One of the more
memorable events for a sailor is the ancient and time-honored
tradition of crossing the equator. Pollywogs, those who have not
yet crossed the earth's divide, are initiated by the "Shellbacks."
On July 23, 1940, Davy Jones, scribe for Neptunus Rex, "Ruler of
the Raging Main," boarded the ship and issued subpoenas to the Pollywogs, summoning them
to appear before the Royal High Court on the following day. He also
posted a warning to those who
would commit "Acts of Insurrection and Sedition." On July 24,
Neptunus Rex and his Royal Court arrived and commenced the
initiation ceremonies.
