Editing 26th Lyran Guards

{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand
| image = [[File:Lyranguards26th.png]]
| Designation = 26th Lyran Guards RCT
| Formed = 
| Disbanded = 
| Previous Designation = 
| Nickname = Alt-Larisch (2765)<ref name="FR2765p13"/><br>Steiner's Boots (3025)<ref name=HSLC56-RN-LG-2/>
| Affiliation = [[Lyran Commonwealth]]
| Parent Command = [[Lyran Guards]]
| Sub-Command = 
}}
The '''26th Lyran Guards''' was a [[BattleMech]] [[regiment]] and later [[Regimental Combat Team|RCT]] in service to [[House Steiner]].

==History==
=== Star League Era ===
During the Star League era the 26th Lyran Guards was one of six regiments within the [[3rd Lyran Guards Division|Third Lyran Guards Division]], one of five Divisions of active regiments within the Lyran Guards brigade in the closing decades of the [[Star League]]'s existence.<ref name="FR2765p13">''Field Report 2765: LCAF'', pp. 13–14: "Lyran Guards"</ref>

Like the other regiments of the Guards during this era, the unit lacked any particular political ties - either regional or familial - unlike regiments in other brigades; commonly assigned to garrison postings, the 26th Lyran Guards and their sister regiments were postings of choice for those who wanted to work for the Commonwealth without either regional loyalties or particular ambitions. This led to the 26th and her sister regiments being manned by soldiers who were professional, but without the close-knit ties found in more parochial regiments. The LCAF was intent on generating more camaraderie and ''esprit de corps'' among the 26th Guards and the other Guards regiments, but with little success by 2765.<ref name="FR2765p13"/>

As a part of the 3rd Division the 26th Guards were considered a regiment for up-and-coming personnel and rising stars during the 2760s, a consequence of Leutnant General [[Kristy Kiirlund]]'s tenure as commanding officer of the 3rd Division. The 26th took part in the Division-level deployment of the entire 3rd Division to the [[Circinus]] system in the mid-2760s to conduct [[Operation HOUND DOG]], a determined effort to track down and destroy bandit elements and groups believed to be operating out of the otherwise uninhabited Circinus system. Despite the [[Free Worlds League]] declining to commit any troops or observers to the Operation - the League military considering the Operation to be nothing more than a "Snipe hunt" - the mission was accompanied by a team of [[Star League Defense Force]] observers and was a success. The unit had taken up a garrison post on [[Zdice]] by 2765 and recovered completely from the few casualties taken during HOUND DOG.<ref name="FR2765p13"/>

=== Succession Wars ===
For much of their history, the 26th Guards were known as a "crackdown" unit, assigned to put down internal rebellions against the government of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. To that end, they were given the nickname "Steiner's Boots", a homage the Guards apparently accepted and adopted, even incorporating it into their regimental insignia.<ref name=HSLC56-RN-LG-2>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 56: "Regimental Nicknames (continued)" - the nickname and renown of the 26th Lyran Guards is described</ref><ref name=FMLA82-26LG-SB-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 82: "26th Lyran Guards RCT: Steiner's Boots", the nickname and background of the 26th Lyran Guards</ref><ref name=FMLA82-26LG-SB-2>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 82: "26th Lyran Guards RCT: Steiner's Boots", the insignia of the 26th Lyran Guards</ref>

Some years prior to the [[Fourth Succession War]], elements of the 26th were assigned to defend the world of [[Sevren]] when [[House Kurita]]'s [[4th Proserpina Hussars|Fourth Proserpina Hussars]] launched a raid. [[Colonel]] Kester's 2nd Battalion lured the Hussars into an industrial park using the then unfamiliar ''[[Hatchetman]]'' 'Mech. The remainder of the battalion evacuated the local hospital and university. Taking advantage of the cover offered by the park's structure, the ''Hatchetman'' repeatedly ambushed the confused Combine soldiers, leading to a favorable outcome for the Guards.<ref name=TRO3025R-48-D-1>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 48: "Deployment", the Twenty-sixth Lyran Guards successfully employ the ''Hatchetman''</ref><ref name=TRO3039-228-26LG-1>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 228: "Deployment", the 26th Lyran Guards successfully employ the ''Hatchetman''</ref>

In 3023, the 26th Lyran Guards found themselves along with the [[Blackhearts]] on [[Hesperus#Hesperus II|Hesperus II]], the Lyran Commonwealth's most important BattleMech production facility — and one of the most heavily guarded complexes in the Inner Sphere — when the system came under attack by the famed [[2nd McCarron's Armored Cavalry]].  Unaware that this was an objective raid, the 26th and the Blackhearts split their forces to ensure that they could defend whichever complex the mercenaries were going to hit.  But instead of going after the factories, Barton's Regiment went directly after shipping and receiving warehouses that were full of vital equipment about to be shipped to the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces throughout Steiner space.

The 26th Lyran Guards took the initiative and went directly after The Big Mac's DropShips, arriving just as Barton's Regiment was returning from their raid loaded with the loot that they had just stolen.  The 26th began to engage and posed a serious threat to the mercenaries, who were saved when Colonel Marcus Barton committed his aerospace forces to begin strafing runs against the 26th.  The first strafing run did significant damage to the 26th, causing Patterson to order his troops to scatter to avoid the damage while calling in his own aerospace fighters to try to drive off McCarron's aerospace forces but they failed to do so.  The delay allowed Barton's Regiment to complete loading their DropShips and lift off.  The 26th lost nearly a dozen 'Mechs during this raid.<ref>''McCarron's Armored Cavalry'', p. 9</ref>

As of [[3025]], the 26th Lyran Guards were a veteran formation, assigned to defend their homeworld of [[Tamar]], and commanded by [[Leutnant-Colonel]] [[Woodruff Patterson]].<ref name=HSLC118-UDT-1>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 118: "Unit Deployment Table", the disposition of the 26th Lyran Guards as of 3025</ref>

In [[3026]], at the order of [[Archon]] [[Katrina Steiner]], the 26th Guards were one of dozens of Lyran commands reorganized into a regimental combat team, growing to [[brigade]] strength with the permanent attachment of conventional regiments, the same formation that had proved so successful for [[House Davion]]. In addition, [[Armed Forces of the Federated Suns]] officers were brought in to "advise" Lyran units in the field, particularly in [[combined-arms]] tactics.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-42-LCAF-LC2>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 42: "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces", the LCAF attempts to adapt AFFS tactics</ref> A [[lightning company]] was also attached to the regiment; it was composed of light and medium 'Mechs and staffed by warriors who had been trained in mobile tactics in the Federated Suns.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-42-LCAF-LC>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 42: "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces", on Lightning Companies</ref>

===Fourth Succession War===
{{main|Fourth Succession War}}
As one of the crack veteran units in the [[Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces]], the 26th Lyran Guards were a natural choice for inclusion as part of [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]], the Lyran invasion of the Draconis Combine in [[3028]]. Tamar was used as a major launching point against the [[Rasalhague Military District]], with various other commands taking up the defense of the [[Tamar Pact]] capital, ranging from the green [[Twelfth Donegal Guards]]<ref name=NAIS4SW1-44-12DG-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'': "Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG", 12th Donegal Guards remain on Tamar during the first wave</ref> to the [[mercenary]] [[Grave Walkers]].<ref name=NAIS4SW2-67-T-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'': "Tamar", the Grave Walkers defend Tamar</ref>

====Kandis====
In the second wave of the invasion, the 26th Lyran Guards and their supporting units attacked [[Kandis]]. Defended primarily by the [[St. Cyr Heavy Assault Group]], the Heavy Guards caught the second battalion of the mercenaries exposed on the plains of Icic. Steiner's Boots dealt out severe damage amidst the icy wasteland, compelling the HAG to retreat from the planet. Kandis would become part of the Lyran Commonwealth for the first time in centuries.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-50-OEA-26LG-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'': "Other Early Action", The 26th Lyran Guards are successful on Kandis</ref><ref name=NAIS4SW1-44-26LG-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 50: "Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG", the 26th Guards' movements during the Fourth Succession War</ref>

====Engadin====
Eager to press the advantage the Lyrans had won in the first wave, [[General]] [[Nondi Steiner]] commanded the 26th Lyran Guards and many other regiments were ordered to continue further into Combine space. Their goal was not only to win more territory, but to eliminate as many [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]] commands as was possible. Although a viable strategy, the lack of rest and refit time pushed many of the soldiers of the LCAF to their breaking point.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-59-FUI-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 58: "Follow-Up Invasions", the Lyrans press their attacks</ref> The Twenty-sixth Lyran Guards, though exhausted, struck at [[Engadin]], where they again faced the St. Cyr Heavy Assault Group, as well as the remnants of the [[5th Sun Zhang Academy Cadre|Fifth Sun Zhang Academy Cadre]].<ref name=NAIS4SW1-44-26LG-1/><ref name=NAIS4SW1-61-EOTO-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 61: "End of the Offensive", the 26th Lyran Guards attack Engadin</ref> This came as a major surprise to the Guards, who expected to face only the understrength Cadre. Their initial landings went poorly, with the Lyran 'Mechs landing several kilometers from their support personnel, equipment and supplies. The St. Cyr HAG, though previously damaged, seized the advantage by capturing the Guards' equipment. The 26th quickly pursued the mercenaries, but were in a poor position to do so indefinitely.<ref name=NAIS4SW2-62-E-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 62: "Engadin", the Twenty-sixth Lyran Guards fight on Engadin</ref> Fighting on Engadin was still ongoing when the "lull" came in early [[3029]], an unofficial ceasefire in the war that saw most combat operations stalled for several months.<ref name=NAIS4SW2-61-TTT-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 61: "Trellshire and Tamar Theaters", fighting on Engadin ceases during the lull</ref> The exhausted 26th used this as an opportunity to regroup and take stock of their situation. When the lull ended in May, the Guards shifted strategies, attacking Zurin Spaceport, through which it was hoped the Lyran High Command would soon be able to bring in supplies and reinforcements. It was also the main Kuritan [[aerospace]] base on the planet. Although they caught most of the fighters on the ground, the HAG struck at the Guards' rear during the attack at Flanders Swamp. Acting quickly, Leutnant-Colonel Patterson split his forces, using his heavier elements to hold off the mercenaries while their lighter 'Mechs attacked the spaceport. The plan was successful, destroying the Kuritan fighters and forcing the HAG to withdraw. The much-needed supplies soon arrived.<ref name=NAIS4SW2-62-E-1/>

Although able to recover somewhat, the Guards still faced a difficult challenge. When they attempted to move on the capital city of Yonkers, they were repulsed by the 5th Cadre, using the supplies the Guards had lost during their original landings. In June, however, the [[Blackhearts]], a Lyran mercenary unit, landed as reinforcements. The Lyran Guards held off the HAG while the mercenaries used [[artillery]] elements to devastate the Cadre positions, ultimately forcing them to surrender. Realizing their position was untenable, St. Cyr's HAG retreated once again. The 26th Lyran Guards had won their second planet of the conflict.<ref name=NAIS4SW2-62-E-1/>
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
According to the [[apocryphal]] campaign scenario ''[[Inselhüpfen]]'' from ''[[Wunderwelten]]'' magazine, part of the fighting between the 26th Lyran Guards and the St. Cyr Heavy Assault Group actually took place on Engadin's small, water-rich moon Muddy. The Lyrans suffered heavy losses against the submarine, naval surface vessels and hovercraft primarily fielded by the St. Cyr HAG while frantically searching for their hidden submarine base on Draaken Island, the sole small island on Muddy that is solid enough for DropShips to land on.
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}
Not long after, the Fourth Succession War ended. The Lyran Commonwealth had gained dozens of worlds from the Draconis Combine, and although most of these would eventually be turned over to the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]], the 26th Lyran Guards had proven their status as a crack command. They had also made successful use of their conventional assets, most notably of the [[Packrat]] patrol vehicle, using it to go around the Kuritan flanks and scout enemy positions.<ref name=TRO3039-22-26LG-1>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 22: "Notable Crews: Leutnant Gerhardt Bernhard", the 26th Lyran Guard successfully uses Packrats during the Fourth Succession War</ref> The 26th Guards ultimately resumed their post on Tamar.

===War of 3039===
{{main|War of 3039}}
In [[3039]], Hanse Davion launched his long-awaited [[War of 3039|joint offensive against the Draconis Combine]], eager to destroy House Kurita once and for all. As a respected veteran RCT, the Twenty-sixth Lyran Guards were one of the many commands designated to take part. They left the garrison on Tamar, traveling to [[Phalan]], a major "jump-off" world and supply depot.<ref name=HWO3039-137-26LG-1>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 137: "Deployment Table", movements and condition of the 26th Lyran Guards during the War of '39</ref>

====Alnasi====
On 15 April, 3039, a flotilla consisting of the 26th Lyran Guards RCT and the [[1st Argyle Lancers|First Argyle Lancers]] appeared at a [[Pirate Jump Point]] above the Combine world of [[Alnasi]], an industrial world defended only by a small planetary militia. Woodruff Patterson, now holding the rank of General in the LCAF, commanded the invasion force, and was determined to secure the planet quickly. The Alnasi militia, however, waged an effective guerrilla war despite fielding only a company of 'Mechs. Ultimately, however, Patterson was able to surround the capital of Gantarius, forcing the planetary government's surrender. It took the invaders until mid-May, however, before they could run down the militia 'Mech Company. With the planet in their grasp, the Guards and the Lancers dug in to prepare for the possibility of a DCMS counterattack. The 26th Guards losses during the conquest were considered light.<ref name=HWO3039-137-26LG-1/><ref name=HWO3039-28-A-26LG-1>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 28: "Alnasi", the 26th Lyran Guards seize Alnasi</ref>

Unfortunately for the Guards, guerrilla warfare by the surviving militia and an insurgency by the local population (and supported by the [[Internal Security Force]]) kept them from ever fully securing the planet. Sabotage to Lyran equipment became commonplace, and matters were not helped when the Argyle Lancers were rotated offworld to prepare for followup attacks. On 22 July, Combine reinforcements arrived in the form of the [[6th Alshain Regulars|Sixth Alshain Regulars]] and the [[5th Sun Zhang Academy Cadre|Fifth Sun Zhang Academy Cadre]], using the same pirate point the Lyrans had. Although they held an advantage in skill, experience and sheer numbers over the Regulars and the Cadre, their position was highly compromised. Patterson sent his aerospace fighters to interfere with the incoming enemy transports, but they inflicted only minor damage before being chased off by Kuritan fighters and assault DropShips. The Guards then sent their second battalion (supported by armor forces) and their lightning company to harry the DCMS landing zones. They were quickly repulsed by the overwhelming ferocity of the Alshain Regulars, piloting 'Mechs ([[Operation Rosebud|provided]] by [[ComStar]]) never before seen by the Lyrans. The Kuritans soon built a formidable defensive position around their LZ, and within a few days, the Regulars were prepared to attack the Lyran-held capital from the west while the Cadre struck from the northeast. The Cadre's approach was botched, however, when they ran into entrenched Lyran armor positions. Nevertheless, the Guards faced a deteriorating position, attacked on two sides and facing heavier opposition within the city. By 30 July, Patterson was forced to pull his troops back deeper within the city. The entrenched men and women of Steiner's Boots proceeded to repulse five Combine assaults in succession, but terrorist attacks by the ISF and the local citizenry grew progressively worse. On 5 August, a suicide bomber killed General Patterson and 26 other members of the Guards. Two days later, [[Colonel]] [[Joy Corelli]], acting commander of the 26th, ordered the Guards to begin withdrawing from the planet. Within a week, the last remaining Lyran troops had lifted off. Overall casualties to the unit during the counterattack were moderate, allowing it to maintain unit cohesion.<ref name=HWO3039-137-26LG-1/><ref name=HWO3039-70-A-26LG-1>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 70: "Alnasi", the 26th Lyran Guards attempt to hold Alnasi against DCMS counterattacks</ref> The Twenty-sixth returned to Phalan, and ultimately were rotated back to Tamar when the war ended.<ref name=HWO3039-137-26LG-1/> After the conflict, Colonel Corelli was promoted and confirmed as the Twenty-sixth's commander.<ref name=HWO3039-70-A-26LG-2>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 70: "Alnasi", Corelli takes over command</ref>

===Clan Invasion===
{{main|Clan Invasion}}
The 26th Guards, like the rest of the LCAF, became part of the [[Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]] when it was formed after the war against House Kurita. At the dawn of the [[Clan Invasion]] in [[3050]], the 26th Guards were once again stationed on Tamar as that world's primary defenders. Corelli remained in command of the veteran RCT, now holding the rank of [[Marshal (rank)|Marshal]].<ref name=20YU26-26LG-1>''20 Year Update'', p. 26: "Tamar Theater", the disposition of the 26th Lyran Guard in 3050</ref>

====Tamar====
[[File:Oncemithymech.png|right|thumb|The Fall of [[Tamar]]]]
{{main|Battle of Tamar (3051)}}

Despite the protests of [[Duke]] [[Selvin Kelswa III]], the government of the [[Federated Commonwealth]] refused to provide reinforcements to [[Tamar]]'s defense to meet the coming invaders, citing the need to defend other worlds. Furious, Kelswa returned to Tamar City to prepare his own defenses, refusing to cooperate with any AFFC officials, even those of the Twenty-sixth Guards, despite their years of service as Tamar's principal defenders. On 7 November, [[3051]], [[saKhan]] [[Natasha Kerensky]] of [[Clan Wolf]] arrived in orbit over Tamar, leading the Wolves' [[Alpha Galaxy (Clan Wolf-in-Exile)|Alpha Galaxy]]. The former command of [[Nicholas Kerensky]], the Dire Wolves were arguably the premier formation in all the Clans, the elite of the elite. Marshal Corelli accepted Kerensky's ''[[batchall]]'', and arranged her defenses between the Clan landing zones and Tamar City. The first major clash between the two forces came at Shonick Dale, where the Wolves attempted to break through the Lyran lines of defense. Although they held for six hours against Kerensky, the Wolves' second attempt came at night and drove the Guards back amidst vicious fighting. Corelli reorganized at Smitton, a village north of the capital, organizing her troops in the thick forests to offset Clan air cover and their superior weapon ranges. Unfortunately, this allowed two [[Elemental (Battle Armor)#Variants|Elemental head hunter]] [[Star (Formation)|Stars]] to easily penetrate their lines, sowing confusion and chaos. When Alpha Galaxy attacked, they were forced to pull back once again. When they attempted to organize again at Tamar City, they were denied entry by Duke Kelswa, who by this point had gone mad. The 26th Guards reluctantly set up their defenses outside the city walls, awaiting the coming Wolves. The following day, the assault began with a series of air strikes, followed up with harrying attacks by the [[13th Wolf Guards (Clan Wolf-in-Exile)|Thirteenth Wolf Guards]]. With nowhere left to run, Corelli decided to preserve the remainder of her forces and retreat offworld. Offering transport to Kelswa, the Duke declined and would ultimately die with his men, but did send his daughter, [[Morasha Kelswa]], along with the Guards. Steiner's Boots retreated to [[Kobe]].<ref name=WCS4344T-26LG-1>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', pp. 43–44: "Tamar", the 26th Lyran Guards oppose Alpha Galaxy on Tamar, evacuating with Morasha Kelswa</ref><ref name=ER3052-137-T-1>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 137: "Situation", the 26th Lyran Guard opposes the Clan invaders</ref> Not long thereafter, the Wolves attacked the capital, leading to the destruction of the [[Kelswa Guard]] and the [[Tamar War College Training Battalion]], with both units fighting almost to the death. Duke Kelswa himself fell at the controls of his ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]''.<ref name=WCS44T-26LG-1>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 44: "Tamar", Duke Kelswa refuses to work with the Twenty-sixth</ref> Despite the betrayal of Duke Kelswa, one of the Guards' armor units, the [[343rd Tamar Heavy Armor Regiment]], would serve as [[Duchess]] Morasha's honor guard in the years to come, and were permanently detached from the Twenty-sixth.<ref name=FMLA82-AB-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 82: "26th Lyran Guards Armor Brigade", the 343rd Tamar Heavy Armor Regiment leave to protect Morasha Kelswa</ref>

====Kobe====
On Kobe, the Guards had little time to prepare before Clan Wolf's [[Beta Galaxy (Clan Wolf-in-Exile)|Beta Galaxy]] arrived in December, commanded by [[Khan]] [[Garth Radick]]. The 26th Guards were supported by the [[Kobe TMM|First]] and [[Kobe TMM|Second Kobe Mechanized Brigade]]s, but these were green militia troops, with little hope of slowing down the Clans. In the first clash at Ash Valley, the Arctic Wolves repeated the tactic that Alpha had used against the Guards on Tamar, deploying Elementals to slip behind enemy lines and seek out the Lyran command. The elite Clan infantry severely injured Marshal Corelli, and knocked her into a coma. Her replacement as acting commander, [[Leftenant General]] [[Jinders Green-Davion]] managed to stabilize the situation, and there were further battles at New Pompeii and Cinder Bay. The Guards were ultimately too damaged to hold Kobe, and they retreated to [[Thun]].<ref name=WCS67K-26LG-1>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 67: "Kobe", the 26th Lyran Guards oppose Beta Galaxy on Kobe</ref>

====Thun====
On Thun, Green-Davion, still in acting command, deployed his forces around the city of Logan Delta, allowing his reserves to respond to any attacks. Khan Radick and Beta Galaxy arrived shortly thereafter, determined to finish off the 26th Guards. This time, the Lyrans were ready for the headhunter strategy, and Beta's Elementals failed to find their headquarters. The Guards' lines held until Radick led the Alpha Command Star of the [[Silver Keshik (Clan Wolf)|Silver Keshik]] on a drop from Beta's DropShips, disrupting the Lyran defenses. Green-Davion was forced to call for another retreat, but was successful in getting the remains of his command offworld.<ref name=WCS67T-26LG-1>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 67: "Thun", the 26th Lyran Guards oppose Beta Galaxy on Thun</ref> The Guards would see no more action for the remainder of the conflict. The Twenty-sixth had faced the elite of Clan Wolf on three worlds, and withdrawn in good order each time even while more famous commands had met their end.

===Recovery and the Lyran Alliance===
The Clan Invasion was eventually halted at the [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]]. The 26th Guards were so damaged by the fighting that they did not even appear in a ComStar report on the deployment of AFFC forces in [[3054]].<ref name=OR1323-1>''Objective Raids'', pp. 13–23: "Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth", the 26th Lyran Guard does not appear in the deployment table</ref> Nevertheless, they managed to avoid being disbanded. Like most traditional Lyran units, the Twenty-sixth switched their loyalties to [[Archon]] [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] and the [[Lyran Alliance Armed Forces]] during the secession of [[3057]], this despite the fact their commanding officer was a distant cousin of the ruling [[House Davion|Davion family]]. Although they took no part in [[Operation Bulldog]] or other major actions, the Guards nevertheless maintained their veteran status when they returned to full strength. Joy Corelli officially remained commander, despite still lingering in a coma. As of late [[3061]], the Guards were stationed on [[Port Moseby]].<ref name=SS47-26LG-1>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 26: "Lyran Alliance Armed Alliances (Deployment as of 3061)", the disposition of the 26th Lyran Guards</ref>

In October [[3062]], Corelli finally passed away, and Jinders Green-Davion was allowed to take command with the rank of [[Leutnant-General]]. Green-Davion had reorganized the rebuilt and well-armed Twenty-sixth, turning the third battalion into a highly mobile crack formation composed primarily of fast and jump-capable 'Mechs. A battalion of jump-capable [[battle armor]] was attached to the Guards' 270th F-C [[Jump Infantry]] regiment, and successfully began training in the same headhunter tactics the Wolves had used against the Twenty-sixth during the Clan Invasion. This and other factors, such as being issued several [[OmniMechs]], helped forge the Guards into one of the Alliance's core units.<ref name=FMLA82-JGD-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 82: "26th Lyran Guards RCT: Steiner's Boots", Green-Davion take command, reorganizes</ref><ref name=FMLA133-26LG-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 133: "26th Lyran Guards RCT", special abilities and equipment of the 26th Lyran Guards</ref> As November 3062, the Guards remained on Port Moseby.<ref name=FMLA125-LG-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 125: "Lyran Guards", the 26th are still on Port Moseby</ref>

===FedCom Civil War===
{{main|FedCom Civil War}}
When the [[FedCom Civil War]] inevitably broke out in late [[3062]], the 26th Lyran Guards initially attempted to stay out of the fighting. It was only late in the conflict that they finally took to the field on the [[Loyalist (FCCW)|Loyalist]] side. The world of [[Dalkeith]] had emerged as one of the meat grinders of the conflict. Both sides had poured precious reinforcements to the critical world, only to watch their soldiers die in a hopeless stalemate. The [[Allies (FCCW)|Allies]] were holding out with the remnants of the [[4th Davion Guards|Fourth Davion Guards]] and the [[4th Deneb Light Cavalry|Fourth Deneb Light Cavalry]]. The Loyalists, under the command of [[Leutnant-General]] [[James Ito]], were composed of the [[5th Alliance Guards|Fifth Alliance Guards]] (which had earlier absorbed the survivors of the [[13th Donegal Guards|Thirteenth Donegal Guards]]) and the [[3rd Royal Guards|Third Royal Guards]]. Although they were all formidable commands, the long years of war had watched the 'Mechs and supporting regiments of these forces be ground down. The 26th, by contrast, was a fresh, veteran command, and when they arrived in-system, Ito hatched a plan to use them to devastating effect. In mid-April, [[3066]], the Loyalist formation launched a major offensive against the Allied-held capital city of Newhaven. Although they advanced far, a counterattack by the 4th Deneb forced them to retreat in disarray with the Cavalry in pursuit, threatening to turn it into a route. This proved to be a trap as Ito ordered the 26th Guards to use an [[avalanche drop]] maneuver, coming down from orbit directly onto the overextended Cavalry. The move was successful, and when the other Loyalist forces turned and attacked, the 4th Deneb were completely destroyed. The 26th Guards had lost four companies of 'Mechs and several battalions of conventional forces, but they had successfully turned the tide decisively for the Loyalists.<ref name=FCCW162163-D-26LG-1>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 162–163: "Dalkeith", the Twenty-sixth joins the fighting on Dalkeith</ref><ref name=FCCW183-26LG-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Civil War Deployment Tables", the Twenty-sixth takes moderate losses during the sixth wave of the war</ref><ref name=FMU170-26LG-1>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 170: "Lyran Guard: 26th Lyran Guard RCT", the 26th Lyran Guard during the civil war</ref>

Though hopelessly outnumbered and unable to retreat, the 4th Davion Guards chose to fight to the bitter end. On 27 September, the final assault on Newcastle began, with the 26th Guards attacking from the north, while the Royal Guard struck from the east and Ito's own Alliance Guard approached from the southwest. The Davion Guards attempted to fight their way out by attacking the 3rd Royals, and very nearly succeeded. The Royals were broken, but the casualties for the allies were very high, and the 26th Lyran Guards and 5th Alliance Guards fell on them from behind, destroying the last of the Allied forces. The 26th Guards had heavy casualties, but the battle of Dalkeith had finally been brought to a close.<ref name=FCCW175-D-26LG-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 175: "Dalkeith", the end of the battle of Dalkeith</ref><ref name=FCCW183-26LG-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Civil War Deployment Tables", the Twenty-sixth takes heavy losses during the seventh wave of the war</ref><ref name=FMU170-26LG-1/>

===Jihad===
{{main|Jihad}}
The 26th Lyran Guards were not spared the horrors of the [[Word of Blake]] [[Jihad]]. In [[3070]], the 26th Lyran Guards were fighting elements of [[Clan Jade Falcon]]'s [[Gamma Galaxy (Clan Jade Falcon)|Gamma Galaxy]]. The Guards attempted to use their conventional forces to hold off the [[1st Falcon Hussars (Clan Jade Falcon)|First First Falcon Hussars]] while their 'Mech forces attacked. However, under the command of [[Galaxy Commander]] [[Quinn Kerensky]], the Falcons used [[Inferno (Missile)|Inferno]] missiles to compromise the Guards' position, ultimately destroying them.<ref name=FRLAAF12-LG-26LG-1>''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 12: "Lyran Guards", the 26th Lyran Guards are destroyed fighting Clan Jade Falcon</ref>

As of [[3145]], there is no record the Twenty-sixth Lyran Guards were ever reconstituted.

==Officers==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the 26th Lyran Guards'''
|-
|[[Leutnant-General]]
|[[Woodruff Patterson]]
|[[3025]] - [[3039]]<ref name=HSLC118-UDT-1/><ref name=HWO3039-70-A-26LG-1/>
|-
|Leutnant-General
|[[Joy Corelli]]
|3039 - [[3050]]<ref name=HWO3039-70-A-26LG-2/>
|-
|[[Marshal (rank)|Marshal]]
|Joy Corelli
|3050 - [[3051]]<ref name=HWO3039-70-A-26LG-2/>
|-
|Leutnant-General
|[[Jinders Green-Davion]] (acting commander)
|3051 - [[3062]]<ref name=FMLA82-JGD-1/>
|-
|Leutnant-General
|Jinders Green-Davion
|3062 - [[3067]]<ref name=FMLA82-JGD-1/>
|-
|}

==Tactics==
Like most Lyran units, the 26th Lyran Guards were heavier than average. Under the command of Green-Davion, the third battalion was reorganized with more mobile equipment and the most talented warriors. Using force concentrations, the Guards set up their opponents not only with their mobile elements, but with combat drops as well. The Guards' battle armor also became skilled in headhunting-style operations.<ref name=FMLA82-26LG-T-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 82: "Tactics", the tactics of the 26th Lyran Guards</ref>

==Composition History==
=== 2765 ===
'''26th Lyran Guards''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name="FR2765p13"/>
:- At this point in time the 26th Guards were based on Zdice.<ref name="FR2765p13"/>

=== 2786 - 2821===
'''26th Lyran Guards ''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=1SWp139>''First Succession War'', p. 139</ref>
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Zdice]].
In 2821 the command was reduced to 56 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Tylarzka]].<ref name=1SWp139/>

=== 2830 ===
'''26th Lyran Guards''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=2SWp99>''Second Succession War'', p. 99</ref>
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Tylarzka]] with an operational readiness of 79 percent.<ref name=2SWp99/>

=== 2864 ===
'''26th Lyran Guards''' (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=2SWp99/>
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Furillo]] with an operational readiness of 0 percent.<ref name=2SWp99/>

===3025===
'''26th Lyran Guards''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=HSLC118-UDT-1/><br>
:* CO: Leutnant General Woodruff Patterson<br>
:Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Tamar]]. Even prior to their official reorganization as a Regimental Combat Team, the 26th Lyran Guards carried permanently attached conventional assets with a full support battalion composed of a recon, [[Combat Vehicle|tank]], and [[jump infantry]] companies.<ref name=NAIS4SW2-124-26LG-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 62: "26th Lyran Guards", the Twenty-sixth Lyran Guards' support battalion is broken down</ref>

===3039===
'''26th Lyran Guards RCT''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=HWo3039p137/>
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Tamar]].<ref name=HWo3039p137>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 137</ref>
:*Beta Battalion - comprised of medium and heavy 'Mechs<br>
:*Sigma Lightning Company<br><ref>''War of 3039'', p. 70</ref><br>

===3050===
'''26th Lyran Guards RCT''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=20yup26>''20 Year Update'', p. 26</ref>
:* CO: Marshal Joy Corelli<ref name=20yup26/>

: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Tamar]].<ref name=20yup26/>

===3062===
'''26th Lyran Guards''' (1 [[Regiment]]/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=FMLA82-26LG-26LG-1-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 82: "26th Lyran Guards", 'Mech composition</ref><br>
:* CO: Leutnant General Jinders Green-Davion<br>
Aide: Leutnant Colonel [[Ellen Kazmierski]]<br>

'''26th Lyran Guards Aerospace [[Brigade]]''' (3 [[Wing (Military Unit)|Wing]]s)<ref name=FMLA82-26LG-26LG-AB-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 82: "26th Lyran Guards", aerospace units attached to the 26th Guards</ref><br>
:* CO: Leutnant Kommodore [[Branislav Drane]]<br>
- 245th Alliance Heavy Wing<br>
- 17th [[Sudeten]] Wing<br>
- 2250th Independent Aerospace Wing<br>

'''26th Lyran Guards Armor Brigade''' (3 Regiments/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=FMLA82-26LG-26LGAB-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 82: "26th Lyran Guards Armor Brigade", armor units attached to the 26th Guards</ref><br>
:* CO: Colonel [[Cassie Masch]]<br>
Aide: Hauptmann Kommandant [[Benjamin Groeschel]]<br>
- 232nd Alliance Heavy Armor Regiment (reinforced with an extra heavy armor [[company]]): Colonel [[Ross Mosay]]<br>
- 71st [[Smolnik]] Armor Regiment (reinforced with an extra heavy armor company): Leutnant Colonel [[Ahmed Mortazavi]]<br>
- 20th [[Zebebelgenubi]] Artillery Group: Kommandant [[Michael Duran]]<br>

'''26th Lyran Guards Infantry Brigade''' (4 Regiments/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=FMLA82-26LG-26LGIB-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 82: "26th Lyran Guards Infantry Brigade", infantry units attached to the 26th Guards</ref><br>
:* CO: Colonel [[Cedric Spahr]]<br>
Aide: Leutnant Colonel [[Ju Wang]]<br>
- 489th Alliance Heavy Infantry (Regiment): Colonel [[Del La Rosa]]<br>
- 2744th Alliance Mechanized Infantry Regiment: Colonel [[Pamela Jorden]]<br>
- 33rd [[Tamar]] Mechanized Infantry Regiment: Leutnant Colonel [[Lars Obotette]]<br>
- 270th F-C Jump Infantry Regiment: Colonel [[Wilhelm Nuernberg]]<br>
Note: The 270th includes a battle armor [[battalion]]<br>

==Insignia and Color Scheme==
Befitting their nickname, the 26th Guards bore the insignia of a world with the scuffmark of a boot across it. As was the case with the rest of the [[Lyran Guards]] brigade, the 26th Guards used a blue-and-white paint scheme for their machines.<ref name=FMLA82-26LG-SB-2/><ref name=FMLA74-LG-CIA-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 74: "Colors and Insignia", the paint scheme of the Lyran Guards</ref> One report, however, indicated some officers and warriors were permitted to repaint their machines in other colors, such as dark green.<ref name=TRO3039-228-NM-1>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 228: "Notable MechWarriors", Leutnant Helimar Senton pilots a dark-green ''Hatchetman''</ref>

==Notes==
* In an apparent typo, the 26th Lyran Guards were not listed among those Lyran units destroyed during the Jihad in a [[3085]] report.<ref>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 95: "The ''Einherjar'': LAAF Commands Lost in the Jihad", the Twenty-sixth Lyran Guards are not listed among the other fallen commands</ref>
* The 26th does not appear in ''[[Objective Raids]]'', despite never having been disbanded.<ref name=OR1323-1/>
* According to the ''[[Wolf Clan Sourcebook]]'', Marshal Corelli was killed during the fighting on Kobe.<ref name=WCS67K-26LG-1/> This was later contradicted by ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]'', which states she was left in a coma.<ref name=FMLA82-JGD-1/> As the ''Field Manual'' is the later publication, this article assumes its accuracy.
* Further, the ''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'' lists Corelli as a [[Hauptmann General]] at the time of her "death",<ref name=WCS67K-26LG-1/> despite having named her a Marshal earlier in that same work.<ref name=WCS4344T-26LG-1/> The ''[[20 Year Update]]'' supports her rank of Marshal, and this article is written on that assumption.<ref name=20YU26-26LG-1/>
* In yet another apparent omission, the 26th Lyran Guard is not listed on the LAAF deployment table in ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]'', even though the unit is described earlier in the text.<ref>''Field Manual: Updates'', pp. 177–179: "Lyran Alliance Armed Forces (Deployment as of 1 August 3067)", the 26th Lyran Guard goes unlisted</ref>
* According to ''[[Field Report: LAAF]]'', Leutnant-General Theodore Hess was the commander of the 26th Guards at the time of their destruction.<ref name=FRLAAF12-LG-26LG-1/> Multiple sources, however, name Hess as the commander of the [[Sixth Lyran Guards]], so this is likely in error.
* Special Rules can be found for the 26th Lyran Guards on ''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 133.

==Reference==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]''
* ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)|FedCom Civil War]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Federated Suns]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
* ''[[Field Report: LAAF]]''
* ''[[Field Report 2765: LCAF]]''
* ''[[First Succession War (sourcebook)|First Succession War]]''
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''
* ''[[Inselhüpfen]]''
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]''
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
* ''[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)|Second Succession War]]''
* ''[[Shattered Sphere]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Wolf Clan Sourcebook]]''
{{div col end}}

[[Category:Lyran Commands|Lyran Guards, 26th]]
[[Category:Federated Commonwealth Commands|Lyran Guards, 26th]]