140th Siege Regiment of Krieg

140th Krieg insignia

140th Krieg Watchmaster

### **Special Weapons**

Macharius Heavy Tank, Macharius Vanquisher, Baneblade Minotaur self-propelled artillery pieces

## Commanders

### **Notable Commanders**

Wilhelm Steiner

"*True officers of Krieg lead by example from the front, nobody will listen to or fondly remember a coward miles behind the frontlines yelling and barking orders from his permacrete bunker like an armchair general and I will also not have such vermin in my regiment.*"
— Vrax Krieger
The **140th Siege Regiment of Krieg, "The Emperor's Shield and Hammer"** is a Death Korps of Krieg unit that was reformed from the **503rd Heavy Tank Company** of the 61st Tank Regiment, 11th Assault Korps, 88th Siege Army and fought at the Siege of Vraks for several years.

Following some of the most brutal and savage fighting on the planet at the end of the campaign the company was destroyed and reconstituted as a Siege Regiment. Now they are deployed and fighting on the "Hell" planet of Seeva.

## History

### Origins

#### **503rd Heavy Tank Company**

The 503rd Heavy Tank Company later nicknamed the "Lost Company" was raised on their homeworld of Krieg and were equipped with Macharius Heavy Tanks as part of the force assembled for the Siege of Vraks.

##### First Assault on the Outer Defences

Once on planet the company was brought up and made ready to follow up on any breakthrough that the 149th regiment had succeeded to make in order to exploit any penetration in the enemy's lines but were halted once the infantry made no progress.

##### The Battle of Fort A-453

The 503rd was then augmented with Baneblade super-heavy tanks during their first action, helping to relieve the 261st Siege Regiment in the capture of the position. Following the bloody breakthrough, the 8th Assault Korps continued to push forward through the breaches made in the first line and were able to establish a new front nearer to the enemy.

##### The Big Push

After being held in reserve for a prolonged amount of time the unit along with the rest of the 11th Assault Korps was ordered to continue pushing towards the enemy after the 291st Infantry Regiment's breakthrough at the second line of defenses sustaining heavy casualties against renewed counter-attacks from the renegade side. The Assault continued on for several days until it ground to a halt with many tank losses, again forcing the army to stop in it's tracks and dig in.

##### Chaos counter-offensive

Having been reinforced following the last assault the company was again thrust into the battle to help support the 101st Siege Regiment's position against the newly arrived Knornate Beserkers along with other elements from the 11th Assault Korps. Tanks from the other assault korps were also made available in order to strengthen their positions against the renewed onslaught of traitor forces. What was static trench lines with clear drawn and pre-sighted zones for artillery fire became the very essence of maneuver warfare with infantry defending from all sides and more mobile forces acting as quick response reserves, preventing complete encirclements and clogging up any holes in the line.

##### Operation Execution Place

Following the fending off of the Chaos Space Marine assault, the 503rd was picked as part of a special battlegroup nicknamed "Kampfgruppe Callahan" after the regiment's commander. This force included Titans of the the *Legio Astorum* ('Warp Runners') and was to be first through the breach to begin the exploitation after the Terminators of the Red Scorpions achieved their breakthrough. In the wake of the penetration of the Curtain Walls engineers rushed to demolish the remaining wreckage in order to allow for the armor to move forward, just as the traitor renegades also began counter-attacking the position. Baneblade super-heavy tanks were also attached to the strike force and helped repel the enemy after their furious and bloody attempts at closing the breach. After this affair the 11th Assault Korps was pulled back and refitted in order to support the 1st Line Korps' offensive.

##### At the enemy's gates

In the immediate aftermath of the 1st Line Korps's offensive the Company found itself behind enemy lines, cut off and with no communications, unaware of their circumstances along the front they became lost to the rest of the forces operating in the area and thus earned their nickname, the "Lost Company". Vrax Krieger, the unit's leader decided that since they had pushed so far they should continue pressing the assault which led them up near the enemy's very gates. In the aftermath of this unexpected offensive the Vraksians were quick to organized a counterattack upon the cut off company, forcing the 503rd to dig in and hold their positions until reinforcements could arrive and relieve them.

###### The Lost Company

Immediately after setting up improvised defensive positions and digging in their vehicles the unit repelled assault after assault from the enemy, an unknown number of Baneblades from the company bearing most of the brunt of the attacks using their super heavy armor. This continued on for several days until elements of the 143rd Siege Regiment would finally link up and relieve the battered company.

### Reformation and regimental founding

#### **140th Siege Regiment of Krieg**

Casualty lists suggest around 90% of the 503rd was wiped out following their last action with only a few Baneblades and other tanks remaining operational, which would later become the core of the 140th with Vrax Krieger at it's helm.

### Seeva campaign

The Regiment was deployed to the planet of Seeva shortly after it's reformation and founding where it has spent the last 6 months. Fighting has been brutal as the men have tried to dig themselves in deep with plascrete, establishing elaborate trench lines with intertwined bunker bases and other defensive structures such as emplacements, barbed wire and sandbags. Enemy raids behind friendly lines have proven to be largely effective at disrupting the lines of communication and logistics from other regiments as well. Suffering on the planet has earned it the nickname as simply "Hell" by many participants of the campaign.

The cold and blizzards up North make assaults harsh for either side with vehicles stalling or flat out refusing to even work, their machine spirits unable to cope with even this weather, only winter specialized regiments such as the Vostroyans have seen some success here. In the middle regions rivers and cities as well as thick forests prevent armored forces from moving through easily with the logistical lines being ripe for ambush. Down South the renegade forces reign supreme as the hot weather is their natural habitat, here they are most effective with many Imperial offensives grinding to a halt, either losing the little territory they've gained or fighting tooth and nail for every inch of ground taken with high casualty rates.

It is in this hellish landscape that the unit has seen many of it's members soak the ground with their blood in the name of the Emperor, either defending, or attacking, often to the last man in order to atone for their predecessors' sins and have even a slim chance at redemption. They are, his Shield and Hammer.

## Notable Campaigns

* **Siege of Vraks (813-830.M41)** - The 503rd Heavy Tank Company of the 61st Tank Regiment, 11th Assault Korps part of the 88th Siege Army fought at Vraks for several years and served with distinction before being reformed into the 140th Siege Regiment after being almost completely wiped out in the closing days of the campaign.
* **Campaign on the "Hell" planet of Seeva (Ongoing)** - Nicknamed so by the men of the regiment, this planet features wintery landscapes to the North, thick forests and rivers in the middle and very warm weather to the South. Plastered all over are small towns and cities, some serving as logistical hubs and supply depots. Fighting is hellish as supply and defensive lines are stretched thin, urban combat as well as trench warfare happen quite often and there are also many renegades rampaging behind friendly lines causing even more chaos and confusion. Reports show that the 140th has suffered heavy casualties here.

## Battle Doctrine

Much of the Battle Doctrine of the 140th consists of an amalgamation of the old approach of the 503rd in the form of Armored Warfare and Siege Warfare, the heading in which the regiment is now to take.

The 503rd had to learn through the hard way that even while having the iron fist of some of the Imperium's finest in terms of armored tanks, they still needed the necessary support forces in order to hold the enemy in place and strike them at a greater distance than what their cannons could afford alone.

### Shield and Hammer tactics

Developed six months after being deployed to Seeva, the regiment has further specialized it's defensive and offensive strategies. A spinoff of one of the most common tactic in use forged by the age old forces on Terra is the Hammer and Anvil. Once on the frontlines the infantry dig in with trenches and elaborate bunker systems whenever possible to hold their ground, while artillery bombards the enemy who are then forced to attack the formation only to be flanked and destroyed by the Regiment's mobile Armored forces.

This has become the standard doctrine of Siege Regiments which favor the combined arms approach to warfare and enjoy the many benefits that mixed formations such as this bring. Of course no single arm would triumph over the other alone, all must work together in order to achieve victory.

## Organization

After the loss of most of the 503rd it's survivors along with other parts and elements of the 88th Siege Army were folded into the 140th, a newly founded heavily mechanized and augmented Siege Regiment that specializes in both holding as well as taking positions with a combined arms approach.

### Infantry

#### Line Infantry

Krieg Guardsmen are exceptionally trained and equipped. Lacking in flak armor compared to other regiments they make up for it in being almost impregnable to gas warfare and chemical agents that the enemy may use. They are also equipped with the Lucius Pattern No.98 Lasgun which is a single shot weapon with more power but less ammunition, standard issue bayonet, shovel for entrenching, grenades, gas filter, gas mask and not to mention an unwavering loyalty to the Emperor and Imperium. They make up most of the Regiment and are ready to die for Krieg at a moment's notice.

#### Grenadiers

Krieg Grenadiers are the elite hand-picked heavy infantry of the Regiment equipped with meltaguns and other more specialized assault equipment. They are tasked with the toughest of jobs and tasks to accomplish regardless of the circumstances. Usually are mounted in armored transports and acting as mechanized infantry.

#### Engineers

Krieg Engineers are equipped with shotguns, demolition charges, and mole launchers as well as wire cutters and other assault equipment. These men excel at building and demolishing defensive structures and closing in with the enemy, engaging in deadly close quarter combat in the trenches and tunnels as well as urban environment where they're sent in.

### Support

#### Artillery

The regiment has a complement of indirect fire units which include heavy mortars and quad launchers whereas heavy artillery companies are armed with towed variants of the iconic Earthshakers and Medusa siege guns. Due to the mechanized nature of the formation there are also a large number of basilisk and other self-propelled artillery vehicles.

#### Logistics

Krieg Quartermasters perform the roles of battlefield medics, preachers and logistical personnel, offering the Emperor's Peace upon the most deserving of his servants as well as collecting their battlefield gear. The logistical troops are equipped with Centaurs and Trojans serving as transports and ammunition carriers, these men are vital for the continued operations of the Regiment.

#### Death Riders

Krieg Death Riders act as scouts and fast reaction unit of the regiment these are some of the most experienced troops in the entire force, capable of making an unexpected shift in their main weight in order to turn any battle around.

#### Armor

Making up the core of the regiment this part of the unit is equipped with some unorthodox vehicles like the Tiger Battle Tank and Königstiger Assault Tanks while still having Macharius Heavy Tanks alongside Macharius Vanquishers as well as the remaining Baneblades from the 503rd Heavy Tank Company.

## Notable Members

### Vrax 'Tigerdaddy' Krieger

Vrax Krieger was the original leader of the 503rd Heavy Tank Company and current leader of the 140th Siege Regiment of Krieg. Nicknamed "Tigerdaddy" by his tank crew because of his affinity for Tigers, he's a battle hardened and tough as nails tank commander albeit perhaps a bit too cold and emotionally detached even for a Kriegsman. His men love his frontline leading and caring for them, however they also note increased levels of loneliness when not in action. He can often be found writing and indulging in other hobbies while at the reserve area.

### Wilhelm Steiner

Acting as the second in command of the 503rd Heavy Tank Company, Steiner was close friends with Krieger until his death during the last desperate battle of the unit. Affectionally called the "Company Mother" by the men, things would never be the same after his loss. Many still mourn him as he was an exceptional officer and loyal servant of the God Emperor.

## Wargear

### Standard Infantry Equipment

Line Infantry of the 140th Siege Regiment are equipped much like all of their other Death Korps brethren. Guardsmen are issued the Lucius Pattern No 98 Lasgun, a fully enclosed uniform that protects from most chemical agents and gas warfare, entrenching tool, mono knife, spare ammunition and of course, grenades. Grenadiers are armed much in the same way with the exception that they carry Hellguns which are heavier than the Lasgun, pack more of a punch and also require a powerpack to be worn on the back. They are also equipped with additional armor and grenades as well as a skull added to their mask in order to denote their membership to the Grenadiers, Engineers much like the Grenadiers are equipped with armor but due to their more close quarter combat oriented roles are instead armed with Shoguns and more specialist assault equipment such as melta charges.

* **Lucius Pattern No. 98 Lasgun** - Standard issue lasgun to all Death Korps Guardsmen. This weapon has a more powerful shot compared to most other lasguns but also due to that power has less ammunition and can only be fired at a reduced rate.
* **Lucius Pattern Type XIV (Heavy) Lasgun -** Most commonly referred to as the "Hellgun", and with good reason. This weapon is the mainstay of Death Korps Grenadier formations which utilize it's increased power as well as carry the heavy powerpack on their backs that it entails.
* **Lucius Pattern Mark 22c Semi-Automatic Shotgun** - Death Korps Engineers are usually equipped with this weapon in order to fulfil their more close range assault duties as well as for self-defense purposes while performing construction work. Features a single-shot revolving action.
* **Lasgun Power Packs** - Standard ammunition for use by lasgun-type weapons. Guardsmen are usually issued with 6 but most prefer to have a few more on them just in case they are in sustained combat and cannon recharge them, very useful during Sieges as well.
* **Knife** - Used as both a utility tool and weapon, deadly and extends the melee range of the Lasgun when used as a bayonet. Hellguns cannot make use of this practice as they would melt the blade due to their large concentration of heat at the end of the weapon.
* **Frag Grenades** and **Krag grenades** - Issued in increased numbers to Grenadiers and Engineers, the de-facto assault troops. Guardsmen are given fewer in number of these grenades.
* **Photon Flash Grenades** and **Smoke Grenades -** Similar to the Frag and Krag grenades, these are issued mostly to assault troops.
* **Death Korps Uniform** - The 140th makes use of the standard uniform worn by all Death Korps of Krieg members with the only exception being that their insignia worn on the shoulder guard is "140K" and is pronounced as "One-Forty-Kay" as to distinguish them from other Imperial Guard regiments.
* **Gas mask and filters** - All personnel of the regiment are required to be equipped with these instruments in order to fight in sustained gas attacks, be it friendly or enemy.
* **Dog Tags** - For identification in case of death. Personnel of the regiment usually have two of them, one worn around their neck and one in their boot.
* **Basic Toolkit** - Common tools in order to perform maintenance on equipment and especially, every Guardsman's Lasgun.
* **Rechargeable Lamp Pack** - Light source for mobile and continuous use in battlefield conditions.
* **M39 Entrenching Tool** - Foldable shovel meant for digging foxholes and trenches but also sharp enough for use as a melee weapon as well.
* **Box of Screamers -** Proximity mines issued on a per-squad basis.
* **Blanket & Sleeping Bag**
* **Grooming Kit**
* **3 Weeks Rations**
* **Mess Kit and Water Canteen**
* **Poor Weather Gear**
* **Rucksack**
* ***Imperial Infantryman’s Uplifting Primer***

### Heavy Weapons and Artillery

Most of the 140th 's equipment is comprised of standard issue Lucius pattern weapons with the only odd exception being for the mole launchers which were retained by the engineer units joining the regiment after the Siege of Vraks where they were used most notably.

#### Heavy Weapons

* **Lucius Pattern No.15 Heavy Bolter**
* **Twin-linked Heavy Stubber**
* **Icarus Pattern Lascannon**
* **Agrippina Pattern Mark II Autocannon**
* **Hades Pattern Mark III Assault Flamer**
* **Mortar**
* **Mole Launcher**

#### Field Artillery

* **Lucius Pattern Quad Launchers**
* **Lucius Pattern Heavy Mortars**

#### Heavy Artillery

* **Lucius Pattern Medusa Siege Guns**
* **Lucius Pattern Earthshaker Platform**

### Vehicles

The Regiment again makes use for the most part of standard issue vehicles with the exception of the Minotaur self-propelled artillery pieces which were procured during the Siege of Vraks. Some other very rare oddities are the Tiger Battle Tanks and Königstiger Assault Tanks which are thought to have been named after the animals found on ancient Terra and are shared among the Konig Armoured Regiments as well as Teutonian Armoured Regiments. They seem to have been acquired after a supply shortage of Leman Russ tanks. Both vehicles are armed with Vanquisher cannons and thus are more suited to tank versus tank combat although their general purpose usefulness has also been noted by crews.

#### Support and Logistical Vehicles

* **Armageddon Pattern Basilisks**
* **Crassus Heavy Assault Transports**
* **Gorgon Super-Heavy Troop Transports**
* **Centaur Armored Utility Vehicles**
* **Trojan Support Tanks**
* **Chimera Armored Personnel Carriers**
* **Atlas Armoured Recovery Vehicles**
* **Minotaur Self-Propelled Artillery Pieces**

#### Tanks

* **Tiger Battle Tanks and** **Königstiger Assault Tanks**
* **Leman Russ Battle Tanks** and **Leman Russ Vanquisher Tanks**
* **Macharius Heavy Tanks** and **Macharius Vanquishers**
* **Baneblade Super Heavy Tanks**

## Regimental Appearance

The 140th Siege Regiment of Krieg makes use of Warden Blue and Gold colors for their uniforms while their insignia also contains Black and White.

## Gallery

Note: Shovel made by JP Customs, check them out!

Regimental banner of the 140th Siege Regiment of Krieg.