Davidson (DE 1045) - Naval Cruise Book

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losep Ship cross Equator at 00 -00 N 106 -42 E.

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The boisterous ceremonies of crossing the line are of such ancient vintage that their derivation is lost; such horseplay took place in the Middle Ages, and even before that when ships crossed the thirtieth parallel or passed through the Straits of Gibralter. These early ceremonies were extremely rough and to a large degree were supposed to test the crew to determine whether or not the novices, the boots, on their first cruise could endure the hardships of a life at sea. Then, as now, it was primarily a crew ' s party. Reveille for all slimy POLLIWOGS. ALL POLLIWOGS clear the compartments and washrooms so as not to interfere with the Shellbacks leisure arising. ALL POLLIWOGS report to the mess decks to make preparations to serve breakfast to the Loyal and Trusty Shellbacks. Arise all Shellbacks who do not care to have breakfast in bed. Breakfast for Shellbacks served by POLLIWOGS. POLLIWOG breakfast? PHEW! SOUND QUARTERS. ALL POLLIWOGS fall in on the forecastle. Royal Deputies take your stations. Royal Deputies escort the slimy POLLIWOGS to the Bastille. King Neptune and Court arrives and comes aboard. Hoist the Jolly Roger at the Starboard yardarm. Opening of the ROYAL HIGH COURT OF THE RAGING MAIN. Followed by the execution of sentences pronounced upon convicted POLLIWOGS. Secure from Shellback initiation ceremony. ALL HANDS lend a hand cleaning up the ship in preparation for BARBEQUE. 0615- 0645- 0700- 0715- 0730- 0800- 0810- 0815- 0830- 1300-