OPERATION "HELL FROM ABOVE"

Shared logistical dump of [KAZ] and [CG] for the operation

WAR 118, DAY 149 to 155, The Den, BASIN SIONNACH --- Cursing the frigid winter, I was pedalling on through the snow. As I turned a bend in the road, I finally saw my destination: Callahan's Guardsmen Regimental Headquarters. Upon reaching the main gate, one of the two sentries on duty stated: "This a restricted area. State your business." I handed him my papers and the invitation I'd received, completely crumpled after being in my pocket for so long. After inspecting my credentials, he motioned to his colleague to raise the barrier. He told me to present myself at the officer’s quarters located at the other end of the camp. I pedalled some more before getting off my bike.

Knocking on the heavy wooden door, a muffled voice instructed me to enter. A few officers and NCOs were chatting over a map laid upon a table. I declared my identity and the reason for my presence. One of them got up, smiling, and said he was glad to see me. I deduced that he was behind the invitation. A second man rose up as I shook his hand. He introduced himself as Commissar, and explained he’d been tasked with organising the interview by his superiors. Showing the door, he led me towards the troop’s barracks.

Inside were a dozen men at most, enjoying their free time. Commissar ordered the men to gather round in a circle. I grabbed a nearby chair and took out my notebook, ready. Their regiment had carried out several operations throughout War 118, but the most notable one was undertaken conjointly with the Kazakh Regiment. As coordination crumbled, Wardens pushed deep into Colonial territory, and an attack was launched on Origin around Day 149. Not wanting to miss out on the action, [CG] and [KAZ] planned a joint artillery operation. They set out to conduct a sustained barrage on the Steel Road bridge in Origin, where the Colonials had managed to keep a small foothold on the northern side. The plan was to ward off the enemy from the bridge so the infantry could advance and capture it. When I inquired about the location of the rallying point, a [CG] soldier was about to speak when Commissar moved a flap of his coat, revealing his holstered handgun. The man fell silent. Commissar then stated it was somewhere in Farranac Coast. The previously silenced soldier spoke up and informed me that the rallying was a bit chaotic due to faulty radios. This led to miscommunication between the regiments.

Parked trucs waiting for departure

Once issues were resolved, they loaded up 8 flat beds with 4 artillery pieces and 4 ammo pallets. They also faced partisans at regular intervals during their journey. Although there was no loss, it had a psychological impact on the men. From the moment they arrived problems began to appear. There was no recon or scouting done prior to the operation so the men were working with very outdated information. In addition, they had arrived at night time when it was pitch dark, making it extremely difficult for the spotter to guide the artillery pieces. On top of that, the mortar flares needed to illuminate the battlefield at night were nowhere to be found.

Just as before, they overcame their problems.

They dug in, and they started to rain hellfire on their enemies. Colonial artillery responded. They shelled the Warden battery in order to provide relief to the infantry holding the bridge. But contrary to what they’d hoped, [KAZ] Seaofserenity stated, this only strengthened the Warden's morale as troops started to jump in and help load, unload, and fire the guns. Through sheer courage and determination, the guns were able to carve out a path for the infantry and armour. In the following onslaught, the bridge along with several buildings were captured.

As I finished noting down the details, a soldier brought us a hot cup of coffee. In the frigid winter it was my only solace. One man from the group stood up on a table, raised his cup and proudly declared: "To the many victories we have yet to see.... To Callahan!" And the soldiers all cheered in kind.

Writer: [PRESS] Renold Dasilov

Sources: [CG] Commissar Peequi, [KAZ] Seaofserenity

Editor: [PRESS] Jean Baricave, [PRESS] Teadora 'Teddi' Rococo

Date of Publication: 04/12/2024

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