Newcastle Chasseurs

MRBC Update 01-01-3138

Background

The Newcastle Chasseurs were originally a private unit in the service of the Dijeh family, hereditary nobles from the Free Worlds League world of Newcastle. Largely a ceremonial command, the force had seen very little actual combat for much of its existence. It was only during the Jihad that the Chasseurs were actually called upon to defend the Dijeh family's lands against raids by forces opposed to the pro-Word of Blake FLW government.

When the Principality of Regulus 'liberated' Newcastle from Word control near the end of the Jihad, the Dijeh family chose to stay out of the fighting. While this spared their lands and forces from destruction at the hands of Regulan troops (and the WMDs they liberally employed during their invasion), the family found themselves at odds with the new order. Tried as Word collaborators, the family was stripped of its title and lands.

Ordered to stand down and disarm, the Chasseurs instead took a different way out, managing to flee the planet with the bulk of their force intact. Even though they had escaped the Regulans, the unit quickly found itself without purpose. However, the rapidly disintegrating league provided them with new opportunities, especially in the face of predation by the vengeful Regulans. Reorganised, the Chasseurs turned to mercenary work, serving the emergent states and independent worlds of the former nation.

Over time, Chasseurs transformed into a professional mercenary command, retaining very few of the trappings of their original role as a ceremonial unit. While largely working within the former Free Worlds League, the Chasseurs did take the occasional contract with other nations. By the time of the Blackout, they had seen service with every one of the former Free Worlds states, save for the RegulanFiefs, as well as several periphery states and other minor powers. The frequent small wars between those states bought the unit a measure of experience, ad did clashes and skirmishes with other powers, including the Republic.

For the first few years after the Blackout, the Chasseurs were employed by the Duchy of Oriente, serving on its border with the Republic. However, in early 3137, the unit took a new contract with the Duchy of Tamrind-Abbey, putting it on the border with the Lyran Commonwealth. This move would apparently prove to be its undoing, as the unit was smashed by the LCAF on Gallatin in the early days of operation HAMMERFALL. Fleeing the world, the Chasseurs seemingly disappeared and have not been seen since.

Force Strength

Prior to their losses sustained on Gallatin, the Chasseurs consisted of two mixed companies. While BattleMechs formed their main offensive force, they were supported by light armour and Battle Armoured infantry. Many of the Chasseur's 'Mechs and vehicles were designs found within the former FWL, often sourced from their employers, which aided with support and supplies. The Chasseurs lacked any air support.

The defeat at Gallatin cost the unit most of its infantry and armour, as well as at least half its BattleMechs. While their current numbers are unknown, the Chasseurs would not be able to muster more then a single understrength company.

Support

The Chasserus were rarely a rich unit, and often were more barely scraping by in terms of both their finances and support. Much of this came as a result of their usual employment in the economically weak former League and near periphery. In order to offset this, the Chasseurs would often take part of their payment in parts and supplies rather than actual currency.

Transport

The Union-class Hawks Nest served as the unit’s sole dropship. An elderly vessel, the craft had at one stage been converted to a civilian cargo hauler, and then crudely converted back to a military ship. This craft was used in their escape from Gallatin and is presumably still in their service.

To flee the system, the Chasseurs commandeered the Nelson Bay, a free trader jumpship. The current whereabouts of the ship is unknown.

Colours and Insignia

The Chasseurs insignia depicts a knight's head in profile, one of the few surviving legacies of their time as a family command. The unit's 'Mechs and vehicles wear a parade-ground scheme of a white with a deep maroon trim.

MRBC Rating: Wanted

As a result of their actions on Gallatin, the Newcastle Chasseurs have been charged by the Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey (in exile) with breach of contract, desertion and piracy.