Harsh Shellback Ritual From 1922

Recently I published a video here on my channel called the “U.S. Navy's 'Crossing the Line' Ritual: A Film History from 1929” which captured through old original film this long-standing Navy tradition, also called the Shellback ritual. The filming was from aboard U.S. Navy ships capturing this ritual and going back in time to 1929. But recently - quite by accident - I found a lengthier, earlier in time, and what looks to be a more brutal - frankly - ceremony from the year 1922 aboard the USS Langley, America’s first aircraft carrier. In several scenes, it appears a Pollywog or two is resisting, and the Shellbacks give him a brisk beating. This is the earliest filmed Crossing the Line ceremony I have found. The film was not indexed to indicate this ceremony was part of the film, so it was truly an accident that I came across it.
‪@CarterOnConflict‬

[@joepvanderijt3725]

Amazing find Paul - Over 100 year old!! - Some things don’t change. 🎉

[@samiam1254]

Have a good day Dr Carter!!

[@CarterOnConflict]

Always good to hear from you Sam!!

[@getoffenit7827]

Hhmm not so different from the crossing the line ceremonies i did TWICE Once aboard my own ship ff1073 and the hmas success in 1989 Yes i think we were the only u.s. sailors to be invited to an australian ship for crossing the line..i have both my shellback cards..so im an aussie shellback and an american shellback..the aussies were not as harsh and we were rewarded with our shellback cards on a tray with Victoria Bitter and Tooheys Red beer...i also think we were the only u.s. sailors who got to drink beer at sea with the consent of the c.o. of hmas success..im not sure if anybody asked or mentioned it to our c.o. but when we got back aboard ff1073 nobody asked us if we had been drinking beer with the aussies and we didnt tell

[@CarterOnConflict]

Great story! Ha. Thank you for sharing this :-)