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USS BUSH (DD 529)
"Crossing the Line"
In the Navy, a sailor that has not crossed the equator is known as a Pollywog. A sailor
having made the crossing is referred to as a Shellback. When a ship crosses the equator it
is naval tradition for the Shellbacks to initiate those Pollywogs in a "Crossing the Line"
ceremony. Those Pollywogs, often referred to as "Slimey Pollywogs" during the crossing, must
endure a variety of initiation events. The specific initiation events vary to some
degree from ship to ship and crossing to crossing, dependent largely on the creativity of those
Shellbacks on board and the materials on hand!
As a ship crosses the equator, Pollywogs must pay their respect to King Neptune, God of the
Seas. The Shellbacks, having been across before and now "Sons of Neptune" (or
perhaps something worse from the Pollywog's point of view) play the roles of a variety of
characters such as King Neptune, Neptune's Queen, Davey Jones, the Royal Baby, the Royal Cop,
and various other "needed" characters of the moment!
The USS BUSH crossed the equator on two occassions, once in December 1943 and again in August
1944. The photos and images displayed are from both crossings.
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December 12, 1943 Crossing:
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Telegram arrives from Davey Jones - December 11, 1943. King Neptunus Rex, Ruler
of the Raging Main, and his Royal Court are due to arrive the next day.
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December 11, 1943 - Special orders received from King Neptune for a few select
men! Note the uniform requirements, "... jock straps, sheepskin coats and furlined
helmets. Glasses will be furnished."
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King Neptune (Chief Bosun's Mate
Louis J. Perrot) and the Royal Queen (Chief Quartermaster Frank Hubbard) aboard the
USS BUSH.
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Lt. George Johnson, Medical Officer and Pollywog,
must kiss the belly of the Royal Baby (W. E. Danekas, Watertender 1st Class).
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August 12, 1944 Crossing:
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| Davey Jones (William C. Attebury, Quartermaster
1st Class), with the eye patch and whiskers, delivers subpoenas to all Pollywogs.
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A Pollywog (Ensign Ed Havey, that's his bald spot
in the bottom of the picture) goes before the judges. His counsel is Chief
Watertender Charles Youtsey*, on the far left. The two seated
judges from left to
right are Chief Torpedoman's Mate Ray Mayhugh and Edward J.
Szczech*, Electrician's
Mate 1st Class.
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| Pollywog bath time, a mixture of water, oil, paint,
and some etc...!
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Running the gauntlet! Pollywogs are soaked and
paddled as they move through the gauntlet. Paddlers along on the right, from
front to back are Curtis Stenson-WT3c, McCall-BM3c, Ira McElyea-FC3c,
and Jack Randall-CMM.
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| The Royal Barber (Chief Pharmacist's Mate Clarence
Homer) snips the hair of Pollywog Ensign Ed Havey, much to the delight of the Royal
Baby and Radarman 3rd Class John Sandt (a Shellback).
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Six husky Pollywog Marines were being transported
aboard BUSH on this day. The Shellback Master-At-Arms ordered them to fall in
with the mess cooks and stand inspection. Reports indicate these marines could
sing, too!
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| A Seaman 2nd Class, and Pollywog, appears
in girl's silk skivvies.
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Pollywog Ensign Robert Buchanan gets a laugh as the
Royal Cop, J. M. Cross*-FC2c, orders Ensign Buchanan to kiss
the girl!
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| From left to right: The ship's Commanding Officer,
Rollin E. Westholm, confers with Davey Jones (William Attebury-Quartermaster 1st Class),
King Neptune (Frank B. Schwarzin*-Chief Electrician's Mate), and
the Queen (John Duryea-Chief Yeoman).
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New Pollywog haircuts! The front six from left
to right are:
Frank J. Loftus-S2c, M. J. Tucker-S2c, Albert D. Brody*-PhM1c,
Clarence J. Cechal*-F2c,
R. J. Treater-S2c, and Leonard DeVitis-F2c.
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| Brand New Shellbacks! Below are Ensign
Ed Havey (flat on his back) and Ensign Sam Matich (with a smile).
Judging by the expressions, Pollywog perceptions about the whole ceremony were mixed.
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*Lost with sinking April 6, 1945.
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