When the Tanniloth system was just a few centuries old, and Tanniloth Minor barely established as an inhabited planet, a rather large Tyrnid invasion force passed undetected to within a day of the planet. The planet’s few fighting Companies scrambled together to form a rough division size consisting of all elements under the brilliant Col Otto Van Haarg, and formed a ragged defense as the aliens began their invasion. Fighting for almost a week straight, against an endless horde of Gaunts and Warriors, the defenders survived against all odds. But with no end of the tide in sight, and with their supplies running out, it seemed they would be overrun. However, a nearby branch of Dark Angel Space Marines had heard their pleas for help which the main Tanniloth worlds could not answer. A Deathwing company suddenly appeared when things looked bleakest, and with sheer weight of fire drove the aliens to a halt. A quick counter attack from the Imperial defenders coordinated with the Deathwing drove the aliens back, and eventually off the planet.
When the planet was fully established and the main military body on Tanniloth Prime initiated the 1st TAOS, the 46th were re-named the 46th Mechanized. Protests from the new division Colonel were initially ignored, however were finally considered when the newly promoted Gen Van Haarg added his voice and the feats of the defense of Tanniloth Minor were recounted. The TAOS planners agreed to the name of Mix Mechanized to honour the sacrifice of the division’s many branches who had fought in the defence of the planet. In addition, the division was allowed to keep it’s Dark Angel’s themed markings and colours to show respect to the Space Marines who had helped save the planet. While the Deathwing forbid the use of the pure bleached bone they bore, the green was allowed to be used. Divisional commanders throughout the years have striven to keep the relationship between the Dark Angels company, and in times of need help is still requested when the Imperial Guard cannot fight off an enemy alone. Though not recognized by the Tanniloth System as such, it is the Division’s greatest honour when the Dark Angels called upon them to help lead a force against an Eldar encampment believed to harbour some of The Fallen. Such a calling lends credibility to the prowess the division has strived to maintain to this day.
More recently another Space Marine Company of Blood Angels, hearing of the ability of the 46th has requested to conduct training exercises against the 46th in order to help train against insurrections and heretical uprisings. The 46th accepted, seeing this as a change to hone their own skills as well as an honour of being seen as a formidable enough opponent. The plan is to conduct a series of exercises, increasing in size to give junior officers a variety of scenarios to assist in command development.
Why so many Space Marine Chapters are interested in the Tanniloth system has never been questioned, as the interactions have been cordial and generally well received by the system’s ruling body.
Next up, A collection of short stories from some of the 46th's past and present notables.
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