Hope you enjoy reading this report! I'm starting to remember just how much I have writing these sorts of things up.
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Report
Submitted by Lord Colonel Z.E. Whitlow
32nd Praetorian Regiment of Foot
On the morning of the 14th, a communiqué was intercepted by Lord General Flagg of the Praetorian Intelligence Service. It detailed a Valhallan plan to seize the vital city of Minster West, important to our army’s supply of pith helmets, boots, and accouterments. Most importantly, this enemy force was commanded their greatest – and most brutal – field commander; his true name is unknown to us. Given his adept ability of finding a way out of any tough situation facing his command, our men have begun to call him “the Weasel.” Lord Flagg believed that we may finally be able to rid ourselves of this menace once and for all.
One full company of men were deployed, its heavy weapons consisting of a mortar, a heavy bolter, and a lascannon. Special weapons included a plasma rifle and two grenade launchers. The remainders of the squads were armed with lasguns. In addition, a command squad led by Lt. Cargill included a commissar, a sapper from the 77th Praetorian Engineers, two grenade launchers and a flamer. Major M.B. Fletcher-Jones commanded the central command squad. Serving with him were Lt. Durfee from the Praetorian Mounted Police, a commissar, a bugler, and a flag bearer. Three lascannon crews were attached to his command. In support of these troops were a squad of stormtroopers with a meltagun and an Armored Fist squad with a flamer, commanded by Sgt. Vickers. A Leman Russ provided the backbone of our force. All told, 64 men, officers, and other ranks went into the field.
Our men arrived to Minster West first. The city was in ruins, having been bombarded prior to our arrival: the ruins of the buildings were still smoldering. Only an Imperial fortress in the heart of the city stood unscathed. Sgt. Neil, with his squad and mortar took up position in the tallest building still standing, so that it could have a clear view of the approaching enemy. Sgt. Geoff and his heavy bolter took a post in the center of our lines. Sgt. Brandt, with lascannon, took up position to the right of Lt. Cargill’s command squad. The stormtroopers were to their left. Major Fletcher-Jones was stationed behind another building. The Leman Russ and Chimera containing our Armored Fist squad were also to the rear.
No sooner had our men established themselves than the Valhallan menace appeared. We tried to get a counting, but they were far too numerous. We could see, however, a horde of conscripts coming directly towards our mortar. Sgt. Neil immediately ordered a barrage, automatically putting enormous holes into the approaching foe. Shortly after this, unfortunately, a well-placed missile strike killed Neil and half of the men in the squad. The remaining men panicked and fled the field.
On the other end of the battlefield, our Leman Russ rolled forth and intended to take out a Valhallan command squad. It was met with strong resistance, forcing it to drive into a building to seek shelter. As this happened, however, a tread broke. To the horror of both Major Fletcher-Jones and myself, the tank was disabled and unable to continue the fight. Thankfully Sgt. Geoff and his squad were there to halt their advance, just as they had at the Battle of the Grasshopper. This side of the battlefield was secured and safely in our hands.
The conscripts, however, were the greatest threat to our lines. Despite massive casualties, they drove onwards. It soon became clear that they driving towards the fortress. If they were allowed to take it, then they would be in a nearly impregnable position. Immediately I ordered Sgt. Brandt, the stormtroopers, and the Armored Fist to take it. The Chimera containing our light company was subjected to intense rocket fire, breaking down only for a moment. This delay, however, cost us dearly. As Brandt as his men were climbing over the barbed wire, the Valhallan horde came up and shot them in the backs – killing them all. They were then able to enter into the fortress and take it. The sergeant of the stormtroopers, bent on vengeance, charged into the structure and fought bravely till the end. Before they died, they were successful in tying down enemy forces there and killing a good number of them.
It was at this moment that the Valhallan central command squad – with Weasel himself – attempted to enter the fortress. Much to his surprise, however, our Armored Fist squad finally came through! Our men deployed but a few meters from the enemy and immediately laid into them. The flamer was able to burn them all…except Weasel. Once again he was able to escape death. Without their commanders, the Valhallan force fell into disorder. Before the battle could be decided, however, a severe lightning storm sprung up and put an end to it. Men from both armies sought shelter from the elements. Thus, the battle ended in a tactical draw.
Distinction must once again go to Sgt. Geoff and his squad. Without his able leadership, the Valhallans may have been able to take us from the rear and destroy us. Sgt. Vickers and the Armored Fist must be commended as well. Because of their valiant actions, the head of the Valhallan serpent was crushed under the foot of the Praetorian lion.
Yet again, a combat photographer was able to capture the events of the battle.
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