U.S. Navy's 'Crossing the Line' Ritual: A Film History from 1929

The U.S. Navy performs a time-honored tradition called "Crossing the Line," or sometimes the "Shellback" ritual. When a ship crosses the Equator, those sailors who have never crossed the Equator go through an initiation ceremony featuring a set of characters from King Neptune, to Davy Jones, the Royal Baby, and more. These sailors are called Pollywogs, those who have crossed the Equator before and administer the day of frolic and initiation are called Shellbacks. This video uses rare U.S. Navy footage going back to 1929 to show this ceremony, which occurred even in the dark days of World War Two.
‪@CarterOnConflict‬

[@kennedymcgovern5413]

Thanks for the memories, Doc!

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you sir!! I appreciate that. And congrats to you, Shellback :-)

[@kennedymcgovern5413]

@@CarterOnConflict OOh ah, Army!

[@kennedymcgovern5413]

@@CarterOnConflict One more thing, to aid in your research: Not only have you presented this exactly as it was, but it was identical in 1990 to what you show from 1929. I mean, not a single change in at least that much time.

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@kennedymcgovern5413 lol

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@kennedymcgovern5413 please share with your Navy friends, and thanks for informing us!!!

[@samiam1254]

I'm a Shellback and Blue Nose Marine, Dr.....those traditions are still active, albeit a bit different from say WW2 era. My gtrandfather actually served on the USS Indianapolis during WW2, so seeing her pre-1941 was actually uplifting for me. I served as a Sergeant of the Guard and Plankowner of USS Wisconsin BB-64, the first and last Marine Detachment to serve on her....Hightlight of my Marine Corps Career....

[@CarterOnConflict]

God Bless you - thanks for telling us....and the USS Indianapolis.....I almost got chills.

[@samiam1254]

@@CarterOnConflict He was on her when they delivered Fat Man and Little Boy and survived the sinking in the Leyte Gulf. I did not know that story or that Grandpa earned the Navy Cross until he passed in 1988. He never EVER talked about it. A single photograph of Grandpa in his Sailor Whites over the mantle was the only way anyone knew he had served. We were warned to never ask. I presented my mother, with his Flag, other survivors of the Indianapolis were present. They told me his story, the one I never heard. I was a Corporal, Primary Marksmanship Instructor at Parris Island at the time. Guess who taught me marksmanship?

[@georgemcmillan3360]

interesting

[@greggweber9967]

What was the highest Ranking Pollywog? I assume that they are treated differently because of age and rank.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Gregg, I was an Army not Navy guy, and yes, I have to believe that was the case as well. Maybe someone will answer here.

[@joepvanderijt3725]

It’s tradition and I guess it beats the perhaps dull daily routine but I can’t see the fun in it. No offense!! Cheers!