THE CROSSING of the Equator and the traditional crossing ceremony was eagerly looked forward to by both the loyal Shellbacks and the slimy Pollywogs. This would be the way for the Shellbacks to initiate into the Royal Order of Shellbacks all the gutless, unthinking Pollywogs, and for the Pollywogs a day never to be forgotten. For days each member aboard the TOPEKA

had been busily preparing his particular garment for the occasion. The Shellbacks were doing their best to make this a memorable and pleasant ceremony for the Pollywogs, as they were saving the garbage; a swimming pool was being made for their pleasure, and at the same time the King was having his flowing robes cleaned to display the hundreds of colors; the Princess was busy making a new gown and the Royal Sheriff was polishing his badge to a high shine. At the same time the Pollywogs were equally as busy with the hula dancers and the flower girls each trying to outdo the other in preparing their costumes. The Pollywog Choir had brought out their new robes and all was being prepared for 30 July 1960.

The day came and each in his own new costume was on display. You would never believe this was the crew of a man-of-war.