A rite of passage for every Navy sailor is crossing the Equator on a boat for the first time. During World War II submarine sailors were issued cards similar to this one as a token of their milestone. Before his Equator crossing he's known as a "pollywog," after the crossing he's known as a "shellback." Navy Equator crossing ceremonies are an ancient practice shrouded in secrecy, ask any veteran what they do during this time and they probably won't tell you.
After the war, the secrecy was lifted somewhat and the Navy veterans became a bit more open about life aboard submarines. I have seen some photographs from the Vietnam era where the sailors donned makeshift costumes and dressed up as mermaids, crabs, fish or Lord Neptune himself. Old sea shanties are sung, liquor might be consumed (if there is any to be had) and there might even be some sketchy hazing rituals of the inexperienced. The festivities would be accompanied by a seafood dinner in the galley.
There is one scene in the 1990's comedy movie Down Periscope where a hated officer walks the plank, which roughly approximates what an Equator crossing party looks like.
It means he crossed the equator. :)
ReplyDeletelooking for Family of R A Williams I have his order of the deep Card.
ReplyDeleteRA WILLIAMS card is dated 1944 august 21st.
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