The following morning the Shellbacks had their turn. Reveille for the pollywogs went down at zero dark thirty, and they were instructed to wear the uniforms inside out and backwards. Then they were treated to a fine breakfast of the nastiest eggs, sausage and cinnamon buns one could imagine. (I think we needed an emergency re-supply of salt afterward). Following breakfast, the pollywogs were mustered on the fo'c's'le and had their turn with the hose. After being hosed down, the pollywogs were forced to crawl to the fantail to continue their initiation into the Royal Order of Shellbacks.
For Pollywogs with attitudes, Shellbacks were positioned to help the herd along. Armed with shillelaghs (cut up fire hose), a quick whack on the behind kept the line moving. For more troublesome pollywogs, eggs were inserted into the britches of the wayward pollywog and "driven home!" Once at the fantail, each pollywog in turn had to kiss the belly of King Neptune's baby (a portly chief with a noxious potion smeared on his belly). A pollywog was fortunate if he was invited to eat a cherry placed in the baby's belly button. Next came a swim through King Neptune's pool (a raft filled with the foulest garbage and water). Other "tortures" such as the stockades awaited the feisty, or hapless, pollywog.
Once the course was completed the gracious King Neptune conferred upon us pollywogs the right to enter the kingdom of Royal Shellback. Following the celebration, all uniforms were committed to Davy Jones's locker and the decontamination showers given a thorough testing.
Above left, the air detachment presents a animal training show to king Neptune. Above right the ship's navigator and communications officer (Officer and Junior officer of the deck) demonstrate the watch uniform of the day. Swim shorts, sword, ties and foul weather jacket.