Imperial Battle Report: Engagement at Hoth (1 of 3)

Imperial Battle Report: Engagement at Hoth
Filed by: Major Lorth Needa, Imperial Fleet Command
Date: 3 ABY
Location: Hoth System, Outer Rim Territories

To: Lord Vader and Imperial High Command
Subject: Engagement Report – Assault on Echo Base

My Lord,

At precisely 0600 hours Imperial Standard Time, Lord Vader’s fleet, under the command of Admiral Ozzel, executed an incursion into the Hoth system. Initial approach was compromised due to Admiral Ozzel’s premature arrival from hyperspace, alerting the Rebel forces to our presence. Consequently, the enemy activated a planetary shield, preventing immediate orbital bombardment. Lord Vader expressed his displeasure at this error, and Admiral Ozzel was summarily relieved of duty. Admiral Piett has since assumed command.

Ground assault commenced at 0700 hours. Blizzard Force, under the command of General Veers, deployed from Star Destroyer Tyrant via AT-AT transports. Our primary objective was the complete annihilation of Echo Base, termination or capture of Rebel leadership, and neutralization of planetary defenses.

The enemy had established a stronghold within a glacial cavern system, with primary defenses consisting of entrenched laser turrets and a trench line supported by repurposed T-47 airspeeders, designated “Snowspeeders.” Rebel infantry resistance was substantial, with coordinated attacks focusing on our AT-AT formations.

Despite losses due to unconventional harpoon tow-cable attacks by the enemy’s air support, our armored advance proved decisive. General Veers’ AT-AT, Blizzard One, successfully eliminated the primary power generator at 0815 hours, disabling the shield array and rendering Echo Base vulnerable.

However, Rebel leadership executed a swift evacuation, utilizing GR-75 medium transports under the protection of an ion cannon, which intermittently disrupted orbital pursuit. Intelligence indicates that high-value targets—including Princess Leia Organa and the fugitive Jedi Luke Skywalker—escaped the system before total occupation was achieved.

Casualty & Equipment Report:

Imperial Losses:
- 4 AT-AT walkers (Blizzard 4, 7, 9, 11) destroyed
- 11 AT-ST scouts disabled
- 300+ stormtrooper casualties
- 2 Lambda-class shuttles lost during atmospheric descent
Rebel Losses:
- 80% of Echo Base ground forces eliminated or captured
- All heavy turrets and defensive emplacements destroyed
- Shield generator obliterated
- 20+ T-47 Snowspeeders downed
- Numerous transport vessels intercepted and destroyed in orbit

Conclusion:
The battle concluded with an Imperial victory; however, it did not yield the complete eradication of the Rebel command structure as Lord Vader intended. The strategic objective of preventing the enemy’s escape was not fully realized. Nevertheless, with Echo Base neutralized, Rebel forces are now scattered and vulnerable across the Outer Rim.

Lord Vader has personally taken command of the pursuit efforts. Intercept teams have been deployed to track key Rebel personnel across known hyperspace lanes.

Final Recommendation: