244th Lysean Mechanized Rifle Regiment

## 244thLysean Mechanized Rifle Regiment("The Unrelenting")

Regimental Badge of 244th LMRR

Regimental colour scheme of 244th

"*People of Lysea! Brave soldiers of Imperial Guard! Behind us there is Ansk, a city where your parents, your siblings and your children look for your protection. The Emperor on His golden throne looks upon us, and He knows that we won't retreat. We will slay the xeno. We won't be afraid, for He is with us! We will hold until Sanguinala and every day after until every xeno scum will lay dead before our feet!. Just like Ollanius Pius, just like Sanguinius himself, we will protect the Emperor and his planet. We won't relent!*"
— General-Chief of State Ekhard Shyling
The **244th Lysean Mechanized Rifle Regiment** (LMMR) is an elite regiment of the Astra Militarum that hails from the Lysean System, an Imperial system of three planets located at the edge of the Segmentum Ultima .

## History

244th Lysean Mechanized Rifle Regiment was first Imperial Guard regiment in history of Lysean System. Before that Lysea was providing troopers in form of reinforcements for other IG regiments. Everything changed in M35 during Ork invasion, when capital planet of the system almost fell in hands of greenskins despite fierce resistance of the people. After receiving help in form of several Astra Militarum regiments, combined forces of Lysean PDF and IG were taking their last stand defending mountain pass leading to second (and last) hive city on planet. Despite being overwhelmed by sheer numbers of orks, and being under equipped after previous battles, heaving terrible losses, brave soldiers refused to back down and were fighting to the last. Help came with three Adeptus Astartes companies (two from Ultramarines and one from Crimson Fists chapters) that arrived just in time to turn the tide of battle. Only 244 soldiers survived the battle, later Called Sanguinala Eve Miracle.

Despite their status of heroes of the Lysea, nor Lysean officials, nor Departmento Munitorum representatives were sure what to do with survivors. They refused to be attached to closest IG regiment, too important on Lysea to disperses, and too few to create mixed regiment on their own. Lord General Khan, last high ranking officer proposed new compromise. From now on, Lysea will recruit its own IG Regimentum as a tithe. 244th will form a core of very first regiment, and provide commanding cadre for new recruits that would fill the ranks. Lysean officials were to provide supplies, weapons and materials for the unit. They also obliged in Regimental Call to Arms (RCA - official document of Departmento Munitorum, a datasheet of raised regiment, consisting size, equipment and specialisation of a regiment.) to bear the costs of reinforcements for the unit, and Dept. Munit. representatives guaranteed that there alway will be regiment with specified name and origin.

War devastation and manpower losses created huge financial problem to additionally found an regiment. thus, large part of equipment was salvaged and refurbished from battlefields, creating unique composition for a intended mechanized unit. Lord General Khan, being commander of mobile forces securing other side of Skeln Pass during the battle, also added some of his background to final style of regiment.

Currently 244th has somewhat iconic status on its homeworlds. Its campaigns are often followed with great attention in local media, and having someone in the family, or even knowing someone who serves in 244th is source of proud. Over the years regiment grew large retinue following it during campaigns, and many children of soldiers from regiment also join its rank, being called "old blood" recruits, in contrast to "young blood" being sent from Lysea or those who distinguished themselves in other Lysean regiments and as a reward they are transferred to 244th.

## Notable Campaigns

#### Tronus subsector Ork incursion (994.M35 - 002.M36)

Series of offensvies conducted by aspiring ork warlord Izgud Mordakka overs whole Tronus subsector trying to ignite Waaagh! and draw power from Charadon empire. Warlord was stopped over Lysea, from where counteroffensive started. 244th as freshly raised regiment took part in final stages of counterattack, taking part in Raumus system invasion. 244th fought in large flanking maneuver, where it had its final test as whole formation. Regiment did not distinguished itself with great deeds, but showed that it can fight on par with other formations.

#### Easter Fringe Redemption Crusade (325.M37 - 379.M37)

Series of independent campaigns directed into Eastern Fringe and Exodite Worlds with goal of conquering and reclaiming of new sectors int empire. Generally announced as a great success, in reality results were small in comparison with number of forces involved. Lack of clear charismatic leadership resulted in prolonged attrition warfare.

##### Sysheq invasion (344.M37 - 348.M37)

244th LMRR was deployed to invade Sysheq - an Exodite world being gate to Veltar sector. Initial success was owed to lard open areas of planet, where light and armored units could overcome Exodite defences. Situation changed to bloody stalemate, when Eldars received help from one of Craftworlds, and Imperial forces couldn't win over defenders hidden in dense forests of Sysheq. Eldar raids were fierce and well aimed, and swift response from mobile regiments of Guard barely prevented xenos counteroffensive. 244th was withdrawed along few other regiments, being replaced by forces prepared to perform trench warfare supported by heavy artillery (this tactics proved to be successful, since it denied xenos possibility to perform raids, and artillery barrages destroyed their forest hideouts).

##### Velutari Extirpation (346.M37 - 355.M37)

Vestar sector was inhabited by humanoid race called Velutari. Being relatively young spacefaring civilisation, their Federation governed about seventy colonies. First contacts with Terran Rogue trades showed their willingness to trade and and share knowledge. This was met with "no deals with xenos" stance, that ended in bloody war. Human forces invaded planets one by on, erasing all evidence that such race ever existed. Despite having less powerful arsenal, Velutarians fought with determination, trying to evacuate civilians from warzones and to stop Terran offensive. There were also few desperate tryouts to start peace negotiations, but this met with silence from Terran side. Systematic cleansing ended with conquering last Velutari planet, after brutal battle that saw failed Velutarian attempts to use nuclear warheads and razing their cities to the ground in retaliation. Lyseans fought on all of the planets, being part of firth wave of invading forces. Forces of Velutari were weakening with the progress of campaign and in the end it seemed as seal clubbing for Imperial soldiers. This was true also to the Lyseans, as their started to doubt. Regiment was withdrawn to fight against Drukhari incursion on one of Imperial worlds. This restored order in unit, but soldiers refused to wear badge for this campaign. To this day there is no campaign honours attached to staff of regimental standard of 244th.

##### Bahamo subsector defence (356.M37 - 359.M37)

Despite decisive victory in Vestar sector, the morale of the regiment was low. Despite efforts of commissar issued to the regiment, whole regiment was full of apathy and hoplessness, creating a risk of being disbanded and dispersed at best, and being court martialled in worst scenario. Luckly for 244th, urgent call for help from Bahamo subsector resulted in withdawal and relocation of whole unit along few others. Bahamo subsector, placed in Segmentum Obscurus, was subject of intensive Dark Eldar slave raids. The Unrelenting were involved in three years long bloody campaign, which was announced as victory (in reality Drukhari just finished their hunting and returned to Commorragh). Regiment was hopping between planets, reacting to reports of enemy activity, Despite being mechanized, it was hard to outmaneuver Drukhari, resulting in terrible losses of all regiments involved in campaign.

##### Occlusiad War (550.M37 - 560.M37)

244th was used in support operations against rogue tech priests, securing planets after their liberation, and taking part of fast response force dispatched against raids.

##### 7th Black Crusade (811.M37)

Regiment was involved in multiple campaigns during this campaingn. Most notable was blockade of Hiero Hive, on a planet Argo. 244th LMRR took parti in offensive that allowed to break trough chaos forces and was first to pursuit remnants all the way to Hiero Hive. Lacking means to take city by force, regiment surroudend the city, and lured defenders into series of skirmishes bleeding out defenders. After one of such engagements soldiers from 2nd battalion managed to outrun enemy forces returning to city, and took over the gates. With help from few other regiments send as reinforcements, city was taken within a few days.

##### 8th Black Crusade (999.M37)

Lyseans defended planet Cynde III from chaos cultists supported and Chaos Space Marines. Regiment suffered heavy losses, but managed to protect about 1/4 of the cities from purge. After that 244th was combined with other regiments that shared same fate into makeshift battlegroup. Afterwards regiment incorporated soldiers from other regiments, and was transferred to Lysea for a year to resupply and replenish numbers.

##### Salonika Crusade (733.M38 - )

Most of data was lost. There is only information tah 244th took part in Warmaster Demetrius campaign, as a spearhead force during planetary invasions. Their actions pulled away enemy forces allowing main group to land and secure foothold. Regiment was rotated and withdrawn in the middle of campaign for unknown reasons.

##### Ork invasion on Orpheus sector (161.M39 - 310.M39)

One of the longest campaingns of 244th LMRR. Regiment was send to help with mop-up operations after victoriuos Battle of Gorgon Deeps. What was planned as quick pursuit and destruction of ork infestation, turned into long campaign of skirmishes, offensives and counter-offensives.

##### War of Faith in Orpheus Sector (903.M39 - 920.M39)

Regiment fought along main line of offensive, acting as invading forces vanguard and pursuing force. During campaign on Thamyris, regiment managed to outrun fleeing chaos cultists truing to pincer their forces with main body of imperial army. Sudden counterattack reversed situatiion, and "The Unrelenting" was forced to retreat to avoid being encircled. Breaktrough attempt costed 2/3 of the soldiers of the regiment their lives (along with regiment commander, Col. Einar Mytling), and destruction of 80% of equipment. Regiment was withrawed for resupply, what later saved them from annihilation on Colkasth.

##### **Era Indomitus (M42)**

###### Summary

Regiment, after campaign against splinters of tyranid hive fleets on Eastern Fringe, was stationed in capital of Mesoa sector, Lagash. Forces gathered there were supposed to be send to fight Tau, when Night of a Thousand Rebellions happens. Whole battlegroup spends next years securing and pacifying Sector and surrounding subsectors. During that operations, whole 4096th Army sees creation of Great Rift, severing all astropathic communication, and long range warp travel. Whole sector is cut off from the rest of Imperium, being on future Imperium Nihilus side of galaxy. seeing commanding Marshall Nikoledos dead during one of battles, and lacking any outside communication, remaining regiment commanders gather to decide what to do. In conclusion of their debate, colonel Akkad is chosen as marshal of new battlegroup called Lagash Battlegroup. Forced to use only short range warp jumps battlegroup slowly secures 3/4rd of sector, creating provisionary governments under marshall Akkad (locally named Magistri Milites), sanctioning those still loyal, recruiting from local population and training PDF as support forces under command of marshall. After hard negotiations, local forge world, Arxos, agreed to support this ad-hoc created coalition with so much needed weapons, munitions and vehicles. 244th LMRR incorporates in its structures remnants of cadian, vostroyan, mordian regimens as well as local militia recruits. To great happiness of Lysean soldiers of the regiment, after rescuing surrounded Imperial forces on Gydis IV, they discover that they liberated 215th "Griffins" Regiment along with two other Lysean lightfoot regiments (210th and 31th), which are made part of 244th - altough they are allowed to keep their old insignia. During stability campaign, regiment receives distress astropathic message from planet Hyrcania. There 244th takes part in cleansing of the planet from chaos incursion, and helps to liberate surrounded fortress-monastery of Sentinels of Hyrcania space marines chapter, that was defended only by two companies of space marines, with unknown fate of the rest of the chapter. Currently regiment, just as other forces of Lagash Battlegroup struggle to defend their sector creating island of stability in darkness of Imperium Nihilus, waiting for miracle in form of help from Imperium. Astropaths risk their lives trying to communicate with anyone still loyal to the emperor, but without any response.

###### Phars campaign - the beginning

244th LMRR received order to move as quickly as possible to Phars sub-sector. There, after successful genestealer cult rebellion in Parsa system, their taint started to spread. Whole battlegroup arrived late, when Parsa system was already being consumed by splinter hive-fleet, ant others were subject of attack form genestealter cultists and tyranids. Gathered forces were jumping from planet to planet, securing first those, where enemy presence was smallest and Imperial control could be reestablished quickly. Having secured foothold and supply routes, counteroffensive began its march towards Phars. Losses were rising, as well as bloodshed with each new planets liberated. When Imperial forces, under command of general Darius Hanno, finally made planetfall into troubled surface of Phars, two thirds of initial forces were gone. Ruins of Sogdia hive were still held by loyalists forces, with effectively 80% of its population gone, loyalists fought with cold desperation, first against cultists, and later against tyranids. Militarum forces led counterattack quickly after landing, trying to gain initiative. Unfortunately, all of them realised that they came too late. Large swaths of planetary biomass were already consumed. It took general Hanno a week, and another two-thirds of his forces to realize that situation is hopeless. Evacuation was bloody, brutal and grim. When last shuttle finally took off from Phars surface, general Hanno called for Exterminatus. 244th Lysean Mechanized Rifle Regiment was only regiment that had functioning command structure, in comparison in ad-hoc formations that others presented. Remaining forces were temporary attached under command of Lyseans, and supposed to be later reconstructed. This temporary measure proved to be more enduring, than anyone supposed.

###### Securing supply lines

Creation of Cicatrix Maledictum led to wide range of chaos cultists uprisings, and incursions of various renegade groups. Mesoa sector wasn't exception, and being located in part of Imperium that was cut off from Terra made it only worse. After campaign on Phars, 244th was dislocated to Lagash, capital planet of Mesoa sector, and attached to 4096th Battlegroup, that was preparing to take part in campaign against Tau. During this months, gathered forces, located in various planets of Lagash sub-sector are witness of events known later as Great Awakening and Night of a Thousand Rebellions. Responding to the situation, Marshall Nikoledos sends his forces to restore stability in sector. The Blackness severs the effort in opening stages of campaign, as many of forces disappears in Empyrean. Having contact only with two other systems in sub-sector - Male and Alvo, marshall Nikoledos decides to risk short-range warp travel to reestablish control over remaining systems of the Mesoa sector. His forces are divided into three Battlegroups, named after staging - Lagash, Male and Alvo. Male is tasked to restore contact and reestablish control over Aldega sub-sector, in coreward direction of the sector. Alvo was to secure recently contested Phars sub-sector and Alcippe sub-sector, which was the gate to the Hyrcania, homeplanet of Sentinels of Hyrcania space marines chapter. Lyseans, being part of the Lagash battlegroup, were tasked to secure one of major warp routes in segmentum, with Forgeworld Arxos being on the way. First step was fortress world of Gydis IV.

System was one of fortress worlds established along borders of the Imperium, that were supposed to hold enemy incursion allowing to mount counterattack. Located on a top of lonely mountain, Fortress Inanna, supplied from Arxos, acted also as armoury for whole sector and neighbouring sub-sectors. Inanna was normally garrisoned by one militarum regiment. During the uprising, there were also two other regiments present on the planet. 215th Lysean regiment "Griffins", a drop-trooper force, as supposed to resupply and replenish its numbers from garrison regiment, who happened to be 31th Lysean lightfoot Regiment, that in turn, was to be replaced by 210th Lysean lightfoot regiment. 31th was later ordered to return to Lysea to reinforce cadres of another regiment being formed.

244th arrived, when all three regiments were already defending the fortress, while chaos worshippers known as Blessed by Blue Raven and pirates known as Red Skulls roamed freely on a planet surface, leaving enough forces to maintain siege around Inanna. Marshall Nikoledos plan assumed, that heavy forces will land on landing pads in fortress itself, while more mobile forces will land and attack from outside, acting as a hammer against anvil of Inanna and the Sume river flowing southeast of the Fortress. The first moments of commencing the plan proved that operation will be much harder than estimated. Both sides knew value of the target, and while pirates seemed to be under-equipped on land, they proven that in the air it is quite the opposite. Transporters and their air cover met with fierce resistance from Red Skulls fighters, supported by cultist anti air weapons. Moreover, landing pad of the fortress turned out to be smaller than area mentioned in imperial databanks (it was due to error, or effect of corruption and fraud of imperial founds), and in effect, only part of landers were able to land their forces in the fortress. rest of the forces, including HQ with Nikoledos onboard, under heavy flak fire was forced to land and disembark on the other side of the river, and fight their way to fortress. regiments forming the hammer force met with similar problem, being forced to land much further from planned LZ. Cultists, reacting to developing situation, attacked fortress concentrating on two points: first was aiming to breach the west part of the walls with concentrated siege artillery fire an break inside. Second line of attack omitted Inanna from south, aiming to capture bridge on Sume river, cutting off reinforcements from fortress. While first attack was only partial success - defenders were retaking lost ruins of walls each time enemy took them, albeit at great cost, second force secured both part of the bridge. Regiments under marshal Nikoledos managed to push them from their side of river, but were unable to retake the bridge, effectively eliminating large part of armoured units from battle. This led to decision to start all infantry attack across the river on everything that could be used as boat.

Hammer force being forced to land much further from original point, quickly prepared for the offensive. 244th was one of leading elements on the frontline. Their advance met only minor resistance from red skull forces, until imperial regiments finally met with the cultists. Imperial regiments stormed ranks of traitors, and split their ranks almost in half, before being stopped. It was then, when red skulls heavy units appeared, attacking on the rear of hammer force and closing them between cultists and their tanks. 244th and other regiments were forced to fight on close distance, sometimes to knife their way without possibility to manoeuvre, trying to get to the security of the fortress. Losses were skyrocketing. Only thank to bold attack of infantrymen under marshal Nikoledos forcing the river, allowing to retake the bridge from enemy hands, the battle didn't turn in bloody failure. When finally Imperial tanks crossed the bridge, counteroffensive could be carried, securing the fortress, and forcing the archenemy worshippers to retreat.

After the battle, to replenish the looses, 244th was merged with other three Lysean regiments, task of securing the Inanna was handled to the 48th Lagash Hunters and 176th Vostroyan Firstborn Regiment.

## Regimental Organisation

### Structure (at the end of M41)

* 1st battalion (HQ)
	+ 11th company
		- 1101th HQ squad (Regimental HQ) - 500 soldiers
		- 111th Construction Platoon - 1.000 soldiers
		- 1102nd Communication Squad - 500 soldiers
		- 1103th Field Medicae Squad - 500 soldiers
		- 112th Transport Platoon - 1.500 soldiers
		- 113th Training Platoon - about 5000 soldiers (normally dispersed among line battalions and companies)
	+ 12th Armoured Company "Tornado" - 20.000 soldiers
	+ 13th Mounted Rifles Company "Storm" - 30.000 soldiers
* Mechanized Battalions - 150.000 soldiers each
	+ 2nd Rifles Battalion "Orkan"
	+ 3rd Rifles Battalion "Hurricane"
	+ 4th Rifles Battalion "Typhoon"
* 5th Support Battalion
	+ 51th Artillery Company "Thunder" - 20.000 soldiers
	+ 52th Tank Destroyers Company "Lightning" - 30.000 soldiers

### Combat doctrine

244th LMRR considers itself as a "rapid deployment" regiment. Remembering its beginnings, Lysean soldiers train to excel in quick movements and taking objectives on the march. Typical strategy considered for 244th is to be deployed in first wave of attack, quickly flank enemy lines and break through to the rear areas. Next actions depends of the mission objectives. Regiment can seize and secure objective, entrenching on position and wait for reinforcements. Other course of action is to wreak havoc in hit and run tactics. Having unusual for Imperial Guard regiment composition allow to carry independent actions for longer periods of time. 244th is often used for mop-up operations, anti-insurgency actions, and in invasion preparations, usually as support for drop troops, preparing ground for arrival of main forces. 244th Lysean Mechanized Rifle regiment is also considered one of very few battle worthy regiments from Lysea, and works hard to maintain its iconic status.

### Wargear & Equipment

#### Equipment used by Regiment

Regiment started as ambitious project, but economic reality of a system that just repelled xeno invasion, forced the Triumvirate to cut expenses. In effect, initially most of equipment was salvaged from battlefields and repaired, with help of Mechanicum, that agreed to help. (Repairing and refurbishing pleases the Ominissiah, as well as peemption rights for Lysean scented candles). As an act of gratitude, all of the equipment repaired had painted Adeptus Mechanicus cogwheel on left side. Later, during its campaigns and due donations 244th was equipped with more new and modern weaponry. Lysean weaponry includes:

* standard M35 M-Galaxy pattern lasgun (later also replaced by MkIII Mars pattern lasgun) - about half of regiment is equipped with it.
* modified versions of M36 M-G, called "Lysrifles". - Used by second half of regimnt. Lysrifle is effect of illegal field modifications made unofficially standard through regiment. Modifications include grinding the lenses and modification of collimators, to achieve wider beam (this also makes it weaker). Replacing power wires with much wider ones to drain more energy from power pack. Modifying power nodes and ultracapacitors to create more powerful shot (to revert effects of lenses and collimators modification). Additional heat sinks to prevent overheating. Resulting weapon has lower rate of fire, can't fire in auto mode and uses power pack much quicker, and offers much wider and powerful shot (about 22 do 25 megathoule range, depending who modified the gun), keeping same range as standard lasgun. Additional advantage of modified wiring is possibility to use all sizes of power packs (even attaching to hot-shot power packs), in some cases power packs need to be strapped to the lasgun body.

Heavy weapons:

* Autocannons
* Lascannons
* Multi-Lasers
* Horse Mobile Artillery - horse carts with mounted lascannons, autoguns or thudd guns, allowing to shoot while moving. Later replaced by centaurs, trojans and chimeras - used by 52th tank destroyers company

Vehicles used by 244th vary between subunits:

* Horse - When the regiment was created, horse was only mean of transport for recon units. Later only 13th Mounted Rifles Company was still using them, but even them replace them for motorised means, when possible. Now horses are used mostly as backup and serve only to transport belongings of regimental retinue.
* Bike - Used by the 13th mounted rifles company, 1102th Squadron, and few scouts from 2nd Battalion.
* Centaur - Equipped with lascannons, autoguns or thudd guns is used by 51th Company and 4th Battalion
* Scylla Light Tank - Used by the 12th Armoured Company and 3rd Battalion
* Tauros - Used in all line forces of regiment (except 3rd battalion) for scouting and as heavy fire support (13th mounted rifles)
* Tauros venator - Used by 3rd Battalion
* Chimera - Primary transportation unit of regiment (except 2nd battalion)
* Taurox - Transport of 2nd Battalion
* Salamander Scout - Used by 4th Battalion
* Leman Russ Battle Tank/Exterminator - Both variants are used by 12th Armoured Company
* Hydra Flak Tank - In use of 51st Artillery Company
* Wyvern Suppression Tank - In use of 51st Artillery Company

## Regimental Appearance

### Regimental Colours

In contrast to other regiments from Lysea, 244th uses standard Lysean pattern of uniforms. Only exception is its usage of Cadian pattern uniforms for training, and as spares. Standard uniform issue for a soldier includes

* Khaki Greatcoat
* Pair of black marching boots
* Side Cap (2nd battalion) or peaked cap (with soft top, 1st and 3rd battalion) or beret (4th and 5th battalion).Officers always receive peaked cap (hardened, with round top).
* Helmet (Cadian pattern)

All headdress is matt grey, with officers having silver stripe on caps and helmets. All details: belt, straps, unit numbers, buttons etc. are black. Also imperialis or aquila in case of officers is black, which is characteristic for all Lysean regiments.

There is also old tradition to attach Lysean ostrich feathers, with prayers to God-Emperor written on it, to their shoulderguards and vox antenae.

## Relations

Regiment treats its equipment with respect and keeps it well maintained. some of vehicles remember creation of regiment, what is indicated by Mechanicum icon painted on its side. This practises keep Adeptus Mechanicum in good relations with regiment, and ensures best repairs possible.

Regiment had very little contact with Astartes, whom they treat with devout worship.

Coming form religious and very attached to traditions society, makes them also in good terms with Ecclesiarchy.

Relations with other Militarum regiments are very bipolar. They either love them or hate them. Some dislike Lyseans for their stubbornness, or see them as poor upstarters, trying to grasp glory from their betters while others admire their dedication. Those who fought alongside 244th think of them with respect and have friendly relations. Due roots of the regiment, having some of Valhallan, Attilan, Pardus and Mordian ancestry, they are often considered "cousins" of those regiments and thus creating close companionship.

### Notable Members

#### Colonel Edward Kush

Commanding officer of 244th at the end of M41. Man known for his stoic posture and cold calculations even in dearest situations. His confidence and quick-thinking saved the regiment more than once on miltiple warzones.

#### Comissar Fances Keller

Passionate leader, who inspires all guardsmen who have luck to fight at her side. Comissar Keller deeds give strength and determination leading from first line of battle. She is commited to the Imperial cause, and her sheer will seems to turn even most unfavourable situations into victories.