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"any where on the battlefield" and 'regardless of enemy proximity" are pretty clear that according to this rule, the unit may start in base contact with the enemy. This also seems entirely more specific than any enemy proximity rule that effects units more generally. In order to bar it from doing so a rule would have to forbid this specific unit from doing deploying in base contact or within one inch of an enemy.

Aside from that aspect of things, the assault rules make it pretty clear that if your unit is in base contact with an enemy then you are indeed locked in combat.
"Units that have one or more models in base contact with enemies are locked in combat." Page 23, Who can fight, in bold.

As an RAW argument this is quite clear and good to know as you never know what kind of shenanigans someone your playing might try to pull and a working knowledge of RAW at face value is good to have nailed down before hand so you can have a short HYWPI discussion before it comes up when you see it on an army list.

I generally don't try to nail down RAI* or HWYPI here on Dakka as I feel that is best left to your local gaming group and TO's as they will have their own take on things and those arguments are generally more subject to interpretation and therefore variance from gaming group to gaming group. Now, I don't play pure RAW and I don't recommend anyone does so. However, in knowing strict RAW (or as close as one can come) I will know the problem areas that need clarification before getting into a game with anyone.


*Aside from the most obvious of obvious of intent: The rules are intended to function individually and collectively .