Difference between revisions of "Marion's Highlanders"

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| Disbanded =  
 
| Disbanded =  
 
| Previous Designation =  
 
| Previous Designation =  
| Nickname  = "Bad Boys"
+
| Nickname  = Bad Boys
 
| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]]
 
| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]]
 
| Parent Command = [[Northwind Highlanders]]
 
| Parent Command = [[Northwind Highlanders]]
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==History==
 
==History==
 
===Age of War===
 
===Age of War===
The unit was raised from [[St. Ives]] Militia forces and volunteer reservists. They were known for their lack of discipline, hence their unit's nickname.  Under the orders of then-Chancellor [[Kurnath Liao]], the unit first saw action in operations against the [[Free Worlds League]] in the territory of the [[Duchy of Andurien]] in 2369.  The unit suffered numerous defeats on [[Berenson]] in [[2371]] and later on [[Lopez]] in [[2373]].  The unit was recalled to [[Sian]], where they underwent a refit and extensive training.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'' p. 79, "Marion's Highlanders Profile"</ref>
+
The unit was raised from [[St. Ives]] Militia forces and volunteer reservists. They were known for their lack of discipline, hence their unit's nickname.  Under the orders of then-Chancellor [[Kurnath Liao]], the unit first saw action in operations against the [[Free Worlds League]] in the territory of the [[Duchy of Andurien]] in 2369.  The unit suffered numerous defeats on [[Berenson]] in [[2371]] and later on [[Lopez]] in [[2373]].  The unit was recalled to [[Sian]], where they underwent a refit and extensive training.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 79: "Marion's Highlanders Profile"</ref>
  
In [[2425]], a [[lieutenant]] from the 2nd Battalion assassinated then-Chancellor [[Arden Baxter]].<ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 33, "One Step Back"</ref> The unit as a whole was not disbanded or otherwise severely punished for the incident, but was sent to the Confederation's rimward border to defend against pirate raids until [[2760]].<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
+
In [[2425]], a [[Lieutenant]] [[An Manliu]] from the 2nd Battalion assassinated then-Chancellor [[Arden Baxter]].<ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 33: "One Step Back"</ref><ref name=AGTCO>''A Guide to Covert Ops'', p. 61</ref> The unit as a whole was not disbanded or otherwise severely punished for the incident, but was sent to the Confederation's rimward border to defend against pirate raids until [[2760]].<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
  
===Star League Era & the Succession Wars===
+
===The Star League===
 
The unit was recalled from the [[Periphery]] border by Chancellor [[Barbara Liao]], when she ordered the unit to rejoin with the rest of the [[Northwind Highlanders]].  The combined mercenary force assaulted the [[House Davion|Davion]] world of [[Demeter]] in [[2761]].  Those actions on Demeter signaled the unit's rehabilitation.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
 
The unit was recalled from the [[Periphery]] border by Chancellor [[Barbara Liao]], when she ordered the unit to rejoin with the rest of the [[Northwind Highlanders]].  The combined mercenary force assaulted the [[House Davion|Davion]] world of [[Demeter]] in [[2761]].  Those actions on Demeter signaled the unit's rehabilitation.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
  
In [[2782]] Marion's Highlanders conducted a raid against an aerospace facility on the Davion world of [[Brighton]].<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
+
In [[2782]] Marion's Highlanders conducted a raid against an aerospace facility on the Davion world of [[Brighton]].<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
  
While on [[Lee]] in [[2792]], the unit's 2nd & 3rd Battalion's suffered significant losses among their light [[BattleMechs]] while in operations against a Davion mercenary unit, [[Cochraine's Greencoats]]. The losses destroyed the 'Bad Boys' confidence in their light 'Mechs, and they subsequently traded all their remaining lights to other regiments in exchange for heavier designs.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
+
===Succession Wars===
 +
====First Succession War====
 +
While on [[Lee]] in [[2792]], the unit's 2nd & 3rd Battalions suffered significant losses among their [[BattleMech#Light|light]] [[BattleMechs]] while in operations against a Davion mercenary unit, [[Cochraine's Greencoats]]. The losses destroyed the 'Bad Boys' confidence in their light 'Mechs, and they subsequently traded all their remaining lights to other regiments in exchange for heavier designs.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
  
Marion's Highlanders joined with their sister unit [[McCormack's Fusiliers]] to successfully defended the world of [[Almach]] from elements of the Deneb Light Cavalry in [[2834]]. The "Bad Boys" stood their ground, although losing several lances in their resistance against the Davion force.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
+
Marion's Highlanders joined with their sister unit [[McCormack's Fusiliers]] to successfully defend the world of [[Almach]] from elements of the Deneb Light Cavalry in [[2834]]. The "Bad Boys" stood their ground, although losing several lances in their resistance against the Davion force.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
  
A strong streak of individualism had always been a hallmark of Marion's Highlanders, causing frequent friction with the CCAF. In [[2899]], this individualistic streak caused the unit to be ordered disbanded after they refused to undertake an ordered raid on the [[House Marik|Marik]] world of [[Oriente]]. The unit's disbandment was rescinded eventually, and they were permitted to reform in [[2902]] after increased Marik incursions into the Confederation. The newly reformed unit had been purged of its maverick behavior, and were more amenable to taking CCAF orders.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
+
====Third Succession War====
 +
=====Disbandment and Re-formation=====
 +
A strong streak of individualism had always been a hallmark of Marion's Highlanders, causing frequent friction with the CCAF. In [[2899]], this individualistic streak caused the unit to be ordered disbanded after they refused to undertake an ordered raid on the [[House Marik|Marik]] world of [[Oriente]]. The unit's disbandment was rescinded eventually, and they were permitted to re-form in [[2902]] after increased Marik incursions into the Confederation. The newly re-formed unit had been purged of its maverick behavior, and were more amenable to taking CCAF orders.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
  
The Highlanders fought three separate engagements with [[Vintain's Vigilantes]], a mercenary formation in [[House Marik|Marik]] employ, in [[2920]]. The battles were fought to gain possession of a recently-discovered cache of [[DropShip]]s on [[Buenos Aires]]. The two forces fought on the northern continent and were evenly matched. However, due to the efforts of Marion's third Battalion, the Highlanders managed to place the Vigilantes in a trap. Impressed by the Vigilantes' performance, the "Bad Boys" offered the survivors employment in the Highlanders on the spot. Upon the offer being declined, the Highlanders executed all of the surrendered Vigilantes.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
+
=====Fighting on Buenos Aires=====
 +
The Highlanders fought three separate engagements with [[Vintain's Vigilantes]], a mercenary formation in [[House Marik|Marik]] employ, in [[2920]]. The battles were fought to gain possession of a recently discovered cache of [[DropShip]]s on [[Buenos Aires]]. The two forces fought on the northern continent and were evenly matched. However, due to the efforts of Marion's third Battalion, the Highlanders managed to place the Vigilantes in a trap. Impressed by the Vigilantes' performance, the "Bad Boys" offered the survivors employment in the Highlanders on the spot. Upon the offer being declined, the Highlanders executed all of the surrendered Vigilantes.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
  
 +
=====Return to Form=====
 
The unit has been stationed along the [[Tikonov Commonality]]'s Davion borders since [[2950]], where it has been positioned to intercept incoming [[Armed Forces of the Federated Suns|AFFS]] raids. It has further been reclaiming the maverick, individualist character it displayed prior to its disbanding, by conducting unauthorized raids into Federated Suns space. This cachet has attracted many volunteers to the unit.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
 
The unit has been stationed along the [[Tikonov Commonality]]'s Davion borders since [[2950]], where it has been positioned to intercept incoming [[Armed Forces of the Federated Suns|AFFS]] raids. It has further been reclaiming the maverick, individualist character it displayed prior to its disbanding, by conducting unauthorized raids into Federated Suns space. This cachet has attracted many volunteers to the unit.<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/>
  
=== Third Succession War===
+
=====Battle of Halloran=====
In [[3006]] the Highlanders were assigned to [[Halloran V]]. From there, along with the [[Blackwind Lancers]], they raided the [[Federated Suns]] worlds of [[Demeter]], [[Almach]], and [[Chesterton]]. [[Wolf's Dragoons]] sent their Beta, Gamma, and Delta Regiments to the world, supported by Zeta Battalion.<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 7</ref> After the Liao raiders returned, the Dragoons hit them. Delta Regiment pinned the Lancers in place, while the other Dragoon units faced the Highlanders. The Highlanders were able to hold their position against determined attacks by Beta and Gamma, and even repelled several assaults by Zeta. They were in position to hold the Dragoons at bay indefinitely, but the Dragoons tricked the Lancers into retreating. The Lancers appeared in the Highlanders' rear area, causing confusion and eventually the Highlanders collapsed. The Dragoons conquered Halloran V.<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 8</ref>
+
In [[3006]] the Highlanders were assigned to [[Halloran V]]. From there, along with the [[Blackwind Lancers]], they raided the [[Federated Suns]] worlds of [[Demeter]], [[Almach]], [[Chesterton]] and [[Valexa]]. [[Wolf's Dragoons]] sent their Beta, Gamma, and Delta Regiments to the world, supported by Zeta Battalion.<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 7</ref> After the Liao raiders returned, the Dragoons hit them. Delta Regiment pinned the Lancers in place, while the other Dragoon units faced the Highlanders. The Highlanders were able to hold their position against determined attacks by Beta and Gamma, and even repelled several assaults by Zeta. They were in position to hold the Dragoons at bay indefinitely, but the Dragoons tricked the Lancers into retreating. The Lancers appeared in the Highlanders' rear area, causing confusion and eventually the Highlanders collapsed. The Dragoons conquered Halloran V.<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 8</ref>
  
===Fourth Succession War===
+
====Fourth Succession War====
In the [[Fourth Succession War]] the unit suffered moderate casualties in the 2-month-long failed defense of [[Ningpo]] by the [[3rd Davion Guards|Third Davion Guards RCT]] before a truce between both units was negotiated and on the 15th December 3028 Marion's Highlanders like the other Highlander regiments were allowed to lift off world to reach their new home Northwind.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', p. 269 - "[[Tsen Shang]] comments that only Colonel [[Pavel Ridzik]] kept the McCormack's Fusiliers from avenging the destruction of Marion's Highlanders. The Third Davion Guards were named as unit that defeated them. But that was maybe a misinformation as Marion's Highlanders clearly survived the war".</ref>
+
In the [[Fourth Succession War]] the unit suffered moderate casualties in the two-month failed defense of [[Ningpo]] by the [[3rd Davion Guards|Third Davion Guards RCT]] before a truce between the units was negotiated and on the 15th December 3028 Marion's Highlanders like the other Highlander regiments were allowed to lift off to reach their new home on Northwind.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', p. 269: "[[Tsen Shang]] comments that only Colonel [[Pavel Ridzik]] kept the McCormack's Fusiliers from avenging the destruction of Marion's Highlanders. The Third Davion Guards were named as unit that defeated them. But that was maybe a misinformation as Marion's Highlanders clearly survived the war"</ref>
  
 
==Officers==
 
==Officers==
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-  
+
|-
 
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank
 
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank
 
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name
 
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name
Line 54: Line 60:
 
==Composition History==
 
==Composition History==
 
=== 2786 - 2821===
 
=== 2786 - 2821===
'''Marion's Highlanders''' (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)<ref name= FSSp136>’’ First Succession War’’, p. 136</ref>
+
'''Marion's Highlanders''' (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=1SWp136>First Succession War'', p. 136</ref>
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Lee]]. In 2821 the command was reduced to 31 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Yunnah]]. <ref name= FSSp136/>
+
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Lee]]. In 2821 the command was reduced to 31 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Yunnah]].<ref name=1SWp136/>
 +
 
 
=== 2830 ===
 
=== 2830 ===
'''Marion's Highlanders''' (Regiment/Regular/Questionable) <ref name=2ndSSp96>’’ Second Succession War’’, p. 96 </ref>
+
'''Marion's Highlanders''' (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=2SWp96>''Second Succession War'', p. 96</ref>
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Yunnah]] with an operational readiness of 80 percent. <ref name=2ndSSp96/>
+
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Yunnah]] with an operational readiness of 80 percent.<ref name=2SWp96/>
=== 2864 ===
+
 
'''Marion's Highlanders''' (Regiment/Regular/0) <ref name=2ndSSp96/>
+
=== 2864 ===
: Note: At this point in time the heavy-weight unit was stationed on [[Asuncion]] with an operational readiness of 47 percent. <ref name=2ndSSp96/>
+
'''Marion's Highlanders''' (Regiment/Regular/0)<ref name=2SWp96/>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the heavy-weight unit was stationed on [[Asuncion]] with an operational readiness of 47 percent.<ref name=2SWp96/>
  
 
===3025===
 
===3025===
'''Marion's Highlanders''' (Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/><ref name=HLp105>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'' p. 105, "Deployment Table"</ref>
+
'''Marion's Highlanders''' (Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=HL(TCC)p79/><ref name=HLp105>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 105: "Deployment Table"</ref>
 
* CO: Colonel Alastair Fonn Marion
 
* CO: Colonel Alastair Fonn Marion
:* 1st Battalion (Marion's Roughnecks): Major William MacCleod
+
:* 1st Battalion (Marion's Roughnecks): Major [[William MacCleod]]
:* 2nd Battalion (Marion's Rangers): Major Crystal King
+
:* 2nd Battalion (Marion's Rangers): Major [[Crystal King]]
:* 3rd Battalion (Marion's Jaegers): Major Tomas Zurn
+
:* 3rd Battalion (Marion's Jaegers): Major [[Tomas Zurn]]
  
- Primary BattleMechs of the unit were: ''[[Vindicator|Vindicators]]'' & ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjacks]]''
+
- Primary BattleMechs of the unit were: ''[[Vindicator]]s'' and ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjacks]]''
:Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Elgin]]. <ref name=HLCC> House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p.105 </ref>
+
:Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Elgin]].<ref name=HLCC>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 105</ref>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 77: Line 85:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 +
* ''[[First Succession War (sourcebook)|First Succession War]]''
 +
* ''[[A Guide to Covert Ops]]''
 
* ''[[Highlander Gambit]]'' (novel)
 
* ''[[Highlander Gambit]]'' (novel)
 
* ''[[House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)]]''
 
* ''[[House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)]]''
 
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''
 
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''
 
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]''
 
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]''
 +
* ''[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)|Second Succession War]]''
 
* ''[[Warrior: Riposte]]''
 
* ''[[Warrior: Riposte]]''
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)]]''
+
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''
* ''[[First Succession War (Source Book)|First Succession War]]''
 
* ''[[Second Succession War (Sourcebook)| Second Succession War]]''
 
  
  
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Northwind Highlanders, Marion's Highlanders]]
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Northwind Highlanders, Marion's Highlanders]]

Latest revision as of 15:17, 3 January 2023

Marion's Highlanders.jpg
Marion's Highlanders
Formed 2369
Nickname Bad Boys
Affiliation Mercenary
Parent Command Northwind Highlanders

History[edit]

Age of War[edit]

The unit was raised from St. Ives Militia forces and volunteer reservists. They were known for their lack of discipline, hence their unit's nickname. Under the orders of then-Chancellor Kurnath Liao, the unit first saw action in operations against the Free Worlds League in the territory of the Duchy of Andurien in 2369. The unit suffered numerous defeats on Berenson in 2371 and later on Lopez in 2373. The unit was recalled to Sian, where they underwent a refit and extensive training.[1]

In 2425, a Lieutenant An Manliu from the 2nd Battalion assassinated then-Chancellor Arden Baxter.[2][3] The unit as a whole was not disbanded or otherwise severely punished for the incident, but was sent to the Confederation's rimward border to defend against pirate raids until 2760.[1]

The Star League[edit]

The unit was recalled from the Periphery border by Chancellor Barbara Liao, when she ordered the unit to rejoin with the rest of the Northwind Highlanders. The combined mercenary force assaulted the Davion world of Demeter in 2761. Those actions on Demeter signaled the unit's rehabilitation.[1]

In 2782 Marion's Highlanders conducted a raid against an aerospace facility on the Davion world of Brighton.[1]

Succession Wars[edit]

First Succession War[edit]

While on Lee in 2792, the unit's 2nd & 3rd Battalions suffered significant losses among their light BattleMechs while in operations against a Davion mercenary unit, Cochraine's Greencoats. The losses destroyed the 'Bad Boys' confidence in their light 'Mechs, and they subsequently traded all their remaining lights to other regiments in exchange for heavier designs.[1]

Marion's Highlanders joined with their sister unit McCormack's Fusiliers to successfully defend the world of Almach from elements of the Deneb Light Cavalry in 2834. The "Bad Boys" stood their ground, although losing several lances in their resistance against the Davion force.[1]

Third Succession War[edit]

Disbandment and Re-formation[edit]

A strong streak of individualism had always been a hallmark of Marion's Highlanders, causing frequent friction with the CCAF. In 2899, this individualistic streak caused the unit to be ordered disbanded after they refused to undertake an ordered raid on the Marik world of Oriente. The unit's disbandment was rescinded eventually, and they were permitted to re-form in 2902 after increased Marik incursions into the Confederation. The newly re-formed unit had been purged of its maverick behavior, and were more amenable to taking CCAF orders.[1]

Fighting on Buenos Aires[edit]

The Highlanders fought three separate engagements with Vintain's Vigilantes, a mercenary formation in Marik employ, in 2920. The battles were fought to gain possession of a recently discovered cache of DropShips on Buenos Aires. The two forces fought on the northern continent and were evenly matched. However, due to the efforts of Marion's third Battalion, the Highlanders managed to place the Vigilantes in a trap. Impressed by the Vigilantes' performance, the "Bad Boys" offered the survivors employment in the Highlanders on the spot. Upon the offer being declined, the Highlanders executed all of the surrendered Vigilantes.[1]

Return to Form[edit]

The unit has been stationed along the Tikonov Commonality's Davion borders since 2950, where it has been positioned to intercept incoming AFFS raids. It has further been reclaiming the maverick, individualist character it displayed prior to its disbanding, by conducting unauthorized raids into Federated Suns space. This cachet has attracted many volunteers to the unit.[1]

Battle of Halloran[edit]

In 3006 the Highlanders were assigned to Halloran V. From there, along with the Blackwind Lancers, they raided the Federated Suns worlds of Demeter, Almach, Chesterton and Valexa. Wolf's Dragoons sent their Beta, Gamma, and Delta Regiments to the world, supported by Zeta Battalion.[4] After the Liao raiders returned, the Dragoons hit them. Delta Regiment pinned the Lancers in place, while the other Dragoon units faced the Highlanders. The Highlanders were able to hold their position against determined attacks by Beta and Gamma, and even repelled several assaults by Zeta. They were in position to hold the Dragoons at bay indefinitely, but the Dragoons tricked the Lancers into retreating. The Lancers appeared in the Highlanders' rear area, causing confusion and eventually the Highlanders collapsed. The Dragoons conquered Halloran V.[5]

Fourth Succession War[edit]

In the Fourth Succession War the unit suffered moderate casualties in the two-month failed defense of Ningpo by the Third Davion Guards RCT before a truce between the units was negotiated and on the 15th December 3028 Marion's Highlanders like the other Highlander regiments were allowed to lift off to reach their new home on Northwind.[6]

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of the Marion's Highlanders
Colonel Alastair Fonn Marion 3025 - 3028[1][7][8]

Tactics[edit]

Raiding force, flanking actions.

Composition History[edit]

2786 - 2821[edit]

Marion's Highlanders (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)[9]

Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on Lee. In 2821 the command was reduced to 31 percent of its strength and was deployed on Yunnah.[9]

2830[edit]

Marion's Highlanders (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)[10]

Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on Yunnah with an operational readiness of 80 percent.[10]

2864[edit]

Marion's Highlanders (Regiment/Regular/0)[10]

Note: At this point in time the heavy-weight unit was stationed on Asuncion with an operational readiness of 47 percent.[10]

3025[edit]

Marion's Highlanders (Veteran/Reliable)[1][7]

  • CO: Colonel Alastair Fonn Marion

- Primary BattleMechs of the unit were: Vindicators and Blackjacks

Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Elgin.[11]

References[edit]

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p. 79: "Marion's Highlanders Profile"
  2. House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p. 33: "One Step Back"
  3. A Guide to Covert Ops, p. 61
  4. Wolf's Dragoons, p. 7
  5. Wolf's Dragoons, p. 8
  6. Warrior: Riposte, p. 269: "Tsen Shang comments that only Colonel Pavel Ridzik kept the McCormack's Fusiliers from avenging the destruction of Marion's Highlanders. The Third Davion Guards were named as unit that defeated them. But that was maybe a misinformation as Marion's Highlanders clearly survived the war"
  7. 7.0 7.1 House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p. 105: "Deployment Table"
  8. Highlander Gambit, Prologue
  9. 9.0 9.1 First Succession War, p. 136
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Second Succession War, p. 96
  11. House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p. 105

Bibliography[edit]