Catherine Beeredest

Biography
Catherine's life had most auspicious beginnings, with her birth occurring aboard a navy ship transporting her father and mother to his first command in the Caribbean theater. As she grew up she idolized her father, and loved being aboard his ship when it was in port. Catherine's mother came from a wealthy family of traders, and a large number of them were in the Caribbean increasing the family's wealth, but she eschewed their company in favor of her father's ship and crew.

At the age of thirteen her father selected for her a husband, a wealthy Free Trader named Tyrone Slothrop. She then realized that she'd have no hope of ever becoming a sailor in the Royal Navy, her sex denying her the only thing that she wanted in life. She spent several years despondent and inconsolable before striking upon an idea. At sixteen years old, she cut her hair, put on boys clothing, and stowed away aboard a corvette leaving port.

She was quickly discovered, however. Not far from port the ship was set upon by pirates, and her cozy hiding spot in the powder locker was discovered as the skirmish began. She was brought before the Captain on the quarterdeck as the first roundshot struck the ship's hull. The pirates immediately charged in to board and capture the vessel. Ignored for the moment, Catherine manned a carronade who's gunner had been felled, and with several well-aimed shots disabled the enemy's rudder, enabling the damaged corvette to escape back to port.

The Captain of the ship (thinking she a male) made her a midshipman for her bravery, and after refitting the vessel set back out to see with her as a member of the crew. Over the next two years she practiced great deception to avoid being discovered, and lived in perpetual fear of what would happen if her secret was uncovered. She excelled at all things naval, though, and hiding her femininity became easier after she was made a mate and had more private quarters.

At the age of 21, after serving in the Royal Navy for five years she was reunited with her father when the frigate that she was first mate on was attached to a fleet commanded by him. A pre-battle briefing had all the officers gathered on the flagship, and it was at this table that father recognized daughter. He had thought her long dead, and the sight of her shook him. He stoically hid his surprise and emotion, however, and made quiet inquiries into who the young officer was. Hearing numerous tales of her bravery and skill he felt immense pride,and worry at the same time. He knew the farce couldn't last forever, and when the truth came out, the consequences for his daughter would likely be most dire.

Fortune smiled on the family however. The next day's battle saw great losses on both sides, with the English fleet detaching with a narrow victory at nightfall. A great number of officers had died in the battle, but Catherine had survived and further distinguished herself during the fray. The Commodore seized the opportunity and put Catherine in command of a Sixth Rate Frigate, providing her the station and security she would need.

Thus began Catherine Beeredest's career of Naval Command.

Squadron Resume
August 7th, 1724 Commissioned into the Squadron as a Patronage Officer

October 14th, 1724 Promoted to Esquire

January 5th, 1725 Promoted to Dame, inducted into the Most Ancient and Honourable Order of the Thistle

January 5th, 1725 Awarded the Military Cross

January 12th, 1725 Assumes the duties of Chief of Naval Operations for Map 55 (finished 2nd)

February 5th, 1725 Awarded the St. George Citation for Conspicuous Bravery

March 2nd, 1725 Assumes the duties of Chief of Naval Operations for Map 56 (Map Victory)

Coat of Arms and Family Crest
Captain Beeredest Coat of Arms

Beeredest Family Crest

Active Command

 * HMS Falkirk - 72 Gun "Wenden" Third Rate Ship of the Line

Ready Flotilla

 * HMS Edinburgh - 102 Gun "Victory" First Rate Ship of the Line
 * HMS Clackmannanshire - 36 Gun "Hercules Mastercraft" Heavy Frigate
 * HMS Renfrewshire - 56 Gun "San Fernando" Fourth Rate Ship of the Line

Reserve Fleet

 * HMS Midlothian - 32 Gun "Mercy" Naval Frigate
 * HMS Galloway - 72 Gun "Wenden" Third Rate Ship of the Line
 * HMS Inverclyde - 54 Gun "Reason" Fourth Rate Ship of the Line
 * HMS Dumfries - 54 Gun "Macedon's Hunter" Fourth Rate Ship of the Line
 * HMS Moray - 32 Gun "Dauntless" Frigate
 * HMS Fife - 30 Gun "Conquistador Mastercraft" Frigate
 * HMS Kinross - 36 Gun "Hercules Sleek" Frigate
 * HMS Perth - 34 Gun "Capricieux Mastercraft" Frigate
 * HMS Orkney Isle - 34 Gun "Tigre Mastercraft" Frigate
 * HMS Sterling - 26 Gun "Arcadia Mastercraft" Xebec
 * HMS Wishaw - 30 Gun "Trinidad" Frigate
 * HMS Angus - 28 Gun "Athena" Light Frigate
 * HMS Argyll - 26 Gun "Peregrine" Light Frigate
 * HMS Cambuslang - 30 Gun "Falcon" Light Frigate
 * HMPB Devon County - 16 Gun "Hermes Mastercraft" Packet Boat
 * HMCS Suffolk County - "Defiant Stripped" Merchant Vessel
 * HMY Essex County - "Renard Chasee-Maree Yacht

Record of Crtical Actions
Records prior to “October 29th 1724” fall under the logs of senior Captains.

{|
 * width="150" align="Left" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|Port
 * width="200" align="Left" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|Date
 * width="100" align="Left" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|Battle type
 * width="150" align="Left" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|Enemy
 * width="75" align="Left" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|Result
 * width="200" align="Left" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|Ship
 * width="300" align="Left" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|Role
 * Sabanqui
 * October 29th, 1724
 * Offense
 * [[File:PIRATE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Renfrewshire(unscathed)
 * Commodore, White Squadron, 4th Rates
 * HMS Renfrewshire(unscathed)
 * Commodore, White Squadron, 4th Rates


 * Fort-de-France
 * October 29th, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Renfrewshire (unscathed)
 * Admiral-Britannic Forces, White Squadron, 4th Rates, Fortress


 * Bluefields
 * October 30th, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Renfrewshire (unscathed)
 * Commodore, White Squadron, 3rd and 4th Rates, Fortress


 * Spanish Town
 * November 3rd, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:PIRATE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Renfrewshire (heavily damaged)
 * White Squadron


 * Puerto Cabeza
 * November 6th, 1724
 * Offense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Falkirk (lightly damaged)
 * White Squadron, Town


 * Port-of-Spain
 * November 18th, 1724
 * Offense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Falkirk (unscathed)
 * White Squadron, Fortress


 * Belize
 * November 20th, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Falkirk (heavily damaged)
 * White Squadron


 * St. John's
 * November 22nd, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Renfrewshire (unscathed)
 * Fortress


 * de L'isle
 * November 22nd, 1724
 * Offense
 * [[File:PIRATE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Renfrewshire (unscathed)
 * Green Squadron, Fortress


 * Bartica
 * November 24th, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:PIRATE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Renfrewshire (lightly damaged)
 * Admiral-Britannic Forces, White Squadron, Town


 * Turtling Bay
 * November 25th, 1724
 * Offense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Falkirk (unscathed)
 * Commodore Black Squadron, Town


 * Turtling Bay
 * December 7th, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Falkirk (lightly damaged)
 * White Squadron


 * Cartegena
 * December 7th, 1724
 * Offense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Falkirk (lightly damaged)
 * White Squadron, Town


 * Portobello
 * December 13th, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Renfrewshire (lightly damaged)
 * White Squadron


 * Puerto Cabeza
 * December 13th, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Falkirk (unscathed)
 * White Squadron


 * West End
 * December 17th, 1724
 * Offense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Falkirk (sunk)
 * White Squadron


 * Irish Point
 * December 17th, 1724
 * Offense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Falkirk (moderately damaged)
 * White Squadron


 * Cartegena
 * December 18th, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Falkirk (lightly damaged)
 * White Squadron


 * Nassau
 * December 18th, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:PIRATE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Dumfries (lightly damaged)
 * White Squadron


 * St. John's
 * December 20th, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:PIRATE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Edinburgh (uncontested)
 * Commodore, White Squadron


 * Leogane
 * December 21st, 1724
 * Offense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Falkirk (scratched paint)
 * Commodore, White Squadron


 * Puerto Cabezas
 * December 24th, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Falkirk (undamaged)
 * White Squadron


 * Sabanqui
 * December 24th, 1724
 * Offense
 * [[File:PIRATE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Clackmannanshire (undamaged)
 * White Squadron


 * Leogane
 * December 28th, 1724
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Falkirk (scratched paint)
 * Red Squadron


 * Port-of-Spain
 * December 31st, 1724
 * Offense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Clackmannanshire (undamaged)
 * Red Squadron, Fort


 * Gibara
 * December 31st, 1724
 * Offense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Clackmannanshire (scratched paint)
 * Black Squadron


 * Irish Point
 * January 1st, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:PIRATE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Clackmannanshire (undamaged)
 * Black Squadron


 * Basseterre
 * January 10th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Falkirk (scratched Paint)
 * Commodore White Squadron


 * Portobelo
 * January 10th, 1725
 * Offense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Falkirk (undamaged)
 * Commodore White Squadron


 * Nassau
 * January 13th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:PIRATE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Renfrewshire (undamaged)
 * Vice Commodore White Squadron


 * Port-of-Spain
 * January 14th, 1725
 * Offense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Dumfries (undamaged)
 * Commodore White Squadron, Town


 * de L'isle
 * January 14th, 1725
 * Offense
 * [[File:PIRATE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Dumfries (undamaged)
 * White Squadron


 * New Orleans
 * January 15th, 1725
 * Offense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Renfrewshire (sunk)
 * Commodore White Squadron


 * St. John's
 * January 15th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Renfrewshire (moderately damaged)
 * Blue Squadron


 * Irish Point
 * January 17th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Dumfries (undamaged)
 * White Squadron, Fort


 * Puerto del Principe
 * January 20th, 1725
 * Offense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Renfrewshire (moderately damaged)
 * Black Squadron, Town


 * West End
 * January 22nd, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Retired Early
 * HMS Renfrewshire (undamaged)
 * White Squadron


 * Puerto Cabezas
 * January 22nd, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Victory (magical intervention)
 * HMS Renfrewshire (undamaged)
 * White Squadron


 * Irish Point
 * January 25th, 1725
 * Offense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Edinburgh (mildly damaged)
 * White Squadron


 * Puerta de Plata
 * January 27th, 1725
 * Offense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Renfrewshire (undamaged)
 * White Squadron, Town


 * Puerto del Principe
 * January 27th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Renfrewshire (sunk)
 * White Squadron


 * Cartagena
 * January 28th, 1725
 * Offense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Renfrewshire (undamaged)
 * Commodore White Squadron, Fort


 * Belize
 * February 18th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Renfrewshire (sunk)
 * Commodore White Squadron


 * Nassau
 * February 18th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:PIRATE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Renfrewshire (undamaged)
 * White Squadron


 * Irish Point
 * February 18th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Renfrewshire (sunk)
 * White Squadron


 * Jaqueme
 * February 18th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Renfrewshire (sunk)
 * White Squadron
 * White Squadron


 * Maracaibo
 * February 19th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Renfrewshire (scratched paint)
 * Commodore White Squadron
 * Commodore White Squadron


 * Maracaibo
 * March 4th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Dunfries (heavily damaged)
 * Commodore White Squadron, Town
 * Commodore White Squadron, Town


 * Bridgetown
 * March 5th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Renfrewshire (heavily damaged)
 * White Squadron
 * White Squadron


 * Port-of-Spain
 * March 17th, 1725
 * Offense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Renfrewshire (undamaged)
 * White Squadron, fort
 * White Squadron, fort


 * Havana
 * March 20th, 1725
 * Offense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Renfrewshire (lightly damaged)
 * Commodore White Squadron, fort
 * Commodore White Squadron, fort


 * Havana
 * March 28th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:SPAIN.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Renfrewshire (sunk)
 * White Squadron
 * White Squadron


 * Matthew Town
 * April 1st, 1725
 * Offense
 * [[File:PIRATE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Dumfries (scratched paint)
 * Commodore, White Squadron, Town
 * Commodore, White Squadron, Town


 * Nassau
 * April 2nd, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:PIRATE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Dumfries (scratched paint)
 * White Squadron
 * White Squadron


 * Irish Point
 * April 2nd, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Victory
 * HMS Falkirk (heavily damaged)
 * Commodore, White Squadron
 * Commodore, White Squadron


 * Charlestown
 * April 28th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Renfrewshire (sunk)
 * Commodore, White Squadron
 * Commodore, White Squadron


 * Spanish Town
 * June 4th, 1725
 * Defense
 * [[File:FRANCE.JPG]]
 * Defeat
 * HMS Falkirk (sunk)
 * White Squadron
 * White Squadron