mercenary outfits. <ref name=FMMR100>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 100, "Simonson's Cutthroats: Reluctant Renegades"</ref> They fought on [[Suk]] several times.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 110</ref> − In [[2953]], the Cutthroats helped trigger one of the longest planetary campaigns of the Third War when they raided the [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] world of [[Alexandria (LC)|Alexandria]]. Assigned to pillage and destroy select supply depots, the Cutthroats were opposed by two [[battalion]]s of the [[20th Arcturan Guards]] and a well-equipped planetary garrison that included an orbiting [[aerospace fighter]] base. Cut off from their [[DropShip]]s, the Cutthroats would call for reinforcements. After the [[DCMS]] sent two more 'Mech battalions with fighter support, the Lyrans themselves would call for reinforcements, and the campaign would grind on. By the time it was over two years later and the Combine troops withdrew in [[2955]], seven different regiments had seen action during the battle and it would go down as the largest battle on the Lyran-Combine border. <ref name=FMMR100/> <ref name=HKDC84>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 84, "Decline and Fall"</ref> <ref name=HSLC74>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'' p. 74</ref> During the latter years of the reign of [[Coordinator]] [[Hugai Kurita]], the military was so hamstrung by mismanagement in the budget and supply logistics that mercenary groups like the Cutthroats, who could go outside the standard supply chain, were the best-equipped units in the Combine.<ref name=HKDC84/> + In [[2953]], the Cutthroats helped trigger one of the longest planetary campaigns of the Third War when they raided the [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] world of [[Alexandria (LC)|Alexandria]]. Assigned to pillage and destroy select supply depots, the Cutthroats were opposed by two [[battalion]]s of the [[20th Arcturan Guards]] and a well-equipped planetary garrison that included an orbiting [[Aerospace Fighter]] base. Cut off from their [[DropShip]]s, the Cutthroats would call for reinforcements. After the [[DCMS]] sent two more 'Mech battalions with fighter support, the Lyrans themselves would call for reinforcements, and the campaign would grind on. By the time it was over two years later and the Combine troops withdrew in [[2955]], seven different regiments had seen action during the battle and it would go down as the largest battle on the Lyran-Combine border. <ref name=FMMR100/> <ref name=HKDC84>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 84, "Decline and Fall"</ref> <ref name=HSLC74>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'' p. 74</ref> During the latter years of the reign of [[Coordinator]] [[Hugai Kurita]], the military was so ham-strung by mismanagement in the budget and supply logistics that mercenary groups like the Cutthroats, who could go outside the standard supply chain, were the best-equipped units in the Combine.<ref name=HKDC84/> At some point between [[3020]] and ca. [[3025]], elements of Kuriakin's Company of "Mad" McGee's Cutthroats—then described as a Kurita house unit—fought [[McKinnon's Raiders]] on [[Hun Ho]] after the Raiders' DropShip had crash landed in shallow water. The Cutthroats were driven off by fire from the repaired DropShip, never realizing that the damaged ship had only been able to fire a single salvo.<ref>''The Fox's Teeth: Exploits of McKinnon's Raiders'', p. 33</ref> At some point between [[3020]] and ca. [[3025]], elements of Kuriakin's Company of "Mad" McGee's Cutthroats—then described as a Kurita house unit—fought [[McKinnon's Raiders]] on [[Hun Ho]] after the Raiders' DropShip had crash landed in shallow water. The Cutthroats were driven off by fire from the repaired DropShip, never realizing that the damaged ship had only been able to fire a single salvo.<ref>''The Fox's Teeth: Exploits of McKinnon's Raiders'', p. 33</ref> Line 27:
Line 27: Despite [[Takashi Kurita]]'s "Death to Mercenaries" command at the start of the [[Fourth Succession War]] in [[3028]], the Cutthroats initially remained in the Dragon's employ. In May [[3029]], the Cutthroats successfully invaded the [[Federated Suns]] world of [[Groveld III]]. Although they took the world, the planetary militia put up a hard fight, and a commando team of survivors from the militia infiltrated the Cutthroats' camp and assassinated their second-in-command.<ref name=NAIS4SWV2-26>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 26, "Federated Suns Front"</ref> Despite [[Takashi Kurita]]'s "Death to Mercenaries" command at the start of the [[Fourth Succession War]] in [[3028]], the Cutthroats initially remained in the Dragon's employ. In May [[3029]], the Cutthroats successfully invaded the [[Federated Suns]] world of [[Groveld III]]. Although they took the world, the planetary militia put up a hard fight, and a commando team of survivors from the militia infiltrated the Cutthroats' camp and assassinated their second-in-command.<ref name=NAIS4SWV2-26>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 26, "Federated Suns Front"</ref> − The Cutthroats' new executive officer, Matthew Simonson, responding to rising anti-mercenary sentiment in the Combine, deposed [[Colonel]] Andrew McGee in a bloody power struggle. Now known as Simonson's Cutthroats, the unit left the Combine's service and traveled to [[Galatea]], then considered the "mercenary star" of the [[Inner Sphere]], where they replaced their losses and searched for a new employer. They eventually found one in the newly-formed [[Federated Commonwealth]], working for House Davion.<ref name=FMMR100/> + The Cutthroats' new executive officer, Matthew Simonson, responding to rising anti-[[mercenary]] sentiment in the Combine, deposed [[Colonel]] Andrew McGee in a bloody power struggle. Now known as Simonson's Cutthroats, the unit left the Combine's service and travelled to [[Galatea]], then considered the "mercenary star" of the [[Inner Sphere]], where they replaced their losses and searched for a new employer. They eventually found one in the newly-formed [[Federated Commonwealth]], working for House Davion.<ref name=FMMR100/> ===War of 3039=== ===War of 3039=== − Simonson's Cutthroats took part in the [[War of 3039]], [[First Prince]] [[Hanse Davion]]'s effort to destroy the Draconis Combine once and for all. Launching from [[Benet III]],<ref name=HW39-164>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 164, "Inner Sphere In Flames Forces Table"</ref> they took part in the attack on [[Lima]] near the start of the war, although their arrival was delayed for three weeks due to problems with the [[Kearny-Fuchida Drive]] on their [[JumpShip]]. Facing only a few battalions of militia [[infantry]], the Cutthroats were soon victorious.<ref name=HW39-49>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 49, "Lima (March)"</ref> During the Combine's broad counterattack, the Cutthroats remained on Lima, preparing their defenses. The DCMS would ultimately never attempt to strike Lima in force and the Cutthroats saw no further action during the war.<ref name=HW39-100>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 100, "Lima"</ref> Overall losses to the Cutthroats were light, and they remained on Lima at least through [[3040]].<ref name=HW39-141>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 141, "Deployment Table"</ref> + Simonson's Cutthroats took part in the [[War of 3039]], [[First Prince]] [[Hanse Davion]]'s effort to destroy the Draconis Combine once and for all. Launching from [[Benet III]],<ref name=HW39-164>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 164, "Inner Sphere In Flames Forces Table"</ref> they took part in the attack on [[Lima]] near the start of the war, although their arrival was delayed for three weeks due to problems with the [[Kearny-Fuchida Drive]] on their [[JumpShip]]. Facing only a few battalions of militia [[infantry]], the Cutthroats were soon victorious.<ref name=HW39-49>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 49, "Lima (March)"</ref> During the Combine's broad counter-attack, the Cutthroats remained on Lima, preparing their defenses. The DCMS would ultimately never attempt to strike Lima in force, however, and the Cutthroats saw no further action during the war.<ref name=HW39-100>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 100, "Lima"</ref> Overall losses to the Cutthroats were light, and they remained on Lima at least through [[3040]].<ref name=HW39-141>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 141, "Deployment Table"</ref> ===Clan Invasion Era=== ===Clan Invasion Era=== Line 38:
Line 38: ===Return=== ===Return=== − In [[3061]], the Cutthroats reappeared in the [[Chaos March]] on the beleaguered world of [[Fletcher (CC)|Fletcher]] with two understrength battalions. They were immediately contracted by the [[Word of Blake]] to join the garrison of [[Terra]]. In the years that followed, the Blakists assisted the Cutthroats in returning almost to full strength by [[3067]]. The Cutthroats were provided with a third ''[[Overlord]]''-class DropShip by their employers, giving them full transport capacity. Their unit quality at this point was regular. Due to their long absence (and possibly their employment with the Word of Blake), their "Dragoon Rating" was D-.<ref name=FMMR100/> In late [[3067]], they were sent to [[Caph]] to support the planetary government, which had declared for the [[Word of Blake Protectorate]], against the local militia, which opposed the move and had attempted a coup against the government. The Cutthroats easily put down the rebellion and remained on-planet in the aftermath.<ref name=MSU106>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 106, "Simonson's Cutthroats"</ref><ref name=FMU184>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 184, "Word of Blake"</ref> + In [[3061]], the Cutthroats reappeared in the [[Chaos March]] on the beleaguered world of [[Fletcher (ROTS)|Fletcher]] with two understrength battalions. They were immediately contracted by the [[Word of Blake]] to join the garrison of [[Terra]]. In the years that followed, the Blakists assisted the Cutthroats in returning almost to full-strength by [[3067]]. The Cutthroats were provided with a third ''[[Overlord]]''-class DropShip by their employers, giving them full transport capacity. Their unit quality at this point was regular. Due to their long absence (and possibly their employment with the Word of Blake), their "Dragoon Rating" was D-.<ref name=FMMR100/> In late [[3067]], they were sent to [[Caph]] to support the planetary government, which had declared for the [[Word of Blake Protectorate]], against the local militia, which opposed the move and had attempted a coup against the government. The Cutthroats easily put down the rebellion and remained on-planet in the aftermath.<ref name=MSU106>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 106, "Simonson's Cutthroats"</ref><ref name=FMU184>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 184, "Word of Blake"</ref> ===Jihad=== ===Jihad=== − The Cutthroats continued to serve the Word of Blake when the [[Jihad]] began in November 3067. Attacking the Federated Suns world of [[Ankaa]] in May of [[3069]], the Cutthroats easily secured that world. However, one of their ''Overlord''-class DropShips was forced to make an emergency landing and was destroyed in a nuclear explosion from a Davy Crockett-class tactical warhead. The casualties led the Word of Blake to delay deploying the Cutthroats in any new offensive operations. The mercenaries remained on Ankaa, where they began recruiting and training [[Word of Blake Protectorate Militia|Protectorate Militia]] units. The Cutthroats soon became experts in the interrogation of suspected insurgents, specializing in torturing prisoners. This training and philosophy provided by the mercenaries was successful both in creating an effective militia and in eliminating the underground resistance movement on Ankaa. The Cutthroats would soon find their services requested on worlds throughout the growing Protectorate, and they were sending liaisons to assist in the training of Protectorate Militia troops in anti-insurgency tactics throughout the Protectorate.<ref name=MSU106/> + The Cutthroats continued to serve the Word of Blake when the [[Jihad]] began in November 3067. Attacking the Federated Suns' world of [[Ankaa]] in May of [[3069]], the Cutthroats easily secured that world. However, one of their ''Overlord''-class DropShips was forced to make an emergency landing and was destroyed in a nuclear explosion from a Davy Crockett-class tactical warhead. The casualties led the Word of Blake to delay deploying the Cutthroats in any new offensive operations. The mercenaries remained on Ankaa, where they began recruiting and training [[Word of Blake Protectorate Militia|Protectorate Militia]] units. The Cutthroats soon became experts in the interrogation of suspected insurgents, specializing in torturing prisoners. This training and philosophy provided by the mercenaries was successful both in creating an effective militia and in eliminating the underground resistance movement on Ankaa. The Cutthroats would soon find their services requested on worlds throughout the growing Protectorate, and they were sending liaisons to assist in the training of Protectorate Militia troops in anti-insurgency tactics throughout the Protectorate.<ref name=MSU106/> In September [[3070]], the Cutthroats joined the [[8th Division (Word of Blake)|8th]] and [[21st Division (Word of Blake)|21st Divisions]] in an assault on the [[Capellan Confederation|Capellan]] world of [[St. Ives]]. The fighting was extraordinarily brutal, and nearly two million Capellan civilians were reported killed. In the end, the Cutthroats and their Blakist allies were forced to retreat with heavy damage.<ref name=JSBD95>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 95, "8th Division (Hands of Fate IV-Kappa)"</ref> Afterwards, the Cutthroats returned to Ankaa to recover. In September [[3070]], the Cutthroats joined the [[8th Division (Word of Blake)|8th]] and [[21st Division (Word of Blake)|21st Divisions]] in an assault on the [[Capellan Confederation|Capellan]] world of [[St. Ives]]. The fighting was extraordinarily brutal, and nearly two million Capellan civilians were reported killed. In the end, the Cutthroats and their Blakist allies were forced to retreat with heavy damage.<ref name=JSBD95>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 95, "8th Division (Hands of Fate IV-Kappa)"</ref> Afterwards, the Cutthroats returned to Ankaa to recover. − The Cutthroats had been branded wanted criminals by the [[Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission]] after the Blakist attacks on [[Outreach]] at the start of the Jihad, and their actions in the Protectorate led the MRBC to place very large bounties on their heads. Many small bounty hunter units attempted to collect on those bounties with attacks on Ankaa, though all failed until a strike in September [[3071]], when a raiding force in Word of Blake colors landed at the spaceport and began destroying nearby militia units. When the Cutthroats scrambled to intervene, a platoon of commandos penetrated their command center and captured both Colonel Simonson and his XO, Major Syrstad, as well as killing several other officers and support staff during the raid before escaping. The MRBC later announced the detention of both men, though it did not disclose who was behind the raid. Major Anthony Alicea vowed to rescue her commanders as soon as the Cutthroats recovered from their losses.<ref name=MSU106/> Major Alicea promoted a MechWarrior nicknamed "[[Sarge]]" into his command lance and to the position of Executive Officer, and under Alicea's command, the Cutthroats slipped away into the Periphery during the closing days of the Jihad. Alicea vowed to rescue both Simonson and Syrstad.<ref name="TRO:CIp142">''Technical Readout: Clan Invasion'', p. 142, "RFL-8D Rifleman"</ref> + The Cutthroats had been branded wanted criminals by the [[Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission]] after the Blakist attacks on [[Outreach]] at the start of the Jihad, and their actions in the Protectorate led the MRBC to place very large bounties on their heads. Many small bounty hunter units attempted to collect on those bounties with attacks on Ankaa, though all failed until a strike in September [[3071]], when a raiding force in Word of Blake colors landed at the spaceport and began destroying nearby militia units. When the Cutthroats scrambled to intervene, a platoon of commandos penetrated their command center and captured both Colonel Simonson and his XO, Major Syrstad, as well as killing several other officers and support staff during the raid before escaping. The MRBC later announced the detention of both men, though it did not disclose who was behind the raid. Major Anthony Alicea vowed to rescue her commanders as soon as the Cutthroats recovered from their losses.<ref name=MSU106/> Major Alicea promoted a MechWarrior nicknamed "Sarge" into his command lance and to the position of Executive Officer, and under Alicea's command, the Cutthroats slipped away into the Periphery during the closing days of the Jihad. Alicea vowed to rescue both Simonson and Syrstad.<ref name="TRO:CIp142">''Technical Readout: Clan Invasion'', p. 142, "RFL-8D Rifleman"</ref> − The fate of Simonson's Cutthroats with the fall of the Word of Blake and the end of the Jihad has not yet been reported on, however it may be assumed they were either destroyed in the fighting, fled to become pirates, or were at some point disbanded.<ref>According to a [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=13712.new;topicseen#new post] from [[Øystein Tvedten]] on the [[CBT Forum]]</ref> + The fate of Simonson's Cutthroats with the fall of the Word of Blake and the end of the Jihad has not yet been reported on, however it may be assumed they were either destroyed in the fighting, fled to become pirates, or were at some point disbanded.<ref>According to an [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=13712.new;topicseen#new] from [[Øystein Tvedten]] on the [[CBT Forum]]</ref> ==Officers== ==Officers== Line 83:
Line 83: ===3040=== ===3040=== ''' Simonson's Cutthroats''' ((Regiment/Veteran/Questionable)<ref name = HWo3039p141/> ''' Simonson's Cutthroats''' ((Regiment/Veteran/Questionable)<ref name = HWo3039p141/> − :Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Barlow’s End]].<ref name = HWo3039p141>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 141</ref> + :Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Barlow’s End]]. <ref name = HWo3039p141>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 141 >''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 141 </ref> ===3050=== ===3050=== Line 121:
Line 121: ==Bibliography== ==Bibliography== − {{div col|colwidth=30em}} * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]'' Line 133:
Line 132: * ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]'' * ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]'' * ''[[Objective Raids]]'' * ''[[Objective Raids]]'' + * ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]'' − * ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: Clan Invasion]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: Clan Invasion]]'' − {{div col end}} − − [[Category:Mercenary Commands|Simonson's Cutthroats]] + [[Category:Mercenary Commands]]
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| − | {{Update Needed|[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]] | + | {{Update Needed|[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]], [[The Periphery, 2nd Edition (sourcebook)]]}} |
| − | {{ | + | {{infoBoxMercUnit |
| − | | image | + | | image = [[File:Simonson's_Cutthroats.gif|150px|Screaming Eagles]] |
| − | | | + | | unitname = Simonson's Cutthroats |
| − | | | + | | year = 3067 |
| − | | | + | | commander = Colonel Victor Simonson |
| − | | | + | | jumpships = Yes |
| − | | | + | | dropships = Yes |
| − | | | + | | aero = No |
| − | | | + | | armor = No |
| − | | | + | | infantry = No |
}} | }} | ||
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McGee's Cutthroats were formed from the remains of a [[Free Worlds League]] [[regiment]] which soon found service in the [[Draconis Combine]]. They served with distinction during the [[Third Succession War]], becoming one of the Combine's highest-paid and best-equipped mercenary outfits. <ref name=FMMR100>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 100, "Simonson's Cutthroats: Reluctant Renegades"</ref> They fought on [[Suk]] several times.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 110</ref> | McGee's Cutthroats were formed from the remains of a [[Free Worlds League]] [[regiment]] which soon found service in the [[Draconis Combine]]. They served with distinction during the [[Third Succession War]], becoming one of the Combine's highest-paid and best-equipped mercenary outfits. <ref name=FMMR100>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 100, "Simonson's Cutthroats: Reluctant Renegades"</ref> They fought on [[Suk]] several times.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 110</ref> | ||
| − | In [[2953]], the Cutthroats helped trigger one of the longest planetary campaigns of the Third War when they raided the [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] world of [[Alexandria (LC)|Alexandria]]. Assigned to pillage and destroy select supply depots, the Cutthroats were opposed by two [[battalion]]s of the [[20th Arcturan Guards]] and a well-equipped planetary garrison that included an orbiting [[ | + | In [[2953]], the Cutthroats helped trigger one of the longest planetary campaigns of the Third War when they raided the [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] world of [[Alexandria (LC)|Alexandria]]. Assigned to pillage and destroy select supply depots, the Cutthroats were opposed by two [[battalion]]s of the [[20th Arcturan Guards]] and a well-equipped planetary garrison that included an orbiting [[Aerospace Fighter]] base. Cut off from their [[DropShip]]s, the Cutthroats would call for reinforcements. After the [[DCMS]] sent two more 'Mech battalions with fighter support, the Lyrans themselves would call for reinforcements, and the campaign would grind on. By the time it was over two years later and the Combine troops withdrew in [[2955]], seven different regiments had seen action during the battle and it would go down as the largest battle on the Lyran-Combine border. <ref name=FMMR100/> <ref name=HKDC84>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 84, "Decline and Fall"</ref> <ref name=HSLC74>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'' p. 74</ref> During the latter years of the reign of [[Coordinator]] [[Hugai Kurita]], the military was so ham-strung by mismanagement in the budget and supply logistics that mercenary groups like the Cutthroats, who could go outside the standard supply chain, were the best-equipped units in the Combine.<ref name=HKDC84/> |
At some point between [[3020]] and ca. [[3025]], elements of Kuriakin's Company of "Mad" McGee's Cutthroats—then described as a Kurita house unit—fought [[McKinnon's Raiders]] on [[Hun Ho]] after the Raiders' DropShip had crash landed in shallow water. The Cutthroats were driven off by fire from the repaired DropShip, never realizing that the damaged ship had only been able to fire a single salvo.<ref>''The Fox's Teeth: Exploits of McKinnon's Raiders'', p. 33</ref> | At some point between [[3020]] and ca. [[3025]], elements of Kuriakin's Company of "Mad" McGee's Cutthroats—then described as a Kurita house unit—fought [[McKinnon's Raiders]] on [[Hun Ho]] after the Raiders' DropShip had crash landed in shallow water. The Cutthroats were driven off by fire from the repaired DropShip, never realizing that the damaged ship had only been able to fire a single salvo.<ref>''The Fox's Teeth: Exploits of McKinnon's Raiders'', p. 33</ref> | ||
| Line 27: | Line 27: | ||
Despite [[Takashi Kurita]]'s "Death to Mercenaries" command at the start of the [[Fourth Succession War]] in [[3028]], the Cutthroats initially remained in the Dragon's employ. In May [[3029]], the Cutthroats successfully invaded the [[Federated Suns]] world of [[Groveld III]]. Although they took the world, the planetary militia put up a hard fight, and a commando team of survivors from the militia infiltrated the Cutthroats' camp and assassinated their second-in-command.<ref name=NAIS4SWV2-26>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 26, "Federated Suns Front"</ref> | Despite [[Takashi Kurita]]'s "Death to Mercenaries" command at the start of the [[Fourth Succession War]] in [[3028]], the Cutthroats initially remained in the Dragon's employ. In May [[3029]], the Cutthroats successfully invaded the [[Federated Suns]] world of [[Groveld III]]. Although they took the world, the planetary militia put up a hard fight, and a commando team of survivors from the militia infiltrated the Cutthroats' camp and assassinated their second-in-command.<ref name=NAIS4SWV2-26>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 26, "Federated Suns Front"</ref> | ||
| − | The Cutthroats' new executive officer, Matthew Simonson, responding to rising anti-mercenary sentiment in the Combine, deposed [[Colonel]] Andrew McGee in a bloody power struggle. Now known as Simonson's Cutthroats, the unit left the Combine's service and | + | The Cutthroats' new executive officer, Matthew Simonson, responding to rising anti-[[mercenary]] sentiment in the Combine, deposed [[Colonel]] Andrew McGee in a bloody power struggle. Now known as Simonson's Cutthroats, the unit left the Combine's service and travelled to [[Galatea]], then considered the "mercenary star" of the [[Inner Sphere]], where they replaced their losses and searched for a new employer. They eventually found one in the newly-formed [[Federated Commonwealth]], working for House Davion.<ref name=FMMR100/> |
===War of 3039=== | ===War of 3039=== | ||
| − | Simonson's Cutthroats took part in the [[War of 3039]], [[First Prince]] [[Hanse Davion]]'s effort to destroy the Draconis Combine once and for all. Launching from [[Benet III]],<ref name=HW39-164>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 164, "Inner Sphere In Flames Forces Table"</ref> they took part in the attack on [[Lima]] near the start of the war, although their arrival was delayed for three weeks due to problems with the [[Kearny-Fuchida Drive]] on their [[JumpShip]]. Facing only a few battalions of militia [[infantry]], the Cutthroats were soon victorious.<ref name=HW39-49>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 49, "Lima (March)"</ref> During the Combine's broad | + | Simonson's Cutthroats took part in the [[War of 3039]], [[First Prince]] [[Hanse Davion]]'s effort to destroy the Draconis Combine once and for all. Launching from [[Benet III]],<ref name=HW39-164>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 164, "Inner Sphere In Flames Forces Table"</ref> they took part in the attack on [[Lima]] near the start of the war, although their arrival was delayed for three weeks due to problems with the [[Kearny-Fuchida Drive]] on their [[JumpShip]]. Facing only a few battalions of militia [[infantry]], the Cutthroats were soon victorious.<ref name=HW39-49>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 49, "Lima (March)"</ref> During the Combine's broad counter-attack, the Cutthroats remained on Lima, preparing their defenses. The DCMS would ultimately never attempt to strike Lima in force, however, and the Cutthroats saw no further action during the war.<ref name=HW39-100>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 100, "Lima"</ref> Overall losses to the Cutthroats were light, and they remained on Lima at least through [[3040]].<ref name=HW39-141>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 141, "Deployment Table"</ref> |
===Clan Invasion Era=== | ===Clan Invasion Era=== | ||
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===Return=== | ===Return=== | ||
| − | In [[3061]], the Cutthroats reappeared in the [[Chaos March]] on the beleaguered world of [[Fletcher ( | + | In [[3061]], the Cutthroats reappeared in the [[Chaos March]] on the beleaguered world of [[Fletcher (ROTS)|Fletcher]] with two understrength battalions. They were immediately contracted by the [[Word of Blake]] to join the garrison of [[Terra]]. In the years that followed, the Blakists assisted the Cutthroats in returning almost to full-strength by [[3067]]. The Cutthroats were provided with a third ''[[Overlord]]''-class DropShip by their employers, giving them full transport capacity. Their unit quality at this point was regular. Due to their long absence (and possibly their employment with the Word of Blake), their "Dragoon Rating" was D-.<ref name=FMMR100/> In late [[3067]], they were sent to [[Caph]] to support the planetary government, which had declared for the [[Word of Blake Protectorate]], against the local militia, which opposed the move and had attempted a coup against the government. The Cutthroats easily put down the rebellion and remained on-planet in the aftermath.<ref name=MSU106>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 106, "Simonson's Cutthroats"</ref><ref name=FMU184>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 184, "Word of Blake"</ref> |
===Jihad=== | ===Jihad=== | ||
| − | The Cutthroats continued to serve the Word of Blake when the [[Jihad]] began in November 3067. Attacking the Federated Suns world of [[Ankaa]] in May of [[3069]], the Cutthroats easily secured that world. However, one of their ''Overlord''-class DropShips was forced to make an emergency landing and was destroyed in a nuclear explosion from a Davy Crockett-class tactical warhead. The casualties led the Word of Blake to delay deploying the Cutthroats in any new offensive operations. The mercenaries remained on Ankaa, where they began recruiting and training [[Word of Blake Protectorate Militia|Protectorate Militia]] units. The Cutthroats soon became experts in the interrogation of suspected insurgents, specializing in torturing prisoners. This training and philosophy provided by the mercenaries was successful both in creating an effective militia and in eliminating the underground resistance movement on Ankaa. The Cutthroats would soon find their services requested on worlds throughout the growing Protectorate, and they were sending liaisons to assist in the training of Protectorate Militia troops in anti-insurgency tactics throughout the Protectorate.<ref name=MSU106/> | + | The Cutthroats continued to serve the Word of Blake when the [[Jihad]] began in November 3067. Attacking the Federated Suns' world of [[Ankaa]] in May of [[3069]], the Cutthroats easily secured that world. However, one of their ''Overlord''-class DropShips was forced to make an emergency landing and was destroyed in a nuclear explosion from a Davy Crockett-class tactical warhead. The casualties led the Word of Blake to delay deploying the Cutthroats in any new offensive operations. The mercenaries remained on Ankaa, where they began recruiting and training [[Word of Blake Protectorate Militia|Protectorate Militia]] units. The Cutthroats soon became experts in the interrogation of suspected insurgents, specializing in torturing prisoners. This training and philosophy provided by the mercenaries was successful both in creating an effective militia and in eliminating the underground resistance movement on Ankaa. The Cutthroats would soon find their services requested on worlds throughout the growing Protectorate, and they were sending liaisons to assist in the training of Protectorate Militia troops in anti-insurgency tactics throughout the Protectorate.<ref name=MSU106/> |
In September [[3070]], the Cutthroats joined the [[8th Division (Word of Blake)|8th]] and [[21st Division (Word of Blake)|21st Divisions]] in an assault on the [[Capellan Confederation|Capellan]] world of [[St. Ives]]. The fighting was extraordinarily brutal, and nearly two million Capellan civilians were reported killed. In the end, the Cutthroats and their Blakist allies were forced to retreat with heavy damage.<ref name=JSBD95>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 95, "8th Division (Hands of Fate IV-Kappa)"</ref> Afterwards, the Cutthroats returned to Ankaa to recover. | In September [[3070]], the Cutthroats joined the [[8th Division (Word of Blake)|8th]] and [[21st Division (Word of Blake)|21st Divisions]] in an assault on the [[Capellan Confederation|Capellan]] world of [[St. Ives]]. The fighting was extraordinarily brutal, and nearly two million Capellan civilians were reported killed. In the end, the Cutthroats and their Blakist allies were forced to retreat with heavy damage.<ref name=JSBD95>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 95, "8th Division (Hands of Fate IV-Kappa)"</ref> Afterwards, the Cutthroats returned to Ankaa to recover. | ||
| − | The Cutthroats had been branded wanted criminals by the [[Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission]] after the Blakist attacks on [[Outreach]] at the start of the Jihad, and their actions in the Protectorate led the MRBC to place very large bounties on their heads. Many small bounty hunter units attempted to collect on those bounties with attacks on Ankaa, though all failed until a strike in September [[3071]], when a raiding force in Word of Blake colors landed at the spaceport and began destroying nearby militia units. When the Cutthroats scrambled to intervene, a platoon of commandos penetrated their command center and captured both Colonel Simonson and his XO, Major Syrstad, as well as killing several other officers and support staff during the raid before escaping. The MRBC later announced the detention of both men, though it did not disclose who was behind the raid. Major Anthony Alicea vowed to rescue her commanders as soon as the Cutthroats recovered from their losses.<ref name=MSU106/> Major Alicea promoted a MechWarrior nicknamed " | + | The Cutthroats had been branded wanted criminals by the [[Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission]] after the Blakist attacks on [[Outreach]] at the start of the Jihad, and their actions in the Protectorate led the MRBC to place very large bounties on their heads. Many small bounty hunter units attempted to collect on those bounties with attacks on Ankaa, though all failed until a strike in September [[3071]], when a raiding force in Word of Blake colors landed at the spaceport and began destroying nearby militia units. When the Cutthroats scrambled to intervene, a platoon of commandos penetrated their command center and captured both Colonel Simonson and his XO, Major Syrstad, as well as killing several other officers and support staff during the raid before escaping. The MRBC later announced the detention of both men, though it did not disclose who was behind the raid. Major Anthony Alicea vowed to rescue her commanders as soon as the Cutthroats recovered from their losses.<ref name=MSU106/> Major Alicea promoted a MechWarrior nicknamed "Sarge" into his command lance and to the position of Executive Officer, and under Alicea's command, the Cutthroats slipped away into the Periphery during the closing days of the Jihad. Alicea vowed to rescue both Simonson and Syrstad.<ref name="TRO:CIp142">''Technical Readout: Clan Invasion'', p. 142, "RFL-8D Rifleman"</ref> |
| − | The fate of Simonson's Cutthroats with the fall of the Word of Blake and the end of the Jihad has not yet been reported on, however it may be assumed they were either destroyed in the fighting, fled to become pirates, or were at some point disbanded.<ref>According to | + | The fate of Simonson's Cutthroats with the fall of the Word of Blake and the end of the Jihad has not yet been reported on, however it may be assumed they were either destroyed in the fighting, fled to become pirates, or were at some point disbanded.<ref>According to an [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=13712.new;topicseen#new] from [[Øystein Tvedten]] on the [[CBT Forum]]</ref> |
==Officers== | ==Officers== | ||
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===3040=== | ===3040=== | ||
''' Simonson's Cutthroats''' ((Regiment/Veteran/Questionable)<ref name = HWo3039p141/> | ''' Simonson's Cutthroats''' ((Regiment/Veteran/Questionable)<ref name = HWo3039p141/> | ||
| − | :Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Barlow’s End]].<ref name = HWo3039p141>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 141</ref> | + | :Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Barlow’s End]]. <ref name = HWo3039p141>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 141 >''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 141 </ref> |
===3050=== | ===3050=== | ||
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==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
| − | |||
* ''[[20 Year Update]]'' | * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' | ||
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]'' | * ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]'' | ||
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* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]'' | * ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]'' | ||
* ''[[Objective Raids]]'' | * ''[[Objective Raids]]'' | ||
| + | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]'' | ||
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]'' | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]'' | ||
| − | |||
* ''[[Technical Readout: Clan Invasion]]'' | * ''[[Technical Readout: Clan Invasion]]'' | ||
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| − | [[Category:Mercenary Commands | + | [[Category:Mercenary Commands]] |