Hello everyone,
The Praetorian Guard has distinguished itself in countless conflicts throughout the history of the Imperium. We have already discussed several of them in this article, but the most perfect example of the regiment’s bravery and discipline remains, without a doubt, the Battle of the Glazer River. This legendary clash has been featured several times in White Dwarf magazine, a testament to the mythical aura that surrounds the Praetorians. As devoted fans of this iconic regiment, we wanted to pay tribute to them by commissioning an exclusive illustration capturing the most decisive moment of this heroic battle. We’re also offering a detailed account of the battle’s events, allowing you to relive one of the most memorable episodes in the history of the Imperial Guard. We hope you enjoy this tribute as much as we enjoyed creating it.
It all happened in [928.M41] on the planet Formund in Segmentum Ultima. The Ork Waaagh Grishnak was at its height and the invasion of Formund by the vile Xenos was well under way. The 3rd platoon of the 24th Praetorian Regiment was temporarily stationed in a farm near the Glazer River, awaiting reinforcements of both troops and equipment.
The Battle:
In the middle of the afternoon, at around 15:00, survivors of the Esos Hill battle warned the 24th of their defeat. The farm soon became a makeshift hospital, treating as best it could the wounded of Esos Hill. At 16:30, a first wave of Orks launched an attack. They were repelled thanks to sustained firepower. The Ork Boyz then fell back (or what counts as “falling back” in Ork culture) and tried to by-pass the farm by the north while the bulk of the Xenos opted for a disorganized frontal assault.
At nightfall, the Orks made their way through the hospital and torched it. Lacking ammunition, the Praetorians struggled to reach the heart of Grishnak’s army, but once they did, they carved through the Orks in bloody close combat. They had survived the day, and then night came.
Although in the direst of situations, the Praetorian Guard’s moral was as hard as steel. Surrounded on all sides and holding their ground in a warehouse and under cover of sandbags, they waited patiently. If they were to fall, they would do so in His honor.
Judging the time had come for the final fight, the Orks launched their assault from the east. At 4:00 the Orks threw themselves at the enemy. Unfortunately for the assailants, the Praetorians were well dug; the darkness and flames worked against the Orks and proved the undoing of their assault.
Thankfully for the 24th, reinforcements came in the form of the 14th Army Corps. The following counter-attack crushed the Orks’ morale. They had not been able to defeat the enemy which seemed invincible and relentless.
Having successfully organized this impressive defense, Captain Caine was showered in medals, the Macharian Star among others. His highest regard however was for his men as for each guard that fell in battle, 30 Xenos lay dead.
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