Nelson's Longbows

Nelson's Longbows
Nelson's Longbows
Affiliation Mercenary
Parent Command Independent


History[edit]

Succession Wars/Clan Invasion[edit]

The original members of the Nelson's Longbows were officers within the Capellan Confederation during the Andurien Secession and though they were loyal citizens and wanted to defend their country against the invaders, they deemed their orders to raze a city of more than fifty thousand Capellans on Gunthar in an effort to eradicate a mixed battalion of 'Mechs and vehicles too unconscionable to follow, the eight MechWarriors followed Captain Nelson into mutiny and disappeared with their 'Mechs into the fog of war.

Since then they have wandered the Periphery searching for an employer they could put their trust not to ever be in a situation like that one. They worked primarily for the Magistracy of Canopus, though they signed a contract with Willian Stewart on behalf of New St. Andrews in 3064 which they feel could be their definitive one.[1]

Jihad[edit]

Since the destruction of Circinus, Nelson's Longbows have fended off pirate bands' raids on New St. Andrews monthly.The Longbows had only one major battle during the Jihad. A group of Blakists fleeing the end of their kind separated themselves from the groups fleeing toward Circinus. A Protectorate Militia battalion arrived in the New St. Andrews system and foolishly announced themselves by carrying out a combat drop on Kilrymont (the planet capital). They were unprepared for the vicious defense. The Longbows, augmented by dozens of militiamen in Arbiters, swarmed the invaders with suicidal fervor and slaughtered them. The JumpShip escaped but the DropShip, expecting to land amongst a cowed populace, was captured without a shot. The crew was executed immediately thereafter. With losses among the militia, the Longbows emerged with no personnel deaths. Their equipment losses were immediately made good with new Arbiters from a grateful Meridian Manufacturing.[2]

Dark Ages[edit]

The Longbows are still the only large professional military formation on New St. Andrews, and have been busy since the turn of the century. The Longbows are not only concerned with the protection of the Meridian Manufacturing facilities, but they also serve as the core of the clan militia on New St. Andrews. As New St. Andrews' many clan infantry formations can generally protect their respective home settlements, the Longbows are free to focus on larger threats and more dangerous missions, including preemptive strikes against the bandit havens purported to lurk in several nearby uninhabited systems. When performing these missions, the Longbows tend to leave nevertheless strong defenses on the New St. Andrews system at any given time, so as not to overly dilute their ability to defend the factory site.[3]

By 3149 they stopped a pirate attack that raided Crecy City on New St. Andrews.[4]

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of Nelson's Longbows
Captain Michael Nelson 3034 - at least 3067
Major Esben Nelson 3085
Major Heidar Nelson 3145

Tactics[edit]

The unit gets its name from the four Longbows that it fields, plus three other machines that also primary mount LRM racks. Nelson's Longbows prefer to fight from range, commonly using spotters that allow them to thin enemy ranks without being seen. As most of their potential opponents are configured for close-in attack, they have been very successful over the years.[1]

Notes[edit]

The unit's crest shows a bowman drawing his bow back, set upon a blue shield with a white cross.

Composition History[edit]

3064[edit]

Nelson's Longbows (2 Companies/Regular/Fanatical)[1]

  • CO: Captain Michael Nelson
  • Unit composition is 13 'Mechs, 15 Armored Vehicles and several squads of infantry specially trained to be spotters

3067[edit]

Nelson's Longbows (Battalion/Regular/Fanatical) with 95% strength | 30% Upgraded[5]

3079[edit]

Nelson's Longbows (Battalion/Regular/Fanatical) with 95% strength | 30% Upgraded[6]

3085[edit]

Nelson's Longbows (Battalion/Regular/Fanatical) with 95% strength | 45% Upgraded[7]

3145[edit]

Nelson's Longbows (Battalion/Regular/Fanatical) with 80% strength[8]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Field Manual: Periphery, p. 128: Nelson's Longbows
  2. Field Manual: 3085, p. 148: Minor Periphery Powers: New St. Andrews
  3. Field Manual: 3145, p. 199: New St. Andrews: Nelson's Longbows
  4. 4.0 4.1 Technical Readout: 3150, p. 204: "AQA-1M Aquila"
  5. Field Manual: Updates, p. 204: Nelson's Longbows
  6. Field Report: Periphery, p. 16: Nelson's Longbows
  7. Field Manual: 3085, p. 152: New St. Andrews
  8. Field Manual: 3145, p. 203: New St. Andrews: Nelson's Longbows

Bibliography[edit]