Valhallan 597th
From Lexicanum
Contents |
Origins
Originally founded on Valhalla as two distinct regiments (the 301st and the 296th), the Valhallan 597th was founded from the surviving units of those two regiments after each sustained serious losses during a protracted planetary defense assignment. The 301st were specialised planetary assault shock troops, while the 296th were rear echelon, HQ security units and one of Valhalla's few all female regiments. Both units had been all but annihilated when the Tyranids had arrived on Corania.
Due to combat losses both regiments suffered, the Departmento Munitorium decided to group the two regiments into one before sending them additional reinforcements; a common practice in the Imperial Guard (the Tanith 1st was similarly composed of the surviving elements of several regiments).
Unfortunately, likely due to a clerical error, the combination neglected that the two regiments were of different genders. Combined with a lost sense of identity, the unification of the regiment did not go smoothly until the introduction of Commissar Ciaphas Cain.
Cain's approach to the issue was to combine squads and fire teams using elements of both the men and women. During a riot in the mess hall on Founding Day (a regimental holiday based on the day of the regiment's birth), Cain managed to subdue most of the regiment through sheer force of will. Faced with political pressure from the captain of the transport ship to punish those responsible, Cain managed to avoid damaging regimental morale by reducing the penalities for most of the soldiers involved in the riot. This left them with five who were blamed with the death of naval ratings, of which Cain assigned them to the next suicide mission, unless the opportunity to hand them to a Penal Legion arose first.
Battles and Important Events
- 931.M41 the regiment is formed under the command of Colonel Regina Kasteen from the remnant of the 301st and the 296th Valhallan Ice Warriors after the battle for Corania.
- By 539.931.M41 the regiment had its first battle honours, successfully preventing the Tau from annexing an Imperial world during the Gravalax Incident.
Notable Soldiers
- Colonel Regina Kasteen: Official ranking officer, former commander of the all female 296th.
- Major Ruput Broklaw: Former commander of the 301st, now regiment XO.
- Lieutenant Jenit Sulla: Formerly of the 296th, would eventually become a high ranking Imperial Officer and author herself.
- Commissar Ciaphas Cain: Hero Commissar assigned to the 597th. Unofficial, but honorary Valhallan warrior.
- Gunner Ferik Jurgen: Personal aide to Ciaphas Cain.
