Who are Gaunt's Ghosts?


Gaunt's Ghosts refers to a regimental foundling on the world of Tanith in the 41st millenium in the work of Warhammer 40K.  Colonel-Comissar Ibram Gaunt was given command of the origial three regiments of Tanith imperial soldiers in an effort to bring strong leadership and discipline to a new foundling era for Tanith.  During the build-up to depart Tanith, aChaos fleet that splintered off the main force of the coreward sector descended on the world.  Without a strong planetary defense and no time to prepare, Gaunt decided to save what soldiers he could for the imperium instead of fighting.  As chaos began attacking the planet, Gaunt organized the emergency launch of available Tanith troopers.  When all was complete, only a single strength regiment was able to get off the planet.  Tanith itself was destroyed by  the forces of Chaos from orbit and Trooper Larkin, a sniper in the regiment, dubbed the regiment 'ghosts'.  The resulting moniker of Gaunt's Ghosts was used by the men of Tanith and those who ultimately became close to Gaunt himself and the regiment.