Hylas: Van Dorn's Winter Offensive

In 12.024M42, General Van Dorn initiated a decisive winter offensive on Hylas in a bid to reclaim lost ground from the Tau and turn the tide of the conflict. Drawing on an unprecedented level of coordination among Imperial forces, Van Dorn assembled a formidable coalition of the Novgorod Guard, Questoris Knights, Dark Angels, and Grey Knights. This multifaceted operation aimed to dismantle the Tau’s grip on the region and deliver a crippling blow to their command structure.

The Diversionary Assault on New Cerberex

The operation began with a diversionary strike led by the Dark Angels. Stationed at their fortress-monastery on New Cerberex, the Dark Angels launched a ferocious assault into Tau positions, drawing significant xenos forces away from the primary Imperial effort on Hylas. This manoeuvre proved highly effective, forcing the Tau to divert resources and creating an opening for the main offensive.

The Assault on West Hallen

With Tau attention divided, the Questoris Knights and Novgorod Guard surged out from their prepared positions in the rugged terrain of West Hallen. The towering Questoris Knights laid down devastating firepower, dismantling Tau fortifications and neutralising defensive strongpoints with methodical precision.

Once the Tau positions were sufficiently degraded, the Novgorod Guard, bolstered by Hellhammer super-heavy tanks, advanced. Their armoured columns closed the gap, delivering a thunderous cavalry charge that smashed into the Tau lines. The charge overwhelmed key Tau units, including Broadsides and Crisis Suits, whose advanced weaponry and mobility were insufficient to stem the tide of Imperial armour and infantry.

Grey Knights Strike at the Heart

While the ground forces dominated the battlefield, the Grey Knights undertook a daring deep strike into the Tau rear echelon. Teleporting directly into the heart of Tau-controlled territory, the elite astartes sought to decapitate the xenos command structure.

Under the leadership of a Grey Knights Librarian, the strike force unleashed devastating psychic powers, annihilating the Tau high command and throwing their forces into disarray. Reports indicate that Inquisitorial agents accompanied the Grey Knights during this raid, though their precise role remains unclear. Their apparent lack of significant contribution has since raised questions within the Imperial hierarchy.

The Liberation of Desmond and Finlay

The coordinated attacks succeeded in reclaiming the cities of Desmond and Finlay, critical urban centres that had been under Tau control. The Tau, reeling from the loss of their command infrastructure and unable to regroup effectively, were forced to retreat to Benger, their final stronghold on Hylas.

Strategic Consequences

Van Dorn’s winter offensive was a resounding success, securing vital territory and delivering a severe blow to Tau forces on Hylas. The operation highlighted the effectiveness of Imperial unity and combined arms tactics, with each element of the coalition playing a crucial role in the victory.

However, the campaign also exposed lingering challenges. The Tau retained control of the orbital space lanes, preserving their strategic advantage in the wider conflict. Additionally, questions surrounding the role and efficacy of the Inquisition during the operation remain a point of contention among Imperial command.

Aftermath

By mid-12.024M42, the Imperium had regained the initiative on Hylas, with the Tau on the defensive and their forces confined to Benger. While the war was far from over, Van Dorn’s offensive marked a turning point, demonstrating that even in the face of advanced xenos technology, the Imperium’s resolve and coordinated might could achieve significant victories.