CASTLE'S COMMAND
This is another of my Castle AU's set in WWII. Lieutenant Commander Richard Castle is a PT boat skipper commanding PT 513 (Lucky 13) and commanding officer of RON 35 a 12- boat squadron operating out of Dover, cooperating with a British MTB squadron.
Lady Katherine Beckett-Trent is the widow of a Royal Navy officer killed when HMS Hood was sunk by the Bismarck, she is a First Officer, equivalent of a lieutenant in the Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens). She is an intelligence officer working with the torpedo boat squadrons. When they meet, both are bitter, for different reasons. Can they heal each other? You'll have to read to find out. Standard disclaimer applies.
Author's note; For those of you not familiar with WWII craft PT Boat stood for Patrol Torpedo Boat an 80 -foot wooden boat, heavily armed for its' size carrying four 21- inch torpedoes, two twin .50 caliber machine gun turrets a 40MM Bofors cannon aft, a 20MM autocannon on the foredeck. Some later boats were even more heavily armed adding a 37MM autocannon on the foredeck, two five- inch spin-stabilized rocket launchers, a second 20MM amidships and a single .50 caliber machine gun on either side. Some even carried a pair of depth charges This detailed armament was taken from videos of two fully restored PT Boats. PT 305 and PT 658.
The main British equivalent was the Vosper Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB). Also, wooden construction but slightly smaller than the PT's at 73 feet and overall, more lightly armed. A type I carried four 18-inch torpedoes, a 20MM autocannon and two .303 machine guns. A type II carried two torpedoes, a six pounder (57MM) gun, 20MM autocannon and two .303 machine guns. PT 513 is a late model Elco 80 -foot boat.
Author's note 2.
Since this is an AU, history is different in a few minor points, situations and time frames and a fictional Nazi Light cruiser the Bamberg. All major events remain the same.
Authors note 3. The character Colm O'Leary is the intellectual property of S.R. Garrae and is used in this story with her kind permission. There is no Alexis, Gina or Meredith in this story, although there is Kyra with a slightly different scenario.
Personal Histories.
Rick Castle
Castle's personal history is much different than in canon. He is an outstanding student, too big to be bullied. The father of a friend was an ex-boxer and taught Castle to defend himself. When he was 13, Martha married a wealthy member of the board of directors of Cornell University who got Castle into the school on scholarship. Castle sold his first book, not in college, but his senior year in high school. His second in his sophomore year of college. In that year he legally changed his name.
Castle was born in 1919 and graduated college in 1941. His step-father had seen the war coming and convinced Castle to enroll in Naval ROTC. He was commissioned in June, 1941.
Kyra Blaine had left him, much as in canon but couldn't go to London because of the war. She went to San Francisco, never explaining or telling him where she was going. Castle was called to active duty, two days after Pearl Harbor.
Kate Beckett
Kate Beckett was born in London in 1921, the daughter of an Anglo-Irish family. Her father was a barrister and a member of the house of lords. her mother a solicitor. Johanna Beckett was killed by a German bomb, during the blitz. Sir James crawled into a bottle and didn't come out. She married Sir Lloyd Trent, Leftenant Royal Navy, a childhood friend. He was killed on HMS Hood. She joined the Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens) in June, 1941. She mourned her husband for two years. She had a short relationship with a doctor, but ended it, when she caught him cheating with a nurse. She is, justifiably a hurt, often angry young woman.
Gosport, Dover England, 28 December, 1943.
Newly promoted Lieutenant Commander Richard Castle was a tad bit bitter, but with good reason. He'd been the commanding officer of PT-150 in the Pacific and next in line for promotion to Lieutenant Commander and command of squadron RON-12. PT-150 had been exceptionally effective with ten individual "kills". Eight barges, a T-14 torpedo boat and the one that had won him the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart was the sinking of the Fubuki class destroyer the I.J.N. Arashi. He'd been seriously wounded, but pressed the attack. After recovering from his wounds, he'd received the promotion and squadron command, but not where he'd expected. He was transferred to England to take command of a mostly green squadron, fresh from PT school in America. As a condition of accepting the command he'd been able to bring the whole crew of his boat with him and four more men from his squadron. Lieutenant Kevin Ryan who would be his squadron executive officer and the skipper of PT-510, Lieutenant Robert Morgan, skipper of PT-516, Chief Gunner's Mate James Johnson, chief of PT-510 and Chief Torpedoman Kelly O' Brian, chief of PT-516. Chief Boatswains Mate Javier Esposito as Chief of the 513 boat and Chief Petty officer of the squadron. Five more experienced chiefs had been reassigned from other squadrons. He knew that there would be a lot of training time needed, to bring them up to speed and the nasty weather in the English Channel would make things even more miserable. To make matters worse, they only had a month, before training would be in between active missions.
British naval personnel were very welcoming to their American allies, even opening their officer and enlisted clubs to the Americans until their own could be set up.
so many off to war or lost. He walked into his headquarters.
"Attention on deck."
"As you were." He walked over to the supply officer's desk.
"How are we coming on those 37MM's John?"
"We've got eight in, ready to be installed. The remaining four should be in next week. Al the decks have been reinforced." Lieutenant John Carter doubled as the maintenance officer."
"What about ammo?"
"We have plenty, for all guns. "
"Thanks, John." He then went over to the medical officer.
"Is Jones fit for duty yet. Doc?"
"He will be, tomorrow. How that dumb son of a bitch managed to catch the clap the first week here, is beyond me. Oh well, I know how, but that quick? He wasn.t supposed to be off the base."
"It's going to be hurting him in the wallet too. I'm reducing him to seaman apprentice. That will cost him six dollars a month and maybe he won't be so quick to think with his dick."
Castle went to see the operations officer, then said to Lieutenant Ryan and Chief Esposito who was acting Chief Petty Officer of the squadron
"Come on Ryan, Chief Esposito, we have to go meet with our counterparts in the MTB squadron."
As they started up the steps the two Royal Marine sentries presented arms. Castle and Ryan returned the salutes. Inside a royal navy seaman met them.
"Good morning sirs. Will you please follow me?" They enter the operations center and Rick's eyes are drawn to a mobile mountain of a man, in the uniform of a Chief Petty Officer. He appeared to be about six-ten and weigh two hundred eighty pounds.
A tall, slender man stood up from his desk and said;
"Good morning Lieutenant Commander Castle. I'm Commander Oliver Armstrong, flotilla commander." They shook hands. Another man stood up, except for his ginger hair he could have been Armstrong's twin.
"This is Leftenant Commander Andrew Bailey, our operations officer. They shook hands. Leftenant Commander Harry Fisher, our intelligence officer Fisher was dark haired, short, slim and intense. Wren First Officer, Lady Katherine Beckett-Trent, deputy intelligence officer.
"Good morning, Lieutenant Commander."
"Good morning First Officer."
Rick was looking at a tall, slender, beautiful woman with luxuriant chestnut colored hair and hazel eyes. She gave him the briefest and smallest smile imaginable. He returned an equally cool smile. She in turn was looking at a tall, broad-shouldered, ruggedly handsome man. She had to look up to meet his eyes, which was a rarity for her.
Armstrong said;
"Our resident giant is Chief Petty Officer Colm O'Leary. Leading petty officer of the intelligence section." O'Leary rumbled a greeting. Castle thought. If he wasn't as Irish as Paddy's Pig, I'd be looking for Thor's hammer. His shoes probably have their own boat numbers.
Castle replied, "Pleased to meet you, Chief O'Leary."
Armstrong said;
"I know that your intelligence staff is new here and probably don't have up to date information on the situation. So, if I schedule a briefing at fourteen hours, your staff could attend as well as your boat commanders."
"That would be appreciated, commander. My so-called intelligence staff is one Lieutenant, and two petty officers. All three fresh from the States."
"Most of your boat commanders are new, too, are they not?"
"Yes, except for myself. Lieutenant Ryan and Lieutenant Morgan. All the rest are lieutenant's junior grade. They'll need a lot of help from your crews. "
"They'll get it. Since we don't stay out for more than a few hours, we won't need to worry about berthing. Why don't I put a couple of my men on each of your boats until they gain experience?"
"Sounds like a good idea."
After a rather simple but nice lunch in the officer's mess, Castle and his officers gathered in the flotilla's briefing room. Commander Armstrong and his officers were already there. Armstrong said, Good afternoon gentlemen. This bring will be just an overview of the general situation as no specific missions are planned for today or tomorrow. Just routine patrolling. Leftenant Fisher, if you please." Fisher stood.
"With your permission, sir, I suggest that we allow First Officer Beckett-Trent handle it. It is a rather simple briefing."
The condescending tone of his voice on the second part of the statement irritated Beckett. And she knew why. He'd made a couple of attempts to date her and been rebuffed. She didn't let the irritation show in her voice.
"Gentlemen the weather forecasts for the next two days are for clear days after the morning fog burns off. The prevailing winds will be out of the northeast. Choppy seas, as is the norm, this time of year. Clear weather means that the German's will probably stay in or close to port, as our air cover, I'll be unhindered. There will be target barges set up for both gun and torpedo practice. There is a stack of Admiralty charts of the local area on that table by the door. Please pick them as you leave. 41, 44, and 46 boats will accompany you on your training missions. There will be four sorties of three boats each, separated by two- hour intervals. PT's 511.512 and 513 will sortie at nine hours. 510,514 and 515 at eleven hours. 516,517 and 518 at thirteen. 519,520 and 521 at fifteen hours. In addition to the target barges, we have a captured E-boat. She's got our crews aboard and she'll be flying the white ensign. Our crews will try to give you an idea of what you are up against."
Castle said;
"Thank you, First Officer, that briefing was clear and concise. We could use you in our shop, if Commander Armstrong can spare you."
"Thank you, sir, I would appreciate it the opportunity."
"Commander Armstrong?"
"I think we can spare First Officer Beckett-Trent for two weeks."
"Commander Armstrong? I'll need Ginger and O'Leary"
"Very well, you have them."
Fisher protested. Armstrong laughed.
"You can get replacements from the pool, Fisher, temporary assignment approved."
He thought: It' about time you did the full extent of your assignment Mr. Fisher without shuffling off the unpleasant parts on Beckett-Trent.
"Gentlemen, that concludes our briefing. Dismiss. First Officer Beckett, Chief O'Leary and Wren Smythe please remain. Take seats. You will report to the PT squadron's headquarters at seven hours. The Americans are new to this theatre so, I want you to give them your best efforts. I do not know why Leftenant Commander Castle was not wearing his medal ribbons, but I have read his dossier. He was the highest rated boat commander in his area of operations, one of the highest in the American squadrons. He has their Navy Cross, the equivalent of our Victoria Cross among other medals. He was seriously wounded during his last operation. He and his crew, in a solo attack, sank a Fubuki class destroyer. I expect that when his crews are fully trained, that they will give Jerry a major headache. You may have the rest of the day off."
"Thank you, sir." Come along, ladies."
As the two enlisted Wrens left the building, Sally Clarke said to Robin "Ginger" Smythe;
"Why you and not me?"
"What do you mean?"
"Are you daft? That Yank Leftenant commander is dreamy. A real dish. I'd be so up for it with him."
"You're bonkers. He's not only a Yank, he's a senior officer. I'd no more chance to get starkers with him than to have tea with the king."
"Well, I can dream, can't I?"
Chief Petty Officer O'Leary overheard the two women and sighed. Leftenant Commander Castle is fit, he is! A bloke can dream as much as a bird." Despite his immense size and fearsome appearance, O'Leary, at heart, was a gentle giant. That didn't mean that the ratings in his charge didn't have to do their jobs well. He was a professional NCO.
Three of the new boat skippers, Lieutenant's Junior grade Crane, Tolliver and Wilson liked to hang out together. Castle was drawing a cup of coffee when he heard Crane say;
"Did you get a look at that Limey Woman, She's a doll. I'll bet she's hiding a great body under that uniform." Wilson sniggered. "I'd sure like to peel that tomato"
"Yeah, I bet she could really tear up the sheets." Tolliver said.
"Gentlemen, in my office. Now!" Castle's tone was icy.
"Stand at attention! I called you gentlemen, a moment ago, although I find you behaving like snickering schoolboys. A gentleman does not make lewd comments about ladies. Especially ladies of superior rank, who happens to be an ally. Nor will you refer to a British person as a Limey. All you'll get, this time is a verbal reprimand do it again and it will be a written reprimand for conduct unbecoming. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir!" The three men chorused.
"Very well. Get back to your boats and do the job the Navy's paying you for. Dismissed!"
"God, what a hard-ass. We were just talking." Tolliver said."
"The Commander's right, guys. You already know about the over- paid, over -sexed and over here bit. What if a Brit overheard us? Crane said That would have hurt our image, even more."
The net morning. Kate, Ginger and O' Leary reported to Castle.
"First officer Beckett-Trent with a detail of two, reporting sir." Castle returned her salute.
"Good morning First Officer."
"Good morning sir. May I introduce my detail? Chief Petty officer O' Leary and Leading Wren Smythe."
"Good morning."
"Good morning sir."
"Please come with me. I'll introduce you to my intelligence section. Lieutenant Maxwell Calder. My intelligence officer, Chief Petty officer Thomas Taggart and petty officer third class, Victor Gray. May I introduce First officer Beckett-Trent, Chief Petty Officer O'Leary and Leading Wren Smythe of the Royal Navy, The Royal Navy has been kind enough to lend us their services for the next two weeks."
Greetings were exchanged.
"Coffee and tea are on that table in the corner, help yourselves. I will be in my office, for another hour if you need anything."
Castle went back to his office, preparing for the first training sortie. Fifteen minutes later, Kate knocked at his door.
"Enter."
"Sir, I understand that your boat's crew came with you from the Pacific and are very experienced."
"That's true."
"Sir, I would like to go out with you, this morning to observe a veteran crew and then go out on a second boat with a non-veteran crew."
"Have you cleared that with Commander Armstrong?"
"Yes sir, I have and Chief Petty Officer O'Leary will accompany me."
"Very well. Get into a work uniform and be at the dock at zero eight-fifty."
"Aye, Aye sir."
Kate arrived at the dock wearing dark blue wool trousers, boots, a navy pea coat, gloves and a Wren officer's hat. Keeping up with the tradition of the PT boat's tradition of somewhat informality, he wore boots, blue wool uniform trousers, a double breasted pea coat with navy buttons, a blue wool sweater, gloves and his officer's cap. Q" Leary was right behind Kate, dressed the same, except for a watch cap, instead of a hat. They boarded the boat and quickly got under way.
Testing the new boat, before starting the gun and torpedo runs castle ordered, "All ahead full."
The PT boat quickly hitting the plan. Like the over-size speed boat it was. Kate was thrilled as the boat hit and held forty-five knots. After about half an hour of putting the boat through it's paces, the boat slowed to thirty-five knots for their target runs. Commander Armstrong was right. This was an ace crew. It only took them a few minutes to get the feel of their guns, then the shredded the cloth targets, a few shots hitting the barge itself. All four practice torpedoes hit the target. Castle's crew was setting a very high standard.
If the rest of the boats were even close to this good, commander Armstrong was right again, Jerry was in for a major headache.
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