Patrol 143 AAR

AAR from patrol 143 on Nova Terra 2513

Written by John Mizon

Directed To: Captain Lawler
From the bed of Lt Ecton Dempsey, 20th Regiment Headquarters, Field Hospital
Patrol 143 Action Report
Our initial objective was to land at LZ Perrier, establish if the area was clear and then clear the area between the LZ and Little Sibley, where we would regroup with friendly forces.
Our shuttle was shot down en route, and we crash landed at an unknown location, far away from the LZ, but only about a half day away from Little Sibley. Whilst most of the squad escaped with superficial injuries, both pilots were killed instantly, either by the crash or the earlier AA fire, and Chief Lee's leg was badly wounded. The crash attracted a small hostile patrol which we eliminated with a surprise attack and massed fire.
We quickly moved away from the crash site towards Little Sibley. Pvt Winters' knowledge of the terrain and talent for observation proved exceptionally useful, preventing us getting lost, ambushed or running into traps.
When we made it to Little Sibley, the existing forces were spent, only two persons were present, and a series of trucks and technicals were approaching so we took up defensive positions, detaching into two fireteams led by Cpl Dowty to the West and Sgt Fellowes to the East.
Cpl Dowty's fireteam was forced to defend a difficult position with limited fire support due to the tight visibility of of town. Winters was forced to retreat from his OP and lost an arm to fire from a technical heavy weapon. He continued to fight in defence until the fall back order was given, when Dowty helped him to safety under covering fire from Sondeheim, Turner and Conolly, the latter also being badly wounded in the process.
Fellowes' team had a much wider area and more hostiles, but coupled with fire support from myself, Ramirez, Jennings, and Johansen. As we had prepared a defense in depth, the team eventually needed to fall back but the hostile numbers were overwhelming. Atinvall, against orders, stayed behind to provide covering fire for Fellowes and Al-Mousa, giving her life in the process. Whilst it was against orders, this act was one of bravery and may well have saved the lives of at least two of her fellow soldiers, and thus I am recommending she receive posthumous commendation. Fellowes then led the fireteam through a strategic retreat, with Pvt Jennings holding off the enemy for a surprisingly long time after the rest of the squad had pulled back. I am also informed by Fellowes that Al-Mousa was invaluable in the close quarters urban fighting that ensued, undoubtedly protecting the squad and buying more time for the arrival of reinforcements.
In the meantime I managed our air support and eliminated an enemy officer in order to destabilise the enemy, then attempted to suppress the main road to buy time for reinforcements.
I have been told by Winters in our lunchtime conversations that around this time, Alpha company arrived to reinforce the town as the enemy force retreated under mortar fire. I don't recall anything from around this time onwards, as I was struck by one of these errant mortar rounds. I believe that I now join the ranks of Lee and Winters in owing Johansen my life, although I don't believe I'll be beating my personal record at the marksmanship range anytime soon. Then again, my wife and son will likely be glad, regardless of my level of depth perception.
Cpl Dowty proved himself a capable frontline leader, likely also responsible for saving Winters' life against all odds. Fellowes' skills were also impeccable, although his record shows he has no need to prove this again. Connolly has some minor disciplinary issues, and will need a disciplinary censure, however he and the rest of the squad all acted with tenacity and proficiency in what was an extremely difficult combat encounter. It's just short of a miracle that we escaped with as few casualties as we did.
I hope that this report will prove useful in determining the tactical situation around Little Sibley and the future of my Squad. Now I have to finish this thing, Winters wants to play another round of poker.

Lt Dempsey 1st Lieutenant Delta Company