Liberation of Lagan
The Liberation of Lagan was a series of battles between the T’au Empire and the Ultramarines 3rd Company that took place during 989.M41,[1] where the Ultramarines successfully recaptured the previously Imperial Lagan System from the T’au.
Background
Initially sent by Marneus Calgar to combat a Tyranid Hive Fleet in the Lagan System, the Ultramarines 3rd Company under Captain Mikael Fabian exited the warp aboard Strike Cruiser Indefectible Vengeance amidst floating Hive Fleet wreckage. The cruiser was met by a T’au vessel, from which a Water Caste Ambassador informed the 3rd Company that the T'au Empire had already defeated the Tyranid threat and now held control of the System.[2]
The Liberation
The Ultramarines began a planetary assault on the Hive World of Lagan III. An armoured attack force consisting of Rhinos were deployed from Thunderhawk Gunships on the desert hemisphere of Lagan III, and the Strike Cruiser Indefectible Vengeance commenced an Orbital Bombardment near the Hive Cities, which stirred up radioactive dust storms that concealed the approaching Rhinos. Within hours, the first Hive City was recaptured and its civilian populace purged, and the other cities followed.[2]
Aftermath
After the Liberation, the T’au utilised the Ultramarine massacre of civilians to fuel a propaganda campaign, turning neighbouring systems such as the Dolmac System against the Imperium[1][2].
Source Conflicts
- While most sources agree the Liberation began in 989.M41, the Warhammer 40,000 5th Edition Rulebook[3] states it happened during 989.999.M41. One possible (but unlikely) explanation for this is that the Ultramarine fleet was informed of the Tyranids in 989.M41 but only arrived to liberate Lagan in 989.999.M41.
Sources
- 1: Warhammer 40,000 6th Edition Rulebook, pg. 177
- 2: Ultramarines Painting Guide - Sons of Ultramar, pg. 8
- 3: Warhammer 40,000 5th Edition Rulebook, pg. 129
