England (DLG 22) - Naval Cruise Book

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Scenes from Pollywog Beauty Contest and Talent Show.

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CROSSING THE LINE People who have not crossed the Equator are Pollywogs. Those who have, are Shellbacks. There is only one small catch . . . first you have to be in- itiated. Of course, King Neptune and his Court are always glad to help out. On ENGLAND, our line- crossing ceremonies took two days. First, the Pollywogs took over the ship. Things were tough for the Shellbacks for a while, but they did recapture the ship in time for a visit from Davey Jones, King Nep- tune ' s Scribe. He announced the King ' s visit, plann- ed for the following morning, and was entertained by a Pollywog Beauty Contest and Talent Show. The next day was very tough for the Pollywogs. King Neptune and his Court had many devious punishments for recalcitrant ' Wogs; like it or not, they became Trusty Shellbacks. It was two great days of good, clean (?) fun! Pollywog Day: two senior Shellbacks get tarred and feathered. Below, Davey Jones comes aboard for the show. The senior Pollywog in uniform for the ceremonies.

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Like a smoke, Frank? Need a light? ' Take a batti, you slimey pollywogs! You ' re almost Shellbacks. OOPS, sorry, the Pollywog Smoking Lamp is out! ' 68