Act 1 Final Mission Talk

[Grenadier]

I really loved this mission, It definetly put me through hell in order to win (which is no doubt the point). But i cant help but wonder, if is there anyway to fight this battle and preserve your army to any state. Or is this mission meant to wipe your slate clean for Act 2? I was doing well enough until the captured Orc Baneblades (cant quite remember the real name) showed up, and thats where it all went down hill. I had numerous high veterancy units fall in heroic last stands (in particular my Basilisks, the greatest loss of them all), and it was only the arrival of the SM which ensured i did not loss the battle. I know i cant save them all, but i cant help but wonder what i should do better next time in order to keep some of my units around. Thoughts?

[Ripgiblet]

Ogryns... camped in all objectives. Ratlings spotting. Basilisks and Upgraded Destroyers. Beat it on Max difficulty Didn't lose a unit...
Key is either dont destroy their units, make them red, then ignore them... keep a bunch of gretchin etc. holding up the front line. Or if possible dont let them spot you... Upgraded destroyers are the key to killing the baneblades... but you have to get lucky...
And when i say i didnt lose a unit... I lost a ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ of Ogryns... they all have transports so they run away when below 5...