210 Crossing the Line 



1946, continued 



times — a laborious but satisfactory method, giving the names 

 of initiates by elimination, and identifying those old hands who 

 may be entitled to some special distinction by virtue of nu- 

 merous crossings. 



( d ) By direct "hunting out" by the Policemen — traditionally, this 

 is the correct method, but it is not easy in a big ship, and tends 

 to lose its interest and entertainment value if too prolonged. 

 It is, however, desirable that a few volunteer "reluctant par- 

 ticipants" should be found to open the proceedings, as de- 

 scribed later. 



(b) Procedure 



It is customary for much of the main ceremony, and particularly the earlier 

 stages thereof, to be conducted in verse. Once again, this must be arranged 

 in the hght of local circumstances and available talent, but it is worth noting 

 tliat overmuch doggerel tends to become a weariness of the flesh. 



The proceedings open with the assembly, in some suitable spot, of King 

 Neptune and his Comt. ( Once again, it will be noted that the lift of an air- 

 craft carrier provides an admirable piece of stage machinery. ) 



Preceded by the Music, PoHcemen and Bears, and followed by the re- 

 mainder of their Entourage, King Neptune and Queen Amphitrite, seated in 

 a nautical equipage drawn by Dolphins, then make a processional tour of the 

 upper deck, finishing either on the Quarter-deck or at the Royal Dais, as 

 deemed most convenient. 



Here they are greeted by the Captain, and after a formal exchange of 

 amenities those persons qualified by previous multiple crossings of the Line 

 are presented. The ceremony is made the occasion for the investitm-e of 

 these veterans with Orders and Certificates appropriate to their rank, service 

 and personal idiosyncrasies, the necessary insignia being fabricated onboard. 

 ( e.g. "Companion of the Exalted Order of Shellbacks," etc. ) 



This is a suitable stage in the proceedings to tackle the question of lady 

 initiates. There have been instances when Flag OfiBcers or Captain's wives 

 have been present, and the usual practice has been to grant them honorary 

 certificates and to make them members of an appropriate Order. 



For example, the Rev. A. Bloxam, Chaplain of H.M.S. Blonde (Captain 

 Lord Byron ) notes in his diary for 12th November, 1824, that Queen Amphi- 

 trite "addressed a few Hues to Lady B." while on the occasion of H.M.S. New 

 Zealand crossing the Line on 6th May, 1919, it is recorded that ". . . At this 

 stage Her Majesty ( Queen Amphitrite ) , with much graciousness and charm 

 of manner conferred the insignia of the Most Unfathomable Order of 

 the Deep Sea Needle, First Class, upon Lady Jellicoe." The account subse- 

 quently states that the distinguished novice was graciously excused hom- 

 age, a few drops of sea-water being sprinkled on her head in token of full 

 initiation. 



