Battle of Herdessa

In the year 19 BBY, the 51st Attack Battalion was sent on a mission to lay claim on the planet of Herdessa; to establish a crucial base of operations for mid rim GAR military operations. Unbeknownst to the Republic, the CIS had already paved their way towards the planet and would soon be locked in a high casualty naval battle with GAR forces. Third Vanguard Expeditionary Fleet, escorted by Tempest Squadron; were unaware of the incoming CIS naval groups and were outnumbered and unprepared. The naval battle that would soon follow, would be one of the highest casualty naval battles in republic history. With the CIS forces plowing their way through Third Vanguard, the remaining naval crew along with the 51st Attack Battalion and what was left of Tempest Squadron, were forced to flee to the planets surface in hope of survival. While the naval battle was taking place, the CIS had already established a base of operations on the planet, that would soon seek out the Republic survivors. Upon their desperate arrival, the 51st Attack Battalion had lost ¼ of their landing forces to the hands of separatists Star fighters alone. With such mentioned attempts of survival, the 51st Attack Battalion and the additional republic forces were spread out upon their landing.