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{{Battle
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The '''Damocles Crusade''', also called the '''Damocles Gulf Crusade''' was a major conflict fought between the [[Imperium of Man]] and [[Tau Empire]] in late [[M41]] around the [[Damocles Gulf]] region of the [[Eastern Fringe]].{{Fn|5a}}
+
|Name        =Damocles Gulf Crusade
 +
|Image        =DamoclesBattle.jpg
 +
|Image caption=[[Tau]] and [[Space Marine]] forces battle in the Damocles Crusade
 +
|Conflict    =[[Second Sphere of Expansion]]
 +
|Date        =742-745.[[M41]]
 +
|Location    =[[Damocles Gulf]]
 +
|Outcome      =Indecisive, negotiated settlement
 +
|Combatant1  =[[Imperium]]
 +
|Combatant2  =[[Tau Empire]]
 +
|Commanders1  =[[Admiral]] [[Jallaque]]<br>[[General]] [[Wendall Gauge]]<br>[[Chapter Master]] [[Durian Raevor]](POW){{Fn|12}}{{Fn|13}}<br>[[Iron Captain]] [[Maarkol Rumann]]{{Fn|11}}<br>[[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] [[Ledo Atheus]] (KIA)<br>Other [[Space Marine Captain]]s
 +
|Commanders2  =[[Commander Puretide]]<br>Admiral [[Li'Mau Teng|Kor’O’Li’Mau’Teng]]<br>[[Commander Coldfire]]<br>Commander [[Sha'kanthas]]{{Fn|12}}
 +
|Strength1    =See Order of Battle
 +
|Strength2    =See Order of Battle
 +
|Casualties1  =Heavy
 +
|Casualties2  =Heavy
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
The '''Damocles Crusade''', also called the '''Damocles Gulf Crusade''', was a major conflict fought between the [[Imperium of Man]] and [[Tau Empire]] in late [[M41]] around the [[Damocles Gulf]] region of the [[Eastern Fringe]].{{Fn|5}}
  
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
  
 
===Prelude===
 
===Prelude===
−
By 742.M41, members of the [[Tau]] [[Water Caste]] had established trade agreements with [[Imperial]] Worlds on the frontier, near the [[Damocles Gulf]], and exchanges of goods and technology were common. Alarmed by this, [[Inquisitorial]] investigation of the worlds in question indeed found evidence of Tau activity. The conclusion was that they represented a major threat and [[Cardinal]] [[Esau Gurney]] of [[Brimlock]] called for a [[Crusade]] to purge the aliens. The Crusade was based around a dozen capital starships of the [[Imperial Navy]], five provisional [[companies]] of [[Space Marines]], and nineteen [[Regiment]]s of [[Imperial Guard]], seven of them from Brimlock. The first move was towards the [[Timbra]] [[Sub-sector]] where human colonists had coexisted with the aliens. The Crusade first reasserted Imperial rule in the rebellious [[Garrus]] and [[Kleist]] colonies. Individuals implicated in dealing with the Tau were seized and punished at a special assize held before the furious Crusaders. The Imperial colonies secured, the Crusade forces moved on and engaged the Tau for the first time on their own territory in the uninhabited [[Hydass System]].{{Fn|4a}}
+
By 742.M41, members of the [[Tau]] [[Water Caste]] had established trade agreements with [[Imperial]] Worlds on the frontier, near the [[Damocles Gulf]], and exchanges of goods and technology were common. Alarmed by this, [[Inquisitorial]] investigation of the worlds in question indeed found evidence of Tau activity. The conclusion was that they represented a major threat and [[Cardinal]] [[Esau Gurney]] of [[Brimlock]] called for a [[Crusade]] to purge the aliens. The Crusade was based around a dozen capital starships of the [[Imperial Navy]], five provisional [[Space Marine Company|companies]] of [[Space Marines]], and nineteen [[Regiment]]s of [[Imperial Guard]], seven of them from Brimlock. The first move was towards the [[Timbra Subsector|Timbra]] [[Sub-sector]] where human colonists had coexisted with the aliens. The Crusade first reasserted Imperial rule in the rebellious [[Garrus]] and [[Kleist (Planet)|Kleist]] colonies. Individuals implicated in dealing with the Tau were seized and punished at a special assize held before the furious Crusaders. The Imperial colonies secured, the Crusade forces moved on and engaged the Tau for the first time on their own territory in the uninhabited [[Hydass System]].{{Fn|4a}}
  
 
===First Actions===
 
===First Actions===
−
At the [[Battle of the Hydass System]], the [[Imperial Navy]] would face seven Tau Cruisers of the [[Air Caste]]. Initially surprised by the range and power of Tau [[torpedo]] salvos, the Imperial forces eventually emerged victorious with the help of a [[Space Marine]] [[Strike Cruiser]] and the discovery that Tau ships lacked heavy broadside firepower. Space Marine forces from the [[Scythes of the Emperor]] supported by the [[Brimlock Dragoons]] then landed on [[Syl'kell]], a Tau world of seven million inhabitants. Finding the Tau forces to be extremely well-equipped mobile infantry and that the [[Hammerhead]] grav-tank was a close match for the Imperial [[Leman Russ Battle Tank]], Imperial forces took heavy losses but intervention by the Scythes of the Emperor not only led to victory but avoided an outright massacre. After overcoming the Tau defenders and exterminating the alien populace the crusade moved on to their next target. As Imperial forces now made preparations to cross the [[Damocles Gulf]], Imperial ships launched an orbital bombardment of the Tau world of [[Viss'el]] after finding it had no strategic value. The world's polar ice caps melted and all life was purged.{{Fn|4a}}
+
At the [[Battle of the Hydass System]], the [[Imperial Navy]] would face seven Tau Cruisers of the [[Air Caste]]. Initially surprised by the range and power of Tau [[torpedo]] salvos, the Imperial forces eventually emerged victorious with the help of a [[Space Marine]] [[Strike Cruiser]] and the discovery that Tau ships lacked heavy broadside firepower. Space Marine forces from the [[Scythes of the Emperor]] supported by the [[Brimlock Dragoons]] then landed on [[Sy'l'kell]], a Tau world of seven million inhabitants. Finding the Tau forces to be extremely well-equipped mobile infantry and that the [[Hammerhead]] grav-tank was a close match for the Imperial [[Leman Russ Battle Tank]], Imperial forces took heavy losses but intervention by the Scythes of the Emperor not only led to victory but avoided an outright massacre. After overcoming the Tau defenders and exterminating the alien populace the crusade moved on to their next target. As Imperial forces now made preparations to cross the [[Damocles Gulf]], Imperial ships launched an orbital bombardment of the Tau world of [[Viss'el]] after finding it had no strategic value. The world's polar ice caps melted and all life was purged.{{Fn|4a}}
  
 
===The Dal'yth Campaign===
 
===The Dal'yth Campaign===
Line 15: Line 32:
  
 
===Operation Pluto===
 
===Operation Pluto===
−
The action over Dal'yth had earned a new respect for the Tau among some in the Imperial command, and some advocated turning back. However Dal'yth proved too tempting a target in the end. Breaking through the system's Orbital stations in a much more cautious fashion than had been seen previously, the ground assault quickly commenced. Taking advantage of the well-made Tau roads, Imperial forces initially advanced rapidly using [[Titans]] and armored forces as the spearhead. However as they advanced into the rugged hills and woods of the world Tau resistance became more stubborn and their missile fire began to take a heavy toll.  
+
The action over Dal'yth had earned a new respect for the Tau among some in the Imperial command, and some advocated turning back. However Dal'yth proved too tempting a target in the end. Breaking through the system's Orbital stations in a much more cautious fashion than had been seen previously, the ground assault quickly commenced. Taking advantage of the well-made Tau roads, Imperial forces initially advanced rapidly using [[Titans]] and armored forces as the spearhead. However as they advanced into the rugged hills and woods of the world Tau resistance became more stubborn and their missile fire began to take a heavy toll.{{Cite this}}
  
−
Facing Tau jump troops equipped with cloaking fields, the Imperial spearhead was broken up into three separate wedges in the woods of Gel'bryn. The first wedge was made up of Titans from the [[Legio Thanataris]], who found themselves countered by missiles launched from Tau [[Manta]] gunships.  
+
Facing Tau jump troops equipped with cloaking fields, the Imperial spearhead was broken up into three separate wedges in the woods of Gel'bryn. The first wedge was made up of Titans from the [[Legio Thanataris]], who found themselves countered by missiles launched from Tau [[Manta]] gunships.{{Cite this}}
  
−
The second wedge was predominately made up of veterans from the [[Rakarshan Rifles]], whose intelligent use of cover kept them out of harm's way but who still found themselves bogged down by [[Kroot]] warriors at close range.  
+
The second wedge was predominately made up of veterans from the [[Rakarshan Rifles]], whose intelligent use of cover kept them out of harm's way but who still found themselves bogged down by [[Kroot]] warriors at close range.{{Cite this}}
  
 
The third wedge were made up of Space Marines from the [[Ultramarines]], [[Iron Hands]], and [[Scythes of the Emperor]] [[chapter]]s, who found themselves bogged down by the Tau's own elite shock troops: [[Crisis Battlesuit]]s. All three fronts in the Imperial advance now found themselves stalled in the woods of Gel'bryn.{{Fn|4c}}
 
The third wedge were made up of Space Marines from the [[Ultramarines]], [[Iron Hands]], and [[Scythes of the Emperor]] [[chapter]]s, who found themselves bogged down by the Tau's own elite shock troops: [[Crisis Battlesuit]]s. All three fronts in the Imperial advance now found themselves stalled in the woods of Gel'bryn.{{Fn|4c}}
  
−
Their advance stalled, Imperial forces under [[General]] [[Wendell Gauge]] advocated digging in to avoid the worst of the Tau firepower. However, superior Tau night-vision equipment led to heavy losses in night raids that only Space Marine patrols could alleviate. This was compounded by the constant worry that a new Tau fleet would arrive, the Crusade fleet was badly damaged and could barely protect its transports as it was. As the siege ground on, more Tau forces arrived each day.{{Fn|4c}}
+
Their advance stalled, Imperial forces under [[General]] [[Wendall Gauge]] advocated digging in to avoid the worst of the Tau firepower. However, superior Tau night-vision equipment led to heavy losses in night raids that only Space Marine patrols could alleviate. This was compounded by the constant worry that a new Tau fleet would arrive, the Crusade fleet was badly damaged and could barely protect its transports as it was. As the siege ground on, more Tau forces arrived each day.{{Fn|4c}}
  
 
===Operation Hydra===
 
===Operation Hydra===
 
General Gauge concluded that the Crusade had stumbled onto a major Tau world and the resources allotted to the Crusade were insufficient for the task at hand. As arguments over what to be done emerged in the Imperial command, including those advocating [[Exterminatus]], General Gauge acted. Forming his Titans up with the Brimlock Regiments, he was able to strike at the Tau right flank and trap them against the sea as [[Imperial Navy]] fighters struck Tau airfields in costly but effective actions that kept Tau air support from the front. The Imperial strike force achieved their primary objective in the first few hours - capturing a town containing a bridge. The Tau responded with [[Battlesuit]]s deployed from [[Manta]] Gunships and for the rest of the day a running battle ensued that resulted with the Imperial forces a mere five miles away from trapping tens of thousands of Tau troops. Overnight the Tau forces withdrew and Imperial forces secured the town's starport.{{Fn|4c}}
 
General Gauge concluded that the Crusade had stumbled onto a major Tau world and the resources allotted to the Crusade were insufficient for the task at hand. As arguments over what to be done emerged in the Imperial command, including those advocating [[Exterminatus]], General Gauge acted. Forming his Titans up with the Brimlock Regiments, he was able to strike at the Tau right flank and trap them against the sea as [[Imperial Navy]] fighters struck Tau airfields in costly but effective actions that kept Tau air support from the front. The Imperial strike force achieved their primary objective in the first few hours - capturing a town containing a bridge. The Tau responded with [[Battlesuit]]s deployed from [[Manta]] Gunships and for the rest of the day a running battle ensued that resulted with the Imperial forces a mere five miles away from trapping tens of thousands of Tau troops. Overnight the Tau forces withdrew and Imperial forces secured the town's starport.{{Fn|4c}}
  
−
Making use of the newly acquired starport, General Gauge began to evacuate his forces from Dal'yth. Resistance from the [[Inquisition]] and [[Space Marines]] was overruled by [[Inquisitor Kryptman]], who had an express order from Brimlock to return with all forces. The Tau sensibly realized the time to negotiate was now and the [[Water Caste]] began to negotiate a settlement under parlay. The negotiations were successful and the Imperial fleet withdrew from [[Tau]] space, primarily due to the impending approach of [[Hive Fleet Behemoth]].{{Fn|6}} In the end the Damocles Gulf Crusade had resulted in the Imperium gaining a healthy new respect for the fighting abilities of the Tau while the Tau Empire came to understand the true scale of Humanity's power in a [[Galaxy]] they had previously thought theirs for the taking.{{Fn|4c}}
+
Making use of the newly acquired starport, General Gauge began to evacuate his forces from Dal'yth. Resistance from the [[Inquisition]] and [[Space Marines]] was overruled by [[Inquisitor Kryptman]], who had an express order from Brimlock to return with all forces. The Tau sensibly realized the time to negotiate was now and the [[Water Caste]] began to negotiate a settlement under parlay. The negotiations were successful and the Imperial fleet withdrew from [[Tau]] space, primarily due to the impending approach of [[Hive Fleet Behemoth]].{{Fn|6}}  
 +
 
 +
==Aftermath==
 +
In the end the Damocles Gulf Crusade had resulted in the Imperium gaining a healthy new respect for the fighting abilities of the Tau while the Tau Empire came to understand the true scale of Humanity's power in a [[Galaxy]] they had previously thought theirs for the taking.{{Fn|4c}}
 +
 
 +
In the aftermath of the campaign the Inquisition descended onto Human worlds that had interacted with the Tau. Harsh punishments and purges were carried out against any who had collaborated with the xenos.{{Fn|9}}
  
 
=== 998.M41  The Revelation of Kauyon ===
 
=== 998.M41  The Revelation of Kauyon ===
−
Two hundred and fifty years after the crusade [[Commander Farsight]] finally achieves mastery of {{Commander Puretide:Purtide's)) way of war. In doing so he comes to the belief that the entire Crusade was an execution of the [[Kauyon]] by Aun'va and the Ethereals.{{Fn|7}} They deliberately goaded the Imperium into attacking the Tau before the humans where aware of the full scope of the Tau Empire; so as to achieve a victory over them that would hearten the Tau in the face of Humanities sprawling galactic dominion. Farsight add this insight to the secrets which, for the greater good, he must keep from the Tau population.  
+
Two hundred and fifty years after the crusade, [[Commander Farsight]] finally achieved mastery of [[Puretide]]'s way of war. In doing so he came to the belief that the entire Crusade was an execution of the [[Kauyon]] by Aun'va and the Ethereals.{{Fn|7a}} They deliberately goaded the Imperium into attacking the Tau before the humans were aware of the full scope of the Tau Empire; so as to achieve a victory over them that would hearten the Tau in the face of Humanity's sprawling galactic dominion. Farsight added this insight to the secrets which, for the greater good, he must keep from the Tau population.{{Cite this}}
 +
 
 
==Forces==
 
==Forces==
 
===Imperial Forces===
 
===Imperial Forces===
 
====Imperial Guard Regiments of the Damocles Crusade====
 
====Imperial Guard Regiments of the Damocles Crusade====
−
* [[Brimlock 17th Dragoons Regiment|17th Brimlock Dragoons Regiment]]{{Fn|2}}
+
* [[Cadian 92nd|Cadian 92nd Infantry Regiment]]{{Fn|10c}}
−
* [[Brimlock 19th Dragoons Regiment|19th Brimlock Dragoons Regiment]]{{Fn|1}}
+
* [[Brimlock Dragoons]]{{Fn|10b}}
−
* Rakarshan Rifles{{Fn|4d}}
+
** [[Brimlock 17th Dragoons Regiment|17th Brimlock Dragoons Regiment]]{{Fn|2}}
−
* Brimlock Fusiliers{{Fn|4d}}
+
** [[Brimlock 19th Dragoons Regiment|19th Brimlock Dragoons Regiment]]{{Fn|1}}
 +
* [[Rakarshan Rifles]]{{Fn|4d}}
 +
* [[Brimlock Fusiliers]]{{Fn|4d}}
 +
* [[Drookian Fen Guard]]{{Fn|10b}}
 +
* [[Magogg]]'s [[Ratling]] Rifles{{Fn|10a}}
 +
* [[Tempestus Scions]]{{Fn|8}}
  
 
====Imperial Navy Ships====
 
====Imperial Navy Ships====
−
*''[[Blade of Woe]]''{{Fn|3a}} (Heavy Cruiser)
+
*''[[Blade of Woe]]''{{Fn|3a}} ([[Retribution Class Battleship]])
−
*''[[Dutchess McIntyre]]'' {{Fn|3b}}
+
*''[[Dutchess McIntyre]]'' {{Fn|3a}} ([[Gothic Class Cruiser]])
−
*''[[Honour of Damlass]]'' {{Fn|3b}}
+
*''[[Honour of Damlass]]'' {{Fn|3a}}([[Lunar Class Cruiser]])
−
*''[[Lord Cedalion]]'' {{Fn|3b}}
+
*''[[Lord Cedalion]]'' {{Fn|3a}} ([[Gothic Class Cruiser]])
−
*''[[Ajax]]'' {{Fn|3b}}
+
*''[[Ajax]]'' {{Fn|3a}}  
−
*''[[Fist of Light]]'' {{Fn|3b}}
+
*''[[Fist of Light]]'' {{Fn|3a}} ([[Iron Hands]] [[Strike Cruiser]])
−
*''[[Niobe]]'' {{Fn|3b}} ([[Overlord Class Battle Cruiser|Overlord class Battlecruiser)]]
+
*''[[Niobe]]'' {{Fn|3a}} ([[Overlord Class Battle Cruiser|Overlord Class Battlecruiser)]]
−
*''[[Regent Lakshimbal]]'' {{Fn|3b}}
+
*''[[Regent Lakshimbal]]'' {{Fn|3a}} ([[Dauntless Class Cruiser]])
  
 
====Space Marines====
 
====Space Marines====
−
*[[Iron Hands]]{{Fn|3c}}
+
*[[Iron Hands]]{{Fn|3b}} - Several [[Clan Company|Clan Companies]]{{Fn|11}}
−
*[[White Scars]]{{Fn|3c}}
+
*[[White Scars]]{{Fn|3b}}
 
*[[Subjugators]]{{Fn|4d}}
 
*[[Subjugators]]{{Fn|4d}}
 
*[[Novamarines]]{{Fn|4d}}
 
*[[Novamarines]]{{Fn|4d}}
−
*[[Scythes of the Emperor]]{{Fn|5b}}
+
*[[Scythes of the Emperor]]{{Fn|5}}
−
*[[Ultramarines]]{{Fn|6}}
+
*[[Ultramarines]] — [[8th Company (Ultramarines)|8th Company]]{{Fn|6}}
 
*[[Black Templars]]{{Fn|6}}
 
*[[Black Templars]]{{Fn|6}}
 
*[[Hammers of Dorn]]
 
*[[Hammers of Dorn]]
 +
*[[Red Hunters]]{{Fn|4e}}
 +
*[[Scar Lords]]{{Fn|12}}{{Fn|13}}
  
 
====Rogue Traders====
 
====Rogue Traders====
−
*[[Lucian Gerrit]] of the ''Arcadius''{{Fn|3c}}
+
*[[Lucian Gerrit]] of [[House Arcadius]]{{Fn|3b}}
−
*[[Korvane Arcadius Gerrit]], Lucian's son{{Fn|3c}}
+
*[[Korvane Gerrit]], Lucian's son{{Fn|3b}}
−
*[[Brielle Arcadius Gerrit]], Lucian's daughter{{Fn|3c}}
+
*[[Brielle Gerrit]], Lucian's daughter{{Fn|3b}}
 
**''[[Oceanid]]''
 
**''[[Oceanid]]''
 
**''[[Fairlight]]''
 
**''[[Fairlight]]''
 
**''[[Rosetta]]''
 
**''[[Rosetta]]''
 +
 
=== Tau Forces ===
 
=== Tau Forces ===
 
====Air Caste Forces====
 
====Air Caste Forces====
Line 72: Line 103:
 
====Fire Caste Forces====
 
====Fire Caste Forces====
 
*[[Commander Farsight]] Mont’ka Cadres{{Fn|7b}}
 
*[[Commander Farsight]] Mont’ka Cadres{{Fn|7b}}
−
*[[Commander Shadowsun]] Kauyon Cadres {{Fn|7b}}
+
*[[Commander Shadowsun]] Kauyon Cadres{{Fn|7b}}
−
*[[Commander Bravesword]] Defenders of  Dal’ryu {{Fn|7b}}
+
*[[Commander Bravestorm]] Defenders of  Dal’ryu{{Fn|7b}}
−
*[[Swords of Puretide]] Hunter Cadres {{Fn|7b}}
+
*[[Swords of Puretide]] Hunter Cadres{{Fn|7b}}
−
*[[Kroot]] Mercenary Warbands {{Fn|7b}}
+
*[[Kroot]] Mercenary Warbands{{Fn|7b}}
 +
 
 +
==See Also==
 +
===Related Publications===
 +
*[[War Zone Damocles: Operation Shadowtalon]]
 +
*[[War Zone Damocles: Burning Dawn]]
 +
*[[War Zone Damocles: Kauyon]]
 +
*[[War Zone Damocles: Mont'ka]]
 +
*[[Apocalypse War Zone: Damocles]]
 +
*[[Damocles (Anthology)]]
 +
*[[Blades of Damocles (Novel)]]
 +
*[[Storm of Damocles (Novel)]]
 +
*[[Damocles: In Service to Shadows (Short Story)]]
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
 +
{{cite}}
 
*{{Endn|1}}: [[White Dwarf]], {{Cite This}} pg. 24  
 
*{{Endn|1}}: [[White Dwarf]], {{Cite This}} pg. 24  
−
*{{Endn|2}}: [[White Dwarf #263 (US)]], ''Index Xenos: The Kroot'', pg 96
+
*{{Endn|2}}: [[White Dwarf 263 (US)]], pg. 96 - ''Index Xenos: The Kroot''
−
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Star of Damocles (Novel)]] by [[Andy Hoare]]
+
*3: [[Star of Damocles (Novel)]]
−
**{{Endn|3a}}: {{Cite This}}, pg. 218
+
**{{Endn|3a}}: Chapter 14
−
**{{Endn|3b}}: {{Cite This}}, pg. 219
+
**{{Endn|3b}}: {{Cite This}}
−
**{{Endn|3c}}: {{Cite This}}
+
*4: [[Savage Scars (Novel)]]
−
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Savage Scars (Novel)]] by '''Andy Hoare'''
 
 
**{{Endn|4a}}: {{Cite This}}
 
**{{Endn|4a}}: {{Cite This}}
 
**{{Endn|4b}}: {{Cite This}}
 
**{{Endn|4b}}: {{Cite This}}
 
**{{Endn|4c}}: {{Cite This}}
 
**{{Endn|4c}}: {{Cite This}}
 
**{{Endn|4d}}: {{Cite This}}
 
**{{Endn|4d}}: {{Cite This}}
−
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Codex: Tau (3rd Edition)]]
+
**{{Endn|4e}}: Chapter 10
−
**{{Endn|5a}}: pg. 58
+
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Codex: Tau (3rd Edition)]], pg. 58
−
**{{Endn|5b}}: {{Cite This}}
 
 
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Codex: Black Templars (4th Edition)]], {{Cite This}}
 
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Codex: Black Templars (4th Edition)]], {{Cite This}}
−
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Codex Supplement : Farsight Enclaves ]] Road to Rebellion
+
*7: [[Codex Supplement: Farsight Enclaves]]  
−
**{{Endn|7c}}[[Codex Supplement : Farsight Enclaves ]] Damaocles Crusade
+
**{{Endn|7a}}: ''Road to Rebellion''
 +
**{{Endn|7b}}: ''Damocles Crusade''
 +
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Codex: Militarum Tempestus (6th Edition)]] - ''Tempestus Millennium''
 +
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Codex: Tau Empire (8th Edition)]], pg. 16
 +
*10: [[Codex: Astra Militarum (8th Edition)]]
 +
**{{Endn|10a}}: pg. 13, ''Militarum Auxilia''
 +
**{{Endn|10b}}: pg. 30-34, ''Heroes beyond Number''
 +
**{{Endn|10a}}: pg. 82-83, ''The Claw of Cadia''
 +
*{{Endn|11}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition)]], pg. 56, ''Wars of Iron''
 +
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Redemption on Dal'yth (Short Story)]]
 +
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Farsight: Crisis of Faith (Novel)]], Chapter 7
 +
 
 
===Uncited===
 
===Uncited===
 
{{Uncited}}
 
{{Uncited}}
Line 102: Line 155:
  
 
[[Category:Battles (Black Templars)]]
 
[[Category:Battles (Black Templars)]]
−
[[Category:Battles (Imperial Guard)]]
+
[[Category:Battles (Astra Militarum)]]
 
[[Category:Battles (Imperial Navy)]]
 
[[Category:Battles (Imperial Navy)]]
 
[[Category:Battles (Iron Hands)]]
 
[[Category:Battles (Iron Hands)]]
Line 109: Line 162:
 
[[Category:Battles (Ultramarines)]]
 
[[Category:Battles (Ultramarines)]]
 
[[Category:Battles (White Scars)]]
 
[[Category:Battles (White Scars)]]
 +
[[Category:Battles (Militarum Tempestus)]]
 +
[[Category:Battles (Kroot)]]
  
 
[[de:Damokles-Kreuzzug]]
 
[[de:Damokles-Kreuzzug]]
−
[[fr:Croisade du Golf de Damoclès]]
+
[[fr:Croisade du Golfe de Damoclès]]

Latest revision as of 19:13, 23 May 2023

Tau.png Tau Portal
Damocles Gulf Crusade
DamoclesBattle.jpg
Tau and Space Marine forces battle in the Damocles Crusade
Conflict Second Sphere of Expansion
Date 742-745.M41
Location Damocles Gulf
Outcome Indecisive, negotiated settlement
Combatants
Imperium Tau Empire
Commanders
Admiral Jallaque
General Wendall Gauge
Chapter Master Durian Raevor(POW)[12][13]
Iron Captain Maarkol Rumann[11]
Captain Ledo Atheus (KIA)
Other Space Marine Captains 		Commander Puretide
Admiral Kor’O’Li’Mau’Teng
Commander Coldfire
Commander Sha'kanthas[12]
Strength
See Order of Battle See Order of Battle
Casualties
Heavy Heavy

The Damocles Crusade, also called the Damocles Gulf Crusade, was a major conflict fought between the Imperium of Man and Tau Empire in late M41 around the Damocles Gulf region of the Eastern Fringe.[5]

Overview

Prelude

By 742.M41, members of the Tau Water Caste had established trade agreements with Imperial Worlds on the frontier, near the Damocles Gulf, and exchanges of goods and technology were common. Alarmed by this, Inquisitorial investigation of the worlds in question indeed found evidence of Tau activity. The conclusion was that they represented a major threat and Cardinal Esau Gurney of Brimlock called for a Crusade to purge the aliens. The Crusade was based around a dozen capital starships of the Imperial Navy, five provisional companies of Space Marines, and nineteen Regiments of Imperial Guard, seven of them from Brimlock. The first move was towards the Timbra Sub-sector where human colonists had coexisted with the aliens. The Crusade first reasserted Imperial rule in the rebellious Garrus and Kleist colonies. Individuals implicated in dealing with the Tau were seized and punished at a special assize held before the furious Crusaders. The Imperial colonies secured, the Crusade forces moved on and engaged the Tau for the first time on their own territory in the uninhabited Hydass System.[4a]

First Actions

At the Battle of the Hydass System, the Imperial Navy would face seven Tau Cruisers of the Air Caste. Initially surprised by the range and power of Tau torpedo salvos, the Imperial forces eventually emerged victorious with the help of a Space Marine Strike Cruiser and the discovery that Tau ships lacked heavy broadside firepower. Space Marine forces from the Scythes of the Emperor supported by the Brimlock Dragoons then landed on Sy'l'kell, a Tau world of seven million inhabitants. Finding the Tau forces to be extremely well-equipped mobile infantry and that the Hammerhead grav-tank was a close match for the Imperial Leman Russ Battle Tank, Imperial forces took heavy losses but intervention by the Scythes of the Emperor not only led to victory but avoided an outright massacre. After overcoming the Tau defenders and exterminating the alien populace the crusade moved on to their next target. As Imperial forces now made preparations to cross the Damocles Gulf, Imperial ships launched an orbital bombardment of the Tau world of Viss'el after finding it had no strategic value. The world's polar ice caps melted and all life was purged.[4a]

The Dal'yth Campaign

After a five month journey across the Damocles Gulf, the Crusade fleet finally reached the major Tau Sept of Dal'yth. Assuming that Tau orbital defenses would be no more formidable than what they encountered at Hydass, Imperial forces were shocked to find a far more powerful Tau fleet supported by an array of powerful Orbital Stations as well as Kroot Warspheres. Had it not been for Admiral Jallaque's flagship, the Retribution Class Battleship Blade of Woe destroying the Kroot Warsphere Imperial forces would have faced destruction. But while the Crusading fleet had emerged victorious, their triumph had been a Pyrrhic one: four Capital Ships and fourteen Escorts had been lost at the battle over Dal'yth.[4b]

Operation Pluto

The action over Dal'yth had earned a new respect for the Tau among some in the Imperial command, and some advocated turning back. However Dal'yth proved too tempting a target in the end. Breaking through the system's Orbital stations in a much more cautious fashion than had been seen previously, the ground assault quickly commenced. Taking advantage of the well-made Tau roads, Imperial forces initially advanced rapidly using Titans and armored forces as the spearhead. However as they advanced into the rugged hills and woods of the world Tau resistance became more stubborn and their missile fire began to take a heavy toll.[Needs Citation]

Facing Tau jump troops equipped with cloaking fields, the Imperial spearhead was broken up into three separate wedges in the woods of Gel'bryn. The first wedge was made up of Titans from the Legio Thanataris, who found themselves countered by missiles launched from Tau Manta gunships.[Needs Citation]

The second wedge was predominately made up of veterans from the Rakarshan Rifles, whose intelligent use of cover kept them out of harm's way but who still found themselves bogged down by Kroot warriors at close range.[Needs Citation]

The third wedge were made up of Space Marines from the Ultramarines, Iron Hands, and Scythes of the Emperor chapters, who found themselves bogged down by the Tau's own elite shock troops: Crisis Battlesuits. All three fronts in the Imperial advance now found themselves stalled in the woods of Gel'bryn.[4c]

Their advance stalled, Imperial forces under General Wendall Gauge advocated digging in to avoid the worst of the Tau firepower. However, superior Tau night-vision equipment led to heavy losses in night raids that only Space Marine patrols could alleviate. This was compounded by the constant worry that a new Tau fleet would arrive, the Crusade fleet was badly damaged and could barely protect its transports as it was. As the siege ground on, more Tau forces arrived each day.[4c]

Operation Hydra

General Gauge concluded that the Crusade had stumbled onto a major Tau world and the resources allotted to the Crusade were insufficient for the task at hand. As arguments over what to be done emerged in the Imperial command, including those advocating Exterminatus, General Gauge acted. Forming his Titans up with the Brimlock Regiments, he was able to strike at the Tau right flank and trap them against the sea as Imperial Navy fighters struck Tau airfields in costly but effective actions that kept Tau air support from the front. The Imperial strike force achieved their primary objective in the first few hours - capturing a town containing a bridge. The Tau responded with Battlesuits deployed from Manta Gunships and for the rest of the day a running battle ensued that resulted with the Imperial forces a mere five miles away from trapping tens of thousands of Tau troops. Overnight the Tau forces withdrew and Imperial forces secured the town's starport.[4c]

Making use of the newly acquired starport, General Gauge began to evacuate his forces from Dal'yth. Resistance from the Inquisition and Space Marines was overruled by Inquisitor Kryptman, who had an express order from Brimlock to return with all forces. The Tau sensibly realized the time to negotiate was now and the Water Caste began to negotiate a settlement under parlay. The negotiations were successful and the Imperial fleet withdrew from Tau space, primarily due to the impending approach of Hive Fleet Behemoth.[6]

Aftermath

In the end the Damocles Gulf Crusade had resulted in the Imperium gaining a healthy new respect for the fighting abilities of the Tau while the Tau Empire came to understand the true scale of Humanity's power in a Galaxy they had previously thought theirs for the taking.[4c]

In the aftermath of the campaign the Inquisition descended onto Human worlds that had interacted with the Tau. Harsh punishments and purges were carried out against any who had collaborated with the xenos.[9]

998.M41 The Revelation of Kauyon

Two hundred and fifty years after the crusade, Commander Farsight finally achieved mastery of Puretide's way of war. In doing so he came to the belief that the entire Crusade was an execution of the Kauyon by Aun'va and the Ethereals.[7a] They deliberately goaded the Imperium into attacking the Tau before the humans were aware of the full scope of the Tau Empire; so as to achieve a victory over them that would hearten the Tau in the face of Humanity's sprawling galactic dominion. Farsight added this insight to the secrets which, for the greater good, he must keep from the Tau population.[Needs Citation]

Forces

Imperial Forces

Imperial Guard Regiments of the Damocles Crusade

Imperial Navy Ships

Space Marines

Rogue Traders

Tau Forces

Air Caste Forces

Air Caste Cadre under the command of Admiral Kor’O’Li’Mau’Teng [7b]

Fire Caste Forces

See Also

Related Publications

Sources

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