Carlyle's Commandos

Carlyle's Commandos was a small mercenary unit of lance size (four BattleMechs). Effectively destroyed in 3024, its remnant formed the nucleus of what was to become the famous Gray Death Legion.

History

Led by Durant Carlyle, father of the famous Grayson Death Carlyle, the unit comprised of Carlyle's Phoenix Hawk, a Shadow Hawk and two Wasps. They also had support units.

In 3024 they were stationed on garrison duty on the world of Trellwan (Trell I) under contract with House Steiner. The The unit met its end in a sneak attack by Oberon Confederation troops pretended to be friendly forces arriving as additional garrison forces, but in truth worked for Duke Hassid Ricol from the Draconis Combine. Upon arriving at the starport, the Oberon DropShip launched a surprise attack, combined with acts of sabotage against Carlyle's Commandos from a bribed local technician. Durant Carlyle was killed when his 'Mech was destroyed by the DropShip's opening volleys. His unit was shattered in short order, but his son Grayson survived the initial attack.

Unexpectedly showing both leadership capabilities and military genius, young Grayson Carlyle subsequently rallied the scattered remains of his father's unit and the local defenders and formed a militia that could resist the invaders long enough to thwart Ricol's plot and save the planet. Following the successful fighting on Trellwan he went on to create a new mercenary group, the Gray Death Legion, from the remains of Carlyle's Commandos and his militia troops.

Decades later, the Legion would adopt the name Carlye's Commandos for its new Battle Armor unit.