The Navy Department Library
The Royal Works - U.S.S. Lexington
A Souvenir of the Neptune party Held 20 May, 1936 in the United States Ship Lexington
2
THE ROYAL WORKS
A SOUVENIR OF THE NEPTUNE PARTY
HELD
20 MAY, 1936
IN THE
UNITED STATES SHIP LEXINGTON
*
Captain Aubrey W. Fitch, U. S. Navy, Commanding Officer
Commander Ralph Wood, U. S. Navy, Executive Officer
*
Edited by
Commander M.S. Brown, U. S. Navy
Material assembled by
T. E. Valle, Y1c, U. S. Navy
*
3
Preface
The ancient Romans had a god called Neptune. Poseidon, he was, to the Greeks. As Saturn's son, in Roman mythology, Jupiter and Pluto were his brothers. The sea was his domain. Ancient art shows him - sometimes with a trident in his right hand, a dolphin in his left, and with one of his feet resting on part of a ship - sometimes in a chariot drawn by sea-horses, with a triton on each side.
Pagan mariners prayed to the god of the sea. They feared the storms he raised and sought by sacrifice and offering to appease his wrath. For centuries the natural terrors of the ocean - boisterous winds and mountainous waves - were less appalling than the creatures of the seafarers imaginations the sirens, the monstrous sea-serpents, and all the other minions of the deep. So real were these frightful figments of the mind to the superstitious sailors that civilization blundered slowly across the long generations of the Dark Ages before there came souls hardy enough to venture into the wide expanses of open oceans.
But, ultimately there came a day when the Renaissance brought light and sanity and daring. Then the New World was discovered by Columbus whose sailors even in that late day were always on the brink of mutiny because of their superstitious fears.
Suddenly the oceans were dotted with sails. The spirit of adventure gripped a world strangely awakened. Trade routes developed. Commerce, science, and invention swept on like a flood. The new and modern world came into being.
Yet the greater portions of all this swift progress like the lion's share of all history of the human race, took place in the northern hemisphere. In its lands civilization has been cradled, nutured, and brought to maturity. In its waters have been traced the web of international commerce.
Below the equatorial belt remained the waters of mystery where ships sailed close to land and where lack of acquaintance left place for the colorful play of superstition and fear.
In some manner, perhaps, it came about that to Neptune was left the watery realm of southern climes. Divested of his genuine deity, he has been retained for the playful moments of more enlightened mariners in these days. When the first Neptune Party (in the modern sense) was held we have no way of knowing. But in the years that passed the boisterous ritual connected with "crossing the line" has been elaborated and considerably standardized. The tradition is by now firmly established. No ship however urgent its errand or how dignified its mission, is immune from a visit from Neptunus Rex and his Royal Court when it crosses the equator.
As social lights pride themselves on memberships in exclusive clubs and organizations, as members of fraternal orders display the badges that indicate the degrees they have taken, so sailors take pride in membership in that great club of "Shellbacks" and proudly unroll for exhibition the certificates which testify that they have been translated from lowly "Polly wogs" through the magic of the "Royal Works". Needless to say, the ritual of the occasion is riotous, rough and robust. After one has been initiated by a party of rugged and muscular Shellbacks into the solemn mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep, he knows he has been somewhere and has seen something. He is ready, then, and eager to communicate these excruciating secrets to any others who, on similiar occasions, may share with him the decks of any ship that cruises the portals of King Neptune's realm.
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6
THE CRUISE
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THE CRUISE
ADIEU This was to be no ordinary cruise, but how unusual we knew not. There was the usual last minute fueling and provisioning at Long Beach, the last liberty in Los Angeles, tender farewells along the Pike, handkerchiefs waving on the dock as the last boats shoved off - for were we not going off to the big war? And to what else? UP ANCHOR And at North Island, The Squadrons feverishly collecting all possible junk - colloquially known as spares - in order to clutter up all available space in the ship, and more beside. Checking planes, checking pilots - and then almost before we knew it, the hook was up, the planes were aboard, and we were off - for six weeks at sea, with a brief interlude at Panama. WAR The war passed off pleasantly - not very exciting for the Lex, except when we got close enough to do our regular stunt of sinking the Sara twice or three times a day. At least so all the fliers say and as they were the only witnesses we must believe them. PANAMA Panama welcomed us with the usual outstretched itching palm - and collected as per |
schedule. The Hindus and Chinks were on the job and sold us the regular silks, leathers and precious stones at Navy prices. Mame Kelly came in for her share. And was that Atlas beer good? ORDERED ACROSS Then came the big news. The CinC decided to make real sailormen of us - sure enough. He signalled the Fleet that he proposed to take us across the Line on May 20. Joy for the Shellbacks - woe and trembling for the Pollywogs! PREPARATIONS But hasty preparations must be made. With no previous warning, the Lex was caught empty handed. No costumes, no certificates - nothing but a handful of ready and willing Shellbacks. A committee was hastily formed, materials bought and uniforms improvised - and very handsome ones they were, too. THEN THE FUN Came the day - and the Big Show was on. The accounts of that joyous festivity is chronicled in the following pages. Then northward bound again. A day or two in Panama - and up anchor for Home. |
8
The Record of King Neptune's visit to the
U. S. S. LEXINGTON
Preliminaries
One week prior to crossing the equator, word was received from the Senior Shellback of the Fleet (CinC, US) that he was going to take the whole fleet across the equator. This word was received most joyously by the Shellbacks of the LEXINGTON. Panama was forgotten, scuttlebutt traveled rapidly, while the ship lay at anchor in Panama, C. Z., the Shellbacks received their first communication from the coral palace "down under":
INCOMING Z NIKM V AR WARM VERY WARM Gr. 22
From: NEPTUNUS REX RULER OF THE RAGING MAIN.
To: SHELLBACKS USS LEXINGTON
1015 WORD HAS BEEN RECEIVED BY UNDERSEA OSCILLATOR THAT THE GOOD SHIP LEXINGTON IS DUE TO ENTER MY DOMAIN SOMETIME DURING THE MONTH OF MAY PERIOD THROUGH MY STATE DEPARTMENT I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF THE CREW ARE POLLYWOGS PERIOD TO YOU MY LOYAL SHELLBACKS CONVEY TO ALL THESE LANDLUBBERS TO BE PREPARED TO APPEAR BEFORE THE ROYAL COURT OF JUDGMENT DAY 1600
The Shellbacks were quick on the trigger. That very day a dispatch was sent to the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts - a dispatch with an ominous import:
From: Shellbacks U.S.S. LEXINGTON.
To: Bureau of Supplies and Accounts.
1015 REQUEST THE FOLLOWING SUPPLIES TO BE ABOARD PRIOR TO SHIP LEAVING PANAMA PERIOD 200 BBLS [barrels] CASTOR OIL 600 LBS ALOES 400 OLD SAFETY RAZOR BLADES 600 GROSS SANDPAPER 400 THOUSAND FATHOMS TOILET TISSUE 500 FEET TWO INCH LEAD PIPE 40 PAIRS BRASS KNUCKLES 2 BBLS QUININE 2 BBLS CAPSICUM 2200
KING NEPTUNE SENDS WARNING
Underway for the equator, quiet reigned for a time - the kind of quiet an active volcano subsides into between eruptions. King Neptune bestirred himself. On board ship was issued an order he had transmitted:
Refer:
to file: PRIDE OF THE PROUDEST OF FLEETS EXTRAORDINARY THE UNITED STATES SHIP LEXINGTON QUEEN OF THE SEAS FINEST AIRCRAFT CARRIER AFLOAT
VERY SPECIAL ORDER.
From: Neptunus Rex, Ruler of the RAGING MAIN.
To. Foretopmast, Official Representative of Neptunus Rex on board the U.S.S. LEXINGTON.
SUBJECT: Very special warning.
1. At the time the Steamship NANCY LEE turned turtle last night, many of our trusted police were lost, and many were more or less injured, and all the regulation uniforms carried by them were lost; therefore, it will be necessary to designate many of my loyal subjects on board the good ship LEXINGTON to act in their stead, and you are authorized to make the selections from among the most faithful of those who belong to the ROYAL REALM. In making these appointments you will consider their qualifications as to severity, alertness, seadoggedness, their knowledge as to the interior plans of the ship and their ability to follow the trail of any landlubbers or sea lawyers to their hiding places should they endeavor to escape the initiation prescribed by me. You will report to me in secret code the names of the subjects selected. Also report positions assigned and the proficiency of each in order that I may forward their commissions at once. You will see that the regulation uniforms are made up at once, and you will carry out all of the regulations referred to in paragraph xxii, article xixixi of page 2489. Operators of all outlying stations inside the domain are instructed to alter their receiving zones in order that all messages transmitted from the Royal Palace may be received and repeated instantly to avoid any errors in wording or construction and that such messages may arrive at their destination with all possible speed. It is widely rumored throughout the Realm that among the cargo of Sand-crabs aboard the LEXINGTON are a few small
9
THE ROYAL WORKS
KING NEPTUNE
decoctions of flesh and blood and bone that are spreading radical propaganda and opposing the progress of and defaming the titles of His Majesty's loyal subjects. Be it known that every aquatic soul within our entire maritime domain is nursing an individual wish to be aboard and at these vile offenders and that vengeance shall be swift and sure. Leniency in no form whatsoever will be meted out to these bolsheviks of the deep.
2. The present Motto of the Loyal Subjects is as follows: "KILL OR CURE; AND SELDOM CURE."
Signed NEPTUNUS REX
Next came
ROYAL EMPHATIC AND AUTHENTIC REPRIMAND NO. 1556832182.
1. "'Twas a harsh sound to the Royal ears when report was received in the throne room yesterday that the rebellion on the LEXINGTON had grown to greater proportions. One of the heretofore meek pollywogs (reported to be a slightly overweight Aerographer) was heard to say "Bunk" and "Nertz"; this is evidence that, in spite of all precautions and warnings, some of the uninitiated fail to see the handwriting on the wall (or bulkhead).
2. Before taking action on R. E. & A. N. No. 1556832182, the Royal Estimator will provide himself with one Royal Estimator's Instrument, Mark 813, and estimate the situation from all angles.
3. If said survey shows that said rebellion is as bad as reported, then woe to the members thereof. Those who are now exalted leaders of this rebellion shall bow in disgrace on the fatal day.
4. The hearing of the Royal Branding Irons (hitherto a mere warming process) will be performed in extent on the LEXINGTON. The first heat will commence at once, in order to provide a temperature of 8120 R.N.S. (Royal Neptune Scale) on the appointed day.
5. Testing of the Royal Guillotine should proceed forthwith. Royal Barbers are to sharpen their razors immediately. Royal Bears should be furnished complete outfits of torture instruments. The Royal Surgeon and the Royal Undertaker should be prepared to handle 100% casualties.
6. Royal sympathy, amnesty, pardon and parole are hereby declared abolished in the case of the LEXINGTON, because of this un-heard-of-and unspeakable rebellion.
7. Sic Semper Pollywogs! The Royal wrath is upon you!
Signed in anger,
NEPTUNUS REX.
Spurred by these evidences of Royal wrath and stung by the attitude and actions of the ship's pollywogs, who seemed not to hold them sufficiently in awe - in fact, who scorned and pooh-pooh-ed in season and out, the Shellbacks crashed down with an expose and warning of their own invention.
NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE
The following remarks of certain members of the rebellious clan of Pollywogs were reported
10
PRELIMINARIES
| by trusty Shellbacks as having been overheard recently: - C & R Division - Chief Carpenter's Mate: "To hell with the shellbacks." 1st Division - Seaman First Class: "I think that this is all the bunk." B Division - Fireman First Class: "They can't get me. I'll be on watch. Or, if I'm not on watch, I know a good place to hide." 5th Division - Private: "The original King Neptune was a Marine; so they always let the Marines get by easy." S Division - Storekeeper Third Class: "They won't hurt me; if they do I will send all shellbacks' pay accounts to China." K Division - Yeoman First Class: "If they hurt me I will get them later." V-3 Division - Aviation Chief Metalsmith: "Christopher Columbus, Abraham Lincoln, 'Ma' Ferguson and Aimee Semple McPherson were not Shellbacks; and they were proud of it." Each of the above remarks, with the name of the offender, has been referred to King Neptune and to the Royal Prosecutor for assignment of adequate punishment on the appointed day. The Mighty Ruler of the Raging Main "sees all - knows all." Thy secret thoughts are as a mimeographed sheet to his periscopic eye. The day of reckoning is at hand. Are you one of the doomed? THE SHELLBACKS. Then came action by the Pollywogs - NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE UNITED WE STAND?, DIVIDED WE FALL From: Chief Pollywog. To: Lowly Pollywogs. Subject Shellbacks - actions of. 1. It has been noticed that a small per cent of the Kingdom of Neptune has been threatening our ship and us Pollywogs. 2. Is this condition to continue? As Chief Pollywog, backed by the Secret Six, I say, Nay, Nay, a thousand times Nay. Think of our large organization, with EIGHT to 1 power. 3. All Pollywogs are urged to show their patriotism to our Regal land by standing for their rights. I. M. A. POLLYWOG. Stand by for the next bulletin. |
BEWARE, YOU SHELLBACKS, BEWARE. SECRET SIX. and still some more HEAR YE HEAR YE HEAR YE Be it known to all ye lordly and mighty Shellbacks that the proverbial lowly and insignificant worm (Pollywog to you) is about to turn. Such overbearing and malicious threats are more than even the most humble of Pollywogs can bear. Be it known that at midnight the LEXINGTON shall quake with the wrath of 1,521 loyal and rebellious Pollywogs, sons of Pollywogs and sons' sons of Pollywogs. The Queen had best gather her skirts above the ankles and scram to the triple bottoms. The Princess should hide lest the shadow of the guillotine fall on her. A desolate Air Office is no safe place for a Royal Scribe and the Admiral need make tracks for a shadowy corner of Neptune's fartherest domain. Yea, a Pollywog's finger points to the day of reckoning for all boasting and overbearing Shellbacks. All Pollywogs assume "Condition 15" and stand in readiness for meeting to organize; time of assembly will be announced via "Pollywog Grapevine" at a later hour. Signed A LOYAL ROYAL POLLYWOG. then came a warningRoyal File No. '-$-"().: WARNING Shellback Headquarters, A word was received by our undersea min-o-scope of the Pollywogs banding to undermine the structure of HIS MAJESTY of the DEEP. Serious rumblings and frumblings have been recorded, and to some extent the timid are beginning to doubt the reign of HIS MAJESTY of the DEEP. Insults were passed against the QUEEN; and some even doubt the legitimacy of the ROYAL BABIES. O, ye Pollywogs, on the day of reckoning your eyes will open and your knees shall fail you. Our Vigilance is ever Wakeful, our Vengeance just and sure. /s/ Secretary, to HIS MAJESTY. and so on THE SITUATION AT COURT Sparks flew from between the marlin spike teeth of our Royal Sovereign, Neptunus Rex, when he learned that the Pollywogs, now af- |
11
QUEEN OF THE SEAS
U. S. S. LEXINGTON
IN FULL DRESS
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13
JUST BEFORE THE PARTY
| flicted with Pollywogitis, are actually rebelling. It is gravely feared that the leaders, one Aviation Chief Machinist's Mate, in particular, will be consigned to the Royal Brig and fed only the ears of long deceased fish until they are brought before the Royal Judge for sentence. His | Imperial Highness is quoted as saying "The ears of the communistic Pollywogs' leaders shall be shortened and shaved in order that their appearances shall not resemble the animal on whose planet their intelligences places them." /s/ John (Peg Leg) Silvers. |
JUST BEFORE THE PARTY
| Business began to take an official character on the 19th of May, when the following order was promulgated over the Commanding Officer's signature. PRIDE OF THE PROUDEST OF FLEETS 19 May, 1936. VERY SPECIAL ORDER:
1. Word has been received both by radio and transceiver that about 1900 on 19 May, 1936, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of His Imperial Majesty, Neptunus Rex, His Honor, Royal Scribe Davy Jones, will board this vessel. 2. At the specified time, all hands shall maintain a sharp lookout and shall report to me any evidence of the approach of His Honor Davy Jones. 3. At dark, bridge searchlights shall be played forward, especially on the Hawse pipes. 4. All formalities shall be observed and every effort shall be made to please and placate His Majesty's Closest Friend, Advisor and High Counsellor, the Royal Scribe Davy Jones. 5. Following the visit of the Royal Scribe, it is expected that His Imperial Majesty, Neptunus Rex, Emperor of the Deep, will board this vessel at about 0830, 20 May, 1936. 6. His Majesty will be received at the Port Gun Gallery. Full and most High and Royal Honors will be rendered by the Marine Guard and the Royal Band on this occasion. The Royal Escutcheon and Banner will be broken at once. |
7. On arrival, His Majesty will assume charge of this vessel. All persons shall strictly execute his command under pain of his displeasure. 8. In honor of His Majesty and Royal Entourage, 20 May, 1936, is hereby declared a holiday. 9. On the above date all Shellbacks shall be relieved of Watch and Duty. 10. All initiates shall be warned to have their names checked off by the Royal Scribes. 11. As a Special Warning it is desired to point out that it is particularly dangerous to landlubbers to Flirt with the Royal Princess, or worse still, with the Queen. The Royal Babies must not be teased. /s/ AUBREY W. FITCH, Then a message came from CinC U.S.
0019 THE SENIOR SHELL BACK OF THE UNITED STATES FLEET THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAS REPORTED TO HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS NEPTUNUS REX THE HIGH RULER OF ALL THE SEAS THAT HE IS APPROACHING THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE ROYAL DOMAIN WITH THE LARGEST NUMBER OF POLLYWOGS AND TADPOLES EVER TO BE BROUGHT AT A SINGLE TIME TO PAY HOMAGE TO HIS HIGHNESS AND TO SEEK ADMISSION INTO THE LOYAL ORDER OF SHELLBACKS PARAGRAPH THERE HAS JUST BEEN RECEIVED BY SEAWEED COMMUNICATIONS IN KELP CODE INFORMATION THAT DAVY JONES PEG LEG AND THE ROYAL SCRIBE ARE BEING DISPATCHED BY HIS GRACIOUS HIGHNESS NEPTUNUS REX VIA SEA HORSE SQUADRONS TO BOARD EACH VESSEL AND TO SERVE NOTICE ON ALL SLIMY FISH TO BE PREPARED AT 0830 TOMORROW WEDNESDAY TO APPEAR BEFORE THE ROYAL COURT READY TO FORSWEAR THEIR UNCERTAIN STANDING AS AMATEUR SAILORS AND PREPARED TO |
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15
JUST BEFORE THE PARTY
| ACHIEVE THE AUGUST AND GLORIOUS STATUS AS A LOYAL MEMBER IN THE ORDER OF SHELLBACKS PERIOD FOR FIVE MINUTES FROM 1900 TO 1905 TODAY TUESDAY ALL SHIPS WILL STOP ON SIGNAL TO RECEIVE ON BOARD DAVY JONES PERIOD ROCKETS WILL BE FIRED AND SEARCHLIGHTS USED TO ILLUMINATE HAWSE PIPES PERIOD ALL LOYAL SHELLBACKS NOW ON BOARD ARE ENJOINED TO BE PREPARED TO RENDER FULL ASSISTANCE TO THE ROYAL COURT WHEN IT BOARDS THEIR VESSEL TOMORROW TO INSURE THAT EACH POLLYWOG IS FULLY AND THOROUGHLY CONVERTED INTO A WORTHY SHELLBACK 1230. Following message from Davy Jones' Locker: THE ROYAL COURT NOTES WITH GRAVEST CONCERN THAT YOUR HUGE FLEET APPROACHES OUR IMPERIAL HEADQUARTERS IN AN INEXCUSABLE CONDITION OF FILTH AND SLIME STOP NEVER BEFORE IN ALL ETERNITY HAS SUCH A PUTRID COMBINATION OF SCUMMY POLLYWOGS DARED TO POLLUTE OUR NOBLE WATERS AND NEVER BEFORE HAS THE ROYAL ATMOSPHERE BEEN CONTAMINATED WITH SUCH A LOUSY CONGLOMERATION OF LANDLUBBERISH AND SLIMY SNAILS THEREBY INCURRING OUR HIGHEST DISGUST AND DISPLEASURE STOP WOE UNTO YE ALL BEWARE SIGNED NEPTUNUS REX LOOKOUTS SET In anticipation of the arrival of Davy Jones, and in order not to be caught unprepared by the old sea-dog, precautions were taken on the afternoon of May 19th. Lookouts were posted on Turrets One and Three, in accordance with instructions in the following orders: U. S. S. LEXINGTON
1. The LEXINGTON goes into Condition XXX at 1300, 19 May, 1936; a lookout watch will be set at that time on the top of No. 1 and No. 3 Turrets. Lookouts are assigned as below: Turret No. 1 1300-1400 Ensign Johnson |
1700-1800 Ensign Merrick & Ensign Fuller 1800-1900 Ensign Coxe
Uniform for these watches are as follows: Blue Service with wing collars, Blue Cap Covers, Gray Gloves, Coca-Cola bottles. 2. Ensign Shook shall be Chief Davy Jones Lookout and he will be responsible for proper standing of these watches. He will make hourly inspections and in the event the relieving officer does not report Ensign Shook will see that proper relief is made even if he has to make the relief himself. Ensign Shook will see that this Watch bill does not interfere with other watches and in the event of such conflict will confer with Royal Director Lookouts. 3. Watches will be stood on No. 3 Turret as follows: 1300-1400 McConnell C. Aerog. V-2 Uniform for Chief Petty Officers will be: Service Blue Baker with leggings and Coca Cola bottles. 3. McFarland, D. A., ACMM, will see that reliefs are posted and in the event a relief does not appear he shall be the relieving chief. /s/ R. E. STANLEY,
1. The LEXINGTON goes into Condition XXX at 1300, 19 May, 1936. A lookout watch will be set at that time on the Hangar Deck. Lookouts are assigned as follows: Hangar Deck Spaces 1300-1400 Ch. Carp. Whittier 2. Uniform for this watch is White Trousers, Frock Coat, Sword and Gloves, White Hat, no Collars. 3. Chief Carpenter Whittier shall be the Chief Hangar Deck lookout and will be responsible for the proper standing of these watches. He will make inspections of the Hangar at 1400, 1500, 1600 and 1700 and in the event the relieving officer does not report he will see that |
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JUST BEFORE THE PARTY
| a relief is furnished even if he has to stand the watch himself. Lookouts shall, upon the arrival of Davy Jones, through any of the Hangar entrances, report such facts to the Royal Director of Lookouts. /s/ R. O. Deitzer,
DAVY JONES ARRIVES All during Wednesday, 20 May, the ship was a scene of much activity. Small parties of Shellbacks were working on numerous instruments of torture. Here and there throughout the ship during the day there were brushes between Pollywogs and Shellbacks. Lieutenants (jg) Southwick and Lytle, to whom many of the rebellious Pollywogs looked for leadership, ran amuck and were promptly thrown in the brig. There they were visited by the Royal Chaplain, who offered them consolation and advice. p>By 1830 everything was in readiness, and while the lookouts still searched the horizon for signs of Davy Jones, all hands were summoned to the Flight Deck to await the arrival of His Majesty's messenger.
|
At 1900 there came a hail from the starboard gun gallery, which then moved up to the flight deck. Voice from the deep: Ship Ahoy! Ship Ahoy! Ship Ahoy! Officer-of-the-Deck: Ahoy, there! Voice: What ship is this? O.O.D.: The United States Ship LEXINGTON. Voice: Whence come you; and whither bound? O.O.D.: From Long Beach, California; bound for war maneuvers off the lower coast of South America. Who are you? Voice: Davy Jones, Emissary of His Majesty, Neptunus Rex; and Staff. I have important messages to deliver. O.O.D.: Aye, Aye! We are expecting you. Then out of the shadows came Davy Jones, followed by his attendants, among whom were the Royal Admiral, the Royal Navigator, the Royal Scribe, John (Peg Leg) Silvers, and others. The famous Blackfish which carries Davy Jones about the seven seas on his numerous and important errands, took a blow alongside while Davy proceeded up the flight deck to meet the Captain and deliver his messages. When he arrived at the forward elevator, he stopped and came to the Royal Salute while the Royal Band, rendered the appropriate honors - four ruffles followed by "Nancy Lee." The Rostrum and chairs were in the meanwhile being placed on the elevator. The Captain then came forward and was greeted by Davy Jones. With a full deep voice the old salt of the Royal Domain made the following speech: "Captain Fitch, officers and crew of the good ship LEXINGTON, I come as the royal herald of His Majesty, Neptunus Rex, Exalted Ruler of the Raging Main, King of all creatures in and upon the Seven Seas, and August Judge of all men who go to sea in ships. His Majesty sends greetings. He has commissioned me to announce that it will be his pleasure to visit your ship tomorrow, and to hold here his Royal Court. |
alt="Illustration: 'Davy Jones Leaves His Locker,' Davy Jones opening his locker door with octopus near.">17
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DAVY JONES ARRIVES
| "By your leave, Sir, I shall read aloud to you and the officers and men of the ship this message which His Majesty has directed that I give into your hand."
ROYAL PALACE Neptunus Rex, Ruler of the Raging Main, and King of all creatures in and on the Deeps of the Seven Seas, to Captain Aubrey W. Fitch, United States Navy, Commanding Officer of the United States Ship LEXINGTON, and to all officers and men serving therein. Greetings, and welcome to the Royal Realm under our command. We are much displeased, because you have long delayed since you were commissioned in the haven of Pollywogs called Fall River, Mass., before coming to pay your respects and complete your qualifications as men of the sea; we shall condescend, on the morrow, to visit you and hold our Royal Court on your decks. In confirmation of messages already sent to certain of my loyal subjects among your crew, this greeting and message is conveyed by the hand of our Royal Representative, the Honorable Davy Jones, Ambassador Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Realm of the Raging Main. Unless your hearts grow faint and fail you, according to information which we have received, you will enter our domain at 0830 tomorrow. At that time we shall board you, and you are directed to hold yourselves in readiness for a rigid inspection by ourselves and Royal Court and to give your ship into our charge and keeping until we have set all things in order for your passage through the waters of our domain. It is a source of grief to our royal person that loyal and faithful Shellbacks among you are so much outnumbered by scurvy landlubbers, beach-combers and pollywogs; and that a ship so closely rivaling the face and speed of the brazen-hoofed and golden-maned sea-horses which draw our royal chariot should have been entrusted to the inexperienced and inexpert hands of so many Receiving Ship sailors and |
officers and deck-hands of landlocked men-of-war. By the three-tined trident which is the emblem of our Regal Authority, Captain Fitch, your Executive Officer and your Heads of Departments and your other officers and men shall be loyal subjects of our realm and fitter men to handle your ship before another sun has set Her Majesty, Queen Aphrodite, Our Consort, and the Heirs Apparent, The Royal Twins, with sundry noble persons and retainers and mermaids of the Court will accompany us upon our visitation. You will make suitable provisions for their comfort and entertainment. We have given into the hand of our Emissary, the Honorable Davy Jones, subpoenas which you will deliver to the Pollywogs among your officers and men. Charges preferred against them therein, and the specifications thereunder, they will be called upon to answer on the morrow. Fair trial will be given to all, in accordance with the immemorial custom of our Realm; and swift and impartial punishment meted out to all whose defense does not disprove their guilt. In order that incipient riots, which reports declare are brewing, may not break into full and open revolt, you will permit our Emissary this night to hold court and to place under arrest and lock up for safekeeping a number of the most dangerous characters in your ship's company. Davy Jones will advise you of the identity of these persons. Done under our hand and seal this nineteenth day of May, 1936. /s/ NEPTUNUS REX. A jury was hastily picked from among the Shellbacks and the Trial Court met on the Hangar Deck. A record attendance packed the hall of justice to the doors. One by one the principal offenders were brought to trial and charged by the Royal Prosecutors. Despite the able arguments of Defense counsel not one acquittal resulted. The Royal Judges were prompt to render judgment, sentence being passed for execution on the morrow. Sentences ranging from fines to imprisonment, with, of course, the Royal Works as accessories. Only one offender proved recalcitrant and had to be subdued by the Royal Police. All offenders were accorded the right to appeal in person to His Majesty next day. |
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20
THE BIG DAY
THE BIG DAY KING NEPTUNE TAKES OVER LEXINGTON The morning of Wednesday, May 20, 1936, was made memorable in the history of this ship by the first visit aboard of His Royal Majesty, Neptunus Rex, Ruler of the Raging Main. His Majesty accompanied by his Royal Consort,
Queen Aphrodite, The Princess Royal and the Royal Twin Babies, together with his full court and attendants boarded the LEXINGTON promptly at 0830 in Latitude 0° 00 Longitude 81Deg; 15' 30"W. They were met by the Captain and accorded the Royal Salute of three guns and military honors, while the Pollywogs assembled at quarters gazed upon the scene in awestruck wonder. The King addressed the Captain and ship's company as follows: |
"Captain Fitch, Commander Wood, officers and men of the U.S.S. LEXINGTON - greetings, Welcome to the waves and deeps of the watery domain which, from time immemorial, has been under our imperial but benevolent rule. "From afar we have watched the approach of your gigantic aircraft carrier, and it has been our pleasure to come in our royal shallop to meet you at this gateway to our realm. "You fly the flag of a great and noble nation and we owe allegiance to the principles for which it stands. But here and now we detain you for a day in order that all on board may swear fealty to our Royal Person, too. This will in no wise conflict with your loyalty to the nation of the Stars and Stripes. But it is our Royal Command, on pain of our Royal Displeasure and Vengeance, that none enter our Kingdom as strangers. "Reports have reached our Royal Ears, in our palace beneath the sea, that there are many on board this ship who still deserve no other name than the disgraceful one of Pollywog. So we have come to set up here our Royal Court and to hale these invaders before our high tribunal, and to provide by appropriate mystic rites and ceremonies that they shall possess all the qualifications of good sailormen. Charges of an alarming nature, we find, have been made against some of you. The Nature of these charges will be tried in due course; and each Pollywog shall have the right to enter a plea of defense. But let it be taken into account that true and noble Shellbacks do not make idle and vain reports. We are much disturbed because the charges are so severe. The punishments for the reported disrespect and treason to our Royal Person and the loyal subjects of our Domain may, in some instances, have to be of extreme and excruciating form. It is a source of regret that you, Commander Wood, are not above suspicion and reproach. But our records have been diligently searched and we have found that you have too long delayed appearance at our Royal Court. Fortunate for you, indeed, that you are the Executive Officer of such a noble ship. The Royal Secret Service reports that while there are certain black marks against you, you have done your part well - for a pollywog. |
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THE BIG DAY
| We congratulate upon having so fine a ship. No doubt when these dastardly and unworthy Pollywogs under your command have been punished for the crimes and misdemeanors with which they are charged, when they are made to realize their sins and the error of their ways and when through the mystic ceremonies of this day they are made to bow in respect and fealty to our Royal Person, you will have both a ship and a crew that know no equal in the seven seas. In view of the fact that many charges have been submitted to our Royal Court, we must consume no more time in words. There is work to be done. We desire, therefore, Captain Fitch, that you give your ship into our Royal keeping and entrust it to the care of the worthy Shellbacks on board until such time as our Royal Court has met and concluded the performance of the duties falling to it. The ship was turned over to His Majesty who in turn placed the Royal Admiral in command. The Royal Navigator was directed to place the ship upon its proper course for the briny deep and not to vary therefrom the breadth of a shark's fin. The course was duly set at 600° F. His Majesty then declared a holiday and announced that it was his Royal Pleasure to hold court and receive the homage of the lowly Pollywogs, and further advised his worthy retainers that he craved amusement, thereby giving testimony of his hearty good nature. Preparations were at once begun. The followers were mustered aft. The Royal pool was filled and attended by the Bears, and all possible Royal Medical attention provided for those who should require it. For those who might invoke the Royal Displeasure the electric chair and the guillotine were made ready. Free service was made ready by the Royal Barbers. To say that His Majesty was amused is to grossly understate the case. His pleasure was unbounded, as was that of his whole court and of his trusted Shellbacks with whom he graciously shared the privilege of witnessing the antics of his neophytes in their attempts to qualify as Shellbacks. |
The Royal Devil was responsible for prodding the reluctant commanding officer of VF-2 before the Royal Presence. He was given the works, which, be it said to his credit, seemed neither to impair his health nor his enjoyment of further proceedings. From that moment on for a full two hours an unceasing flow of
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THE BIG DAY
| officers and men appeared before the Royal Presence, and were initiated into the mystic rites of the Ancient Order of the Deep. Not until a late hour was it necessary to comb the ship for recalcitrant hide-aways. Needless to say these received the full measure of the Royal Displeasure. Among those appearing for the honor, early in the proceedings, though late in life, was the Executive Officer. He was received with all due courtesy, in fact, lest he miss the full flavor of any part of the ceremony he was permitted the enjoyment of a second round. All Shellbacks, old and new, shared with him his great enthusiasm. HIGH LIGHTS The special treatment given the Sr. Asst. Engineer, who volunteered (under pressure) to stand as godfather to those of the watch below who could not be relieved. The penalty paid by the Ship's Gunner, a Shellback, who failed to bring proper proof. |
The Army climbing the mast calling "I want to be a Shellback - I want to be a Shellback." The efficiency of the Royal Police as witness the many who failed to sit down for dinner. Subduing the mutineers by the famous modern water cure - the oil-skin locker and fire hose. The reluctance of certain colored gentlemen to approach the chair - maybe they didn't like the black hood. The Royal Chaplain and his Sympathy Cards, and a well-known Turret Captain kissing the cross. The Guillotine - many will carry its gory reminder while their shirts withstand the laundry. The spirited work of the new Shellbacks who relieved the hard worked Bears. The Track Team Talent unexpectedly (?) developed by running the gauntlet. Swell training. The amazing speed developed by the Royal Barbers. Will have to ask for their Union cards. But what a day! NO CASUALTIES. |
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CHARGES
AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Subpoena and Summons Extraordinary The Royal High Court of the Raging Main
To Whom May Come These Presents Greetings and Beware WHEREAS, The good ship LEXINGTON, bound southward of the Equator, has never before entered our domain; and WHEREAS, the aforesaid ship carries a large and loathsome cargo of landlubbers, beach-combers, guardo-rats, sea-lawyers, lounge lizards, parlor-dunigans, plow-deserters, park-bench warmers, chicken-chasers, hay-tossers, four-flushers, cross-word puzzle bugs, bridge sharks, Long Beach sheiks, Pike cowboys, asphalt arabs, and other foul creatures of the land, falsely masquerading as seamen, of which low scum you are member, having never appeared before us; and WHEREAS, THE ROYAL COURT of the RAGING MAIN will convene on board the good ship LEXINGTON, on the 20th day of May, 1936, at longitude 81° 15' 00" W; and WHEREAS, an inspection of our Royal Muster shows that it is high time your sad and wandering nautical soul appears before OUR AUGUST PRESENCE; BE IT KNOWN, That we hereby summon and command you Now a _______________ U. S. Navy, to appear before the Royal High Court and Our August Presence on the aforesaid date at such time as may best suit OUR pleasure, under penalty of eternal pickling. You will accept most heartily and with good grace the pains and penalties of the awful tortures that will be inflicted upon you to determine your fitness to be one of our Trusty Shellbacks and answer to the following charges: CHARGE I. In that you have hitherto willfully and maliciously failed to show reverence and allegiance to our Royal Person, and are therein and thereby a vile landlubber and pollywog. CHARGE II. CHARGE III.
DAVY JONES, |
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CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS
SYMPATHY CHIT
The bearer of this chit will receive sympathy before the ROYAL COURT. The ROYAL chaplain will sign his name for the worthy pollywogs and they will receive justice before the court. Landlubbers without the chit will get little leniency. Try to get one of these from the ROYAL chaplain and save your skin when the day of judgment arrives.
This chit without the chaplain's signature will help out before the court, but try to get on the right side of the ROYAL chaplain and have one signed by him.
ROYAL CHAPLAIN, W. Jones
The Above Slips Were Highly
Prized By All POLLYWOGS
NEWS FLASHES
Following dispatches were received and sent by CinC, US and Commander Aircraft, Battle Force:
1010 THE SENIOR POLLYWOG OF THE FLEET IS NOW A SHELLBACK 0925
0020 SARATOGA 1020 0925 WELCOME TO THE RANK OF THE ROYAL ORDER OF SHELLBACKS PERIOD BETTER LATE THAN NEVER CONGRATULATIONS 0948 |
0020 HONORED BY WELCOME TO ROYAL ORDER FROM THE SENIOR SHELLBACKS WILL ENDEAVOR TO BE WORTHY MEMBER FROM NOW ON CARDIV ONE GREATLY APPRECIATES AND IS ENJOYING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE REALM OF HIS GRACIOUS MAJESTY NEPTUNE REX 1040
0020 POLLYWOGS INITIATED AS FOLLOWS SARATOGA 1785 LEXINGTON 1706 RANGER 829 LANGLEY 491 TOTAL 4811 1743 |
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SHIPS THAT CROSSED THE EQUATOR
SHIPS THAT CROSSED THE EQUATOR ON
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CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATION I In that Ralph Wood, now a Commander, U. S. Navy, while so serving on board the U. S. S. LEXINGTON, did, on or about 5 May, 1936, in the presence of various persons on board said ship, knowingly and with intent thereby to circulate discontent and to impair the exercise of the functions of the Government of the Raging Main, say to said persons, "Have printed in the plan of the day an order directing all hands not to use so much water," or words to that effect, well knowing that water and its use being the life of this State; the Raging Main then being in a state of war. SPECIFICATION II In that Ralph Wood, now a Commander, U. S. Navy, while so serving in that and other capacities from Midshipman, U. S. Navy, to Commander U. S. Navy, while so serving in said capacities has as man, boy and Pollywog, studiously and with intent avoided our realm and failed for some twenty-six years to make contact and to pay proper homage to our Royal Person. SPECIFICATION III In that the aforementioned and described Ralph Wood (titles still the same) has by partially forsaking our own element (the sea) and moving in the element of the air (which we also control, however) sought to avoid us. Prosecution: Your Honor - The state has long waited this day of judgment. With the conviction of this seasoned leader the whole structure of Pollywog gang rule on this ship will totter and fall before the Royal Cops. Can you allow questions of personal guilt or innocence to sway you where the welfare of the Domain is at stake? State rests. Defense: Your Honor . . . Sentence The court sentences you to provide each member of the Royal Party with Coca Cola and to receive the Royal Works. SPECIFICATION I In that Ralph Davidsen, formerly a Lieutenant, now a Lieutenant Commander and soon to be a Commander in the U. S. Navy, has by his lubberly navigation and use of Pitometer Logs and Dead Reckoning Tracer, failed to bring the sun over the yardarm at any time except late at night, thereby depriving my trusty Shellbacks of much needed refreshments which he well know was our Royal Desire. |
SPECIFICATION II In that Ralph Davidsen, now a navigator of the U. S. Navy, did, on or about August, 1925, while serving as Navigator of an expedition to the North Polar region of our Domain, fail to supply the needed assistance, both pecuniary and mental, and did desert said expedition with the words, "Unless I get my cuts, they can stew in their own juice," or words to that effect, thereby causing two Dornier Wal airplanes to be stranded on a cake of ice. The Stalians then being in a state of Mussolini. Prosecution: By his navigation we go out on Mondays and try as we may, he stays out until Friday, when he well knows we did not want to go out at all, much less leave Pico Landing. His navigation has taken us to Clemente Island time and again when it was Long Beach we craved. He should be made to take a course of practical navigation under the Royal Navigator who knows all, sees all, and is all in. Sentence To stop flirting with Venus and pay more attention to Mars and to get the Royal Works. SPECIFICATION I In that Gerald F. Bogan, now a Lieutenant Commander and almost a Commander in the U. S. Navy, while so serving on board the U. S. S. Lexington, did, during his tour of duty on said ship and especially on the present cruise of said ship, wilfully, and without justifiable cause, grossly maltreat innumerable of my faithful Shellbacks and even Pollywogs, by issuing orders for them to push all airplanes forward on the flight deck when he well knew that as soon as the said pushing was accomplished he would order the said airplanes pushed aft and so on ad infinitum. The Fleet then being in a state of war and Black and Blue. Prosecution: This hardened criminal stands before you and looks the part. Look at that face, those quivering ears, and his eyes flickering toward your honor. But why go on? Let your conscience be your guide. The State rests. Sentence To kiss the Royal Baby and to get the Royal Works. SPECIFICATION I In that Charles I. Rend and Edward E. Pare, who are now Lieutenant Commanders in the U. S. Navy, while so serving aboard the U. S. S. Lexington, having custody of property of the United States, furnished for the Naval service |
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CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS
| thereof, did, on or about May 5, 1922, on board said ship knowingly deliver to the assorted Shellbacks, Pollywogs, officers, and men, of the aforementioned ship, the said Shellbacks, Pollywogs, etc., having authority and need to receive the same, an amount of water which they, the said Rend and Pare, was many gallons less than the water made by the said Rend and Pare, thereof which they were supposed to deliver to the said Shellbacks, Pollywogs, etc. Your Honor: Water for engines, water for pumps, water, water, water, but still these fiends cry "shut it off - shut it off." Your faithful Shellbacks ask at last your stern hand. Need more be said? The State rests. Sentence To stand the watches in Main Control from midnight to noon and to get the Royal Works. SPECIFICATION I In that Ralph I. Mitchell, now a Lieutenant Colonel, U. S. Marine Corps, while so serving on board the U. S. S. Lexington, did, on or about May 12, 1936, in the City of Panama, R. P., upon a statement made to his golf partner, a Shellback, represent his true score to be 76, which said representation was knowingly false and intended to deceive, as he, the said Mitchell, well knew. SPECIFICATION II In that the above named Pollywog did, at the Panama Country Club, on or about May 12, 1936, wilfully, felonously, and without regard to the Majesty of the Mighty Ruler of the Raging Main, on approaching the 17th tee two down and four to play attempt to adjust and change the match already agreed upon in order that he, the said Mitchell, would not be deprived of part of his ill gotten gains; and by habit does limp, profess to be sick and does moan and groan whenever he approaches the first tee in order to inveigle unsuspecting Shellbacks into giving him strokes which he, the said Mitchell, well knows he does not need. Prosecution: Your Honor: These are grave charges. One hundred (100) witnesses await without. Without what? Without anything. The Court can ill afford to release this one man crime wave in our peaceable and ordered domain. The State demands hard labor - that he educate the "Royal Baby." Sentence To play 36 holes of golf on the flight deck, with a putter, using the finger-fittings for holes |
and to get the Royal Works. SPECIFICATION I In that Andrew Crinkley, now a Lieutenant Commander in the U. S. Navy, while so serving on board the U. S. S. Lexington, did, on or about 12 May, 1936, in the smoking room of said vessel while said vessel was anchored off Panama, Republic de Panama, say in a disrespectful and contemptuous manner to one Lieutenant, junior grade, Louis H. Hunte, U. S. Navy, and one Lieutenant, junior grade, Eugene S. Lytle, Jr., U. S. Navy, "These Shellbacks are all a bunch of swabs and I think they ought to be investigated," or words to that effect. Prosecutor: Your Honor: The Royal Works for this man is only an end to end such insubordination. Need more be said. The State rests. SPECIFICATION I In that Robert Harrell, now a Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Navy, while so serving on the U. S. Naval Air Station, San Diego, California, did, on or about 15 April, 1936, in the ready room of said Air Station, gamble for money with horses. Your Honor: To supply tender cooked meat for the Cannibals. Let there be utility with our justice. SPECIFICATION I In that David Rittenhouse, now a Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Navy, while so serving on board the U. S. S. Lexington, while off Panama, did felonously take, steal, carry away and appropriate to his own use, one fish, well knowing said fish to be the property of our Royal Domain. SPECIFICATION II In that the above mentioned David Rittenhouse, now a Pollywog on the U. S. S. Lexington, did, after felonously taking, stealing, and appropriating to his own use, one fish from our Royal Domain, did return to said ship and state and represent to trusty Shellbacks in the Wardroom of said ship, that the said fish he had felonously purloined from our Royal Domain as being a fathom long, well knowing this to be false and intended to deceive. Prosecution: Your Honor: This man is a beach hound. It is only five miles to land straight down. Put him there, Your Honor. Sentence To remove the offensive eyebrow from his upper lip and grow a Vandyke beard in lieu thereof and to get the Royal Works. |
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CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATION I In that E. C. Parker, now a Lieutenant, U. S. Navy, while so serving aboard the U. S. S. Lexington, did on or about 15 May, 1936, endeavor to leave said ship by obtaining orders from the Navy Department to join the U. S. Army at Maxwell Field, Montgomery, Alabama, with intent to desert from said ship and from the U. S. Navy, he well knowing what the Army is like. SPECIFICATION II In that E. C. Parker, now a Lieutenant U. S. Navy, serving aboard the U. S. S. Lexington, did, while in Panama, Canal Zone, buy one pair of riding boots, with the intent to deceive, impersonate, and appear as an Army officer, therein and thereby bringing discredit to the Naval service of the United States. Prosecution: Your Honor: A deserter. If he live through this ordeal he still will leave. Let him die with his boots on - or off - but the Works is the thing. SPECIFICATION I In that Vernon M. Guymon, now almost a Major, U. S. Marine Corps, while so serving on the U. S. S. Lexington, did, on or about 5 May, 1936, wilfully, knowingly, and without proper authority, apply to his own use one alleged airplane, type BG, the property of the United States intended to the Naval Service thereof, by taking said airplane from the deck of said vessel and using same for the purpose of carrying himself from said ship to a distance of about fifty-three miles merely to observe antics of certain battleships which he designated as hostile, well knowing that said battleships were friendly. Prosecution: Your Honor: The State demands that this fellow be refracted, collinated, focussed, boresighted, and diapered. SPECIFICATION I It that William G. Manley, now a Captain, U. S. Marine Corps, while so serving on the U. S. S. Lexington, did, on or about May 14, 1936, upon a statement made to a loyal subject of His Royal Highness, Neptunus Rex, represent that a fish, which he, the said Manley admitted to have taken from the Royal Domain, and which was of a length of two fathoms and a weight of eighty-seven (87) pounds, which said representation was knowingly false and intended to deceive, as he, the said Manley, well knew. |
SPECIFICATION II In that the above mentioned Pollywog, did on or about 0400 May 14 from the waters off Panama, felonously take, hook, steal, and carry away from the Royal Domain one fish weighing about six ounces and of the value of about two cents ($00.02) and did then and there appropriate the same to his own use. Prosecution: Your Honor: The State will not rest until this phonograph has told bed-time stories to the Royal Babies for forty days and forty nights. SPECIFICATION I In that E. P. Southwick, then a Lieutenant, junior grade, U. S. Navy, now serving on the U. S. [S.] Lexington, did, together with two or more other persons, names to the relator unknown, on or about 13 May, 1936, in the smoking room of the said vessel, wilfully and without justifiable cause, incite the aforementioned persons names to the relator unknown, to riotously, tumultously, and violently, resist and engage in a fight with the Shellbacks of my realm, and did, then and there, in the manner aforesaid, solicit, incite, and urge other Pollywogs of unknown identity, to do violence against the aforementioned Shellbacks and against the peace and good order of my realm. Prosecution: Your Honor: The State demands that this prisoner's mouth be changed from a Z door, closed only in emergency, to an X door - closed when not in use. The State further demands that he be weighed and recharged if necessary. As for guilt, it is written all over him. The sentence is the thing. Sentence That he be thrown in the brig immediately, and to get the Royal Works until the Royal Doctor pronounce him dead. Charge: Impersonating a Naval Officer. SPECIFICATION I In that William Chamberlain, now a civilian in the employ of the Pratt Company (ADVT.) while so serving on board the U. S. S. Lexington did during the period 27 April to date wear a dirty, ill fitting, Naval uniform, thereby attempting to deceive the Shellbacks of my Royal Domain into believing that he was an officer regularly attached to the said ship, wherein and whereas he well knew that his proper uniform was a pair of dirty, ill-fitting coveralls with "Pratt" embroidered on the back thereof. Prosecution: Your Honor: Let the Bears decide |
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CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS
| where the Pratt should be embroidered. A Pratt is a Pratt no matter where the location.
Sentence To wear dirty coveralls with the name Pratt embroidered on the back and to be given the Royal Works. SPECIFICATION I In that Harry Larsen, new a lowly form of civilian Pollywog in the employment of the Grauman Co., did during period 27 April to date, on repeated and numerous occasions, expound, relate, declare, and proclaim the splendid qualities of his Company's product, thereby hoping to gain great acclamation, adulation, grease, and possibly a raise from said company, wherein in fact he knew the product of the said company to be of little value - to-wit "lousy." Prosecution: Your Honor: This man is a fighter and a sheik. Let's paint him and let him fight the Royal Chief Bear. Sentence To fight the Royal Chief Bear in the tank and to get the works. SPECIFICATION I In that Robert Radio Sutliff, now a Lieutenant, U. S. Navy, while so serving as Navigator of VF Squadron, FIVE-B, attached to the U. S. S. Lexington, and being on December 10th, 1935, temporarily in command of a plane of the said Squadron making passage from Ream Field to the Naval Air Station, San Diego, the weather being clear and mild, visibility unlimited, ceiling unlimited, did, nevertheless, neglect and fail to exercise proper care and attention in landing the said airplane while approaching North Island, in that neglected and failed to make allowance for the fact that his wheels were retracted, well knowing that this type of airplane lands very poorly with the said wheels retracted, and he, the aforesaid Sutliff, through said negligence, did suffer the said airplane at about 10:29 a.m. on the day aforesaid to be stranded on its back in the middle of the landing field at North Island, thereby causing his Commanding Officer and Squadron mates great mortification and pain. Prosecution: Your Honor: One hundred landings in the Royal tank with and without assistance from our Bears may teach him his lesson. Ensign G. T. Baker, U. S. Navy. |
Specifications: In that this lowly one of the lowest order known to man, hereinafter called POLLYWOGS, did while at the throttle in Main Control cause this vessel to smoke, thereby attracting enemy planes and ending the Problem. The conclusion of which brought this Pollywog fewer watches and more time to stretch forth his manly form under the Panamian sun. This lubberly Pollywog has further caused annoyance to the Navy in general and Shellbacks in particular by his alarming increase in tonnage. His inability to eat enough at one table in the mess whereas he must needs eat also at the vacant places of watch standers is rapidly causing the displacement of the ship to exceed treaty limit. Prosecution: Your Honor: Look at this Pollywog. If he was any longer he would be classified as an eel, and would fall below the cognizance of this august court. The State demands that fourteen inches be removed by the Royal Surgeon and contributed to the store of extensions for shrimps. Ensign G. S. Fuller, U. S. Navy.
Specification: This awkward Pollywog while acting in the capacity of C. B. L. (otherwise known as Chief Battle Lookout) did with malice and forethought dress himself in a sheet wherewith impersonating a ghost did attempt to frighten ship's officers and watch standers from their lawful duties on the bridge, hoping that thereby we should avoid contact with the enemy. The aforesaid defendant, (Nincompoop) does cause his mess mates great mental anguish in that he never has a cigarette when asked for one. He further causes his mess mates great annoyance by attempting to force his singing hereafter referred to as the braying of an ass to resound through the J. O. Mess all the while twisting his curls with his hand. Prosecution: Your Honor: A ghost! Let the Bears finish the job and make not only a ghost out of him but a skeleton besides. The job should be easy. Ensign G. C. Merrick, U. S. Navy.
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CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification: This colossal Pollywog with the figure of an overdeveloped cow has refused co-operation in reducing the high cost of the J. O. Mess bill in that he does gorge himself, causing not only an exorbitant expense to his messmates but further causing them to starve while he himself rapidly approaches the proportions of a whale.
Further, his constant inquiries of all fellow officers and in all ship's officers of "Where will the ship be?" "When do we get in?" has caused strained relations among the ship's personnel. In that his increased size has so pleased his vanity that he has begun to believe that upon himself depends the operations of the Navy, little realizing that the brain of a Pollywog is of inconsequential dimensions. Prosecution: Your Honor: Slow starvation is the easiest compromise that the State will consider, also we will promise that the State will reduce that girth thereby, helping our trusty Shellbacks of the J. O. Mess. Chief Pay Clerk W. W. Raybolt, USMC. Specification: In that Chief Pay Clerk Raybolt did on or about 1 April, 1936, aboard my good ship Lexington and did appropriate to his use an outside stateroom in the starboard side of said ship well knowing that such stateroom is reserved to the use of officers of the Navy who are my trusted Shellbacks, and did thereby knowingly, wilfully and with intent to deceive, falsely assume the character and dignity of an officer and causing my trusty Shellbacks untold perspiration, and myself great displeasure. Prosecution: Your Honor: This Pollywog is so mean that he refused to take a trip around the world for two dollars. Chief Pay Clerk L. W. Sadd, U. S. Navy. In that Chief Pay Clerk L. W. Sadd did willingly and malingering feign illness "Dobe Itch" and succeed in getting himself on the sick list and obtain treatment from a worthy Shellback and further dodge duty (receiving stores) and thereby causing some other Chief Pay Clerk to be substituted in his place. SPECIFICATION II Further, that by making the sick list he did shamefully neglect his obligation to Mame Kelly and the Atlas Beer Garden. Prosecution: Your Honor: An "Itch" in time |
may save nine. Let the Royal Doctor administer an itch that he won't forget. A report to be also made to "Mame." By who? By me.
Electrician M. F. Hathaway, U. S. Navy. SPECIFICATION I In that Electrician M. F. Hathaway did during the past 12 months falsely spread rumors to the effect that he was soon to be ordered to shore duty, thereby attempt to evade a visit to the Royal Kingdom and further evade initiation into the Royal Realms of His Majesty. Prosecution: Your Honor: This parlor sailor was seen mailing a mail order, counterfeit, Neptune certificate. Need I say more? Charge: Falsehood. SPECIFICATION I In that Robert B. Landry, now a First Lieutenant, Air Corps, U. S. Army, while so serving aboard the U. S. S. Lexington, will on or about 23 May, 1936, upon his return to Albrook Field, C. Z., which is his regularly assigned duty, fabricate, lie, exaggerate, and falsely expound on the doings, operations, mystic rites, and conduct of our Royal Realm in general, and the U. S. Navy in particular, well knowing such stories will be false and untrue. Prosecution: Your Honor: His Majesty will recall that one of his most distinguished "Shell Backs" also came to us from the Army; no other than General John Pershing. So as we will never be accused of being unfair in our justice let's make him a "General" of all the works, by seeing all, doing all, and missing none.
Sentence To climb the foretopmast three times and shout so all may hear "I want to be a Shellback." SPECIFICATION I In that Thayer Olds, now a Captain, Air Corps, U. S. Army, while so serving aboard the U. S. S. Lexington, did on or about 16 May, 1936, board said ship for passage into the realm of his Royal Majesty King Neptune, to probe, spy, and snoop into the secrets and mysteries of my trusty Shellbacks, well knowing that such information gained would be passed on, imparted, and broadcast to the U. S. Army, thereby and therein placing my trusty Shellbacks in a compromising light. Prosecution: Your Honor: What is sauce for |
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CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS
| the goose is sauce for the goose. A Captain should get even more than a Lieutenant. Need I say more? The State rests. Sentence To climb the foretopmast three times and shout so all may hear, "I want to be a Shellback." Pursell, G. A. CMM U. S. Navy. SPECIFICATION I Did go swimming in the fire-room bilges; was also seen eating sardines from a fox-tail brush; and was overheard saying, "I'll pull the King's whiskers, the old buzzard." Prosecution: Your Honor: There may be some misunderstanding of the charges; probably this man was swimming in the bilges in search of sardines. Yes, that may be true, but, fox-tail brushes do not swim well; probably he was brushing the sardines up with the brush, and probably he wasn't, and probably, well - the State demands that this man be refracted, focused, boresighted, put in diapers; to teach the King the art of catching and eating sardines in the aforesaid manner, and to imitate a fish in water. E. M. Zimmer, CMM, U. S. Navy. Specification: This foul and dripping son of the bilges came aboard this vessel from small ships called submarines. His attitude toward this good ship was likened to submarines. He is quoted as saying, "We did not do that on the last ship I was on or you can't do this because we never did that on submarines." This attitude caused your loyal Shellbacks much hard labor and mental anguish. Prosecution: Your Honor: The State will not rest, because guilt is written all over his face. He should be given to the Royal Cannibals. W. J. Deans, EM1c. U. S. Navy. Specification: In that this lowly Pollywog, after a number of years in the Navy, becomes an Electrician's Mate First Class, causing lights to burn out and fuses to blow, thereby causing much discomfort to Shellbacks. Prosecution: Your Honor: He thinks he's an electrician. Why, then, shouldn't the law decree that he shalll explore the bottom of Davy |
Jones locker in search of an electric eel? Flux density - that's what ails these boneheads who seek leniency. Voltage, that's the cure. R. H. Ricks, Matt3c, U. S. Navy.
Specification: Did object to being called a Pollywog, well knowing that he was one of the lowest order, and by habit does try to be a Valentino and at the same time a Joe Louis. Prosecution: Your Honor: Another impersonator. We have too many of these impersonators. Need I say more? B. Haddock, CRM, U. S. Navy. Specification: Did extend his ears to full capacity to listen in on Shellback meetings, and by habit goes ashore in Panama. Prosecution: He was raised on a farm and the horse flies bother him. He thought the mail box was a fly trap installed by the department of agriculture. The Royal microscope proved that the accused himself was hiding in the mail box, with his ears extended trying his best to give himself the appearance of a windmill. The State demands that he rig his ears out and flap them to cast cool breezes upon the Royal Court, and also to be given the Royal Works. D. A. McFarland, ACMM, U. S. Navy.
Specification: Did join a secret league which is planning to upset the reign of His Majesty, and by habit does use Irish language against His Majesty and Royal Shellbacks. Prosecution: Your Honor: Inasmuch as this Pollywog joins secret leagues why shouldn't he then be taken into the secret league of His Majesty, which will make two leagues? No, make it 20 leagues below. B. M. Orrell. ACMM (ANP), U. S. Navy. Specification: Did use said wash room when ship was darkened, thereby not having to use much soap and killing two birds with one stone. Prosecution: Your Honor: This man is accused (or should I say convicted) of trying to kill two birds with one stone: It has been said that he's been trying to save on soap; well, say he has, that's one bird, where's the other? And let it also be known that the nose you see is false. |
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| Or did I make a mistake. Nose or Rose, it's almost the same, but not his nose. Yes, a Rose is a beautiful thing and it's been said that the accused has tried to grow roses. It seems he has had better success in growing noses. A rose is beautiful to look at and to smell and a nose is to smell with, but don't think that his nose is a rose, nor does any beautiful odors waft from this scoundrel. Now, we're back to the original, the washroom, yes the washroom. One bird is that he was saving on soap, the other bird is - that it was darkened ship. Look at him; he blushes like a rose, even the nose blushes. Let the Royal Artist retouch the masterpiece that he has concealed beneath the varnish. Grie, H. E. FC1c, U.S. Navy SPECIFICATION I Did state that the Shellbacks were a lot of hooey and baloney, even including King Neptune, and did impersonate Santa Claus without wearing a beard by making out an allotment to a certain fair and married lady in the City of Long Beach, California. Prosecution: Your Honor: He thinks it's just a party that King Neptune isn't any more real than Santa Claus. Very well, if he thinks it's just a party, where is his invitation? C. W. McConnell, C.Aerog., U. S. Navy Specification: In that his lowly star gazer and corpulency Pollywog tries to forecast the weather by saying "It will rain tomorrow because my corn hurts," thereby causing all Shellbacks to break out their foul weather clothing, while the sun beams out of the sky. Prosecution: Your Honor: I suggest he tell the Royal Princess the weather conditions for the coming *th day of June, and failure to do so correctly is enough to prove his guilt of the aforesaid charges, and woe to him if flying conditions are not favorable. I think enough has been said. He is certainly guilty, as he says he can't forecast the weather so far in advance. Well, he must have cut his corn; therefore, he should be given an examination by the Royal Doctor. And if he has, the Royal Works. Yes, and then to be fed to the Royal Cannibals. T. D. Beecher, Sea1c, U. S. Navy. Specification: Did boast that he was the best ball player in the U. S. Navy and being a |
lowly person called Pollywog, knows that he cannot be a good ball player. Prosecution: Your Honor: A ball player he thinks he is; fine, let him play ball with the Royal Bears. L. M. Bane, RM2c, U. S. Navy. Specification: Did, at Panama, Canal Zone, on or about 13 May, 1936, wilfully, felonously and without regard to the Majesty of the Mighty Ruler of the Raging Main, take His Majesty's name in vain, while around Pollywogs, and by habit does threaten to kiss the Royal Baby. Prosecution: Your Honor: So this man threatens to kiss the Royal Baby. O. K., let's give him that opportunity; have the sun-tanned baby come forward. Blanco, R., Cox., U. S. Navy. SPECIFICATION I In that this four-flusher, bridge shark, Long Beach sheik, did utter to-wit, "This Shellback talk may be all right for recruits but an old seaman like myself they don't scare me. Knowing well that Shellbacks is an old tradition on the seas and he being a seaman who knows all to be is falsely impersonating not only a seaman but a human being. Prosecution: Your Honor: This man is a Long Beach sheik, which makes him a Beach Hound. It's only 10 miles to land straight down. Put him there, Your Honor. Clayton, C. M., Cox., U. S. Navy. SPECIFICATION I He did remark, "To hell with you people (meaning Shellbacks), you don't bother me. I'll knock somebody's tooth down their throat." Also boasting that the Royal Police would be unable to find him. Prosecution: Your Honor: This man is a fighter and a sheik. Let's paint him and let him fight the Royal Chief Bear. R. E. Jackson, PhM2c, U. S. Navy. Specification: Did concoct a poisonous substance calculated to counteract the medicines of the Royal Dentist, which are so beneficial to lubberly Pollywogs, and by habit does consider himself stroke oar of his mess table. Prosecution: Your Honor: This man is always impersonating someone, so let him now show |
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CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS
| the court how he executes his celebrated slow rolls. May it be rolling a pill or rolling his imaginary plane, let him roll. W. A. Shelton, Y3c, U. S. Navy. Specification: Does say he is a big shot from Massachusetts who joined the Navy to avoid being a preacher, whereas his sole ambition is to become a Yeoman Second Class, and by habit does sleep with his shoes on, thereby causing perturbing odor to issue forth and causing undue suffering to many Shellbacks. Prosecution: Your Honor: We state without fear of successful contradiction that anyone who claims to come from Massachusetts deserves all the court can give him. Scholten, Lyle Joseph, RM1c (NAP), U. S. Navy. Specification: This awkward Pollywog, while acting in the capacity of N. A. P. (otherwise known as Naval Aviation Pilot), did with malice aforethought entice, beguile, enveigle, invite, force, or otherwise seduce, a Royal Shellback into the rear seat or other carrying space, of one airplane, now designated as "3-S-10." The passenger so situated and entertaining no suspicious thoughts, qualms, fright, or other attendant fears did observe the said Pollywog bedecking himself in one fur-lined winter flying suit or other apparel of like nature. The Pollywog, so dressed, did then and there with no further concourse with the said Shellback envelop himself in the forward compartment of said aircraft. The actions of the accused, up to this time, were not unduly suspicious. The said Shellback, believing that his pilot was very much uninitiated to the rigors of the rarer atmosphere, did not at once gather the real significance of the heavy clothing. Notwithstanding |
the probability of foul play, the passenger did not conceive of any reason for questioning his supposedly friendly companion as to his actions. Furthermore, there was not time prior to take-off for any interrogation on this point. Immediately upon leaving the ground the aforementioned Pollywog did commence wild stunts, gyrations, acrobatics, hazardous plunges, and other antics providing his fellow passenger with unendurable torment and discomfiture to the extent of painful nausea, vomiting, and painful discharge through the oral cavities. The much-to-be pittied Pollywog, with gross disrespect for the Royal and Mighty Order of Shellbacks, did then proceed to the nether heights seeking the coldest nooks and corners of the highest altitudes, causing the aforementioned accumulation of half digested breakfast and dinner which had trickled down the front of the unhappy Shellback's flying suit to freeze into hard lumps, causing great mental and bodily anguish.
Prosecution: Your Honor: An aviator is bad enough and a pilot is worse. How could any combination be worse than an aviation pilot? We demand the Royal Works for this low-life villain. K. E. Gray, Cox., U. S. Navy.
Specifications: On or about 1830, 12 May, 1936, did infringe (and how) in, on and around a shipmate's bunk, and by habit does disturb the peace every morning about the ship, thereby causing several Shellbacks to lose much valuable sleep and rest they would otherwise get. Prosecution: Your Honor: The State insists that the whole Royal Detail infringe all over this inlaid invertebrate and all his effects. |
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Neptunus Rex Queen Amphitrite The Princess The Royal Babies Davy Jones The Royal Admiral The Royal Navigator The Royal Chaplain The Royal Judges The Royal Prosecutors The Royal Attorney for Defense Uncle Sam The Royal Nurses |
The Royal Jesters T. C. Copeland, WT1c D. M. Sears, ACMM The Royal Dentists The Royal Skeleton The Royal Doctors The Royal Orderly The Royal Vaccinators The Royal Executioners The Royal Electrocutionists The Chief of the Royal Police |
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| Captain Aubrey W. Fitch, U. S. Navy Commander M. S. Brown, U. S. Navy Commander Ralph Wood, U. S. Navy Lieut-Commander R. E. Davison, U. S. Navy Lieut-Commander G. F. Bogan, U. S. Navy Lieut-Commander L. K. Swenson, U. S. Navy Lieut-Commander G. R. Fairlamb, Jr., U. S. Navy Lieut-Commander K. M. Hoeffel, U. S. Navy Lieut-Commander D. Rittenhouse, U. S. Navy Lieut-Commander H. C. Flanagan, U. S. Navy Lieut-Commander C. J. Rend, U. S. Navy Lieut-Commander E. E. Pare, U. S. Navy Lieut-Commander O. C. Laird, U. S. Navy Lieutenant R. Snyder, U. S. Navy Lieutenant R. K. Hodsdon, U. S. Navy Lieutenant R. W. Bowers, U. S. Navy Lieutenant R. B. Miller, U. S. Navy Lieutenant G. H. DeBaun, U. S. Navy Lieutenant W. G. Eaton, U. S. Navy Lieutenant J. V. Carney, U. S. Navy Lieutenant H. H. Goodwin, U. S. Navy Lieutenant T. E. Boyce, U. S, Navy Lieutenant F. A. L. Dartsch, U. S. Navy Lieutenant W. M. Beakley, U. S. Navy Lieutenant C. A. Legg, U. S. Navy Lieutenant A. M. Townsend, U. S. Navy Lieutenant R. R. Waller, U. S. Navy Lieutenant W. J. Marshall, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) H. E. Bernstein, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) R. S. Clarke, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) B. F. Roeder, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) G. F. Schultz, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) C. T. Strub, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) R. H. Nelson, U. S. Navy Ensign K. S. Shook, U. S. Navy Ensign L. P. Kimball, Jr., U. S. Navy Ensign R. E. Styles, U. S. Navy Ensign R. E. Stanley, U. S. Navy Ensign T. E. Norris, U. S. Navy Ensign H. S. Atherton, U. S. Navy Ensign G. C. Wells, U. S. Navy Ensign L. C. Coxe, U. S. Navy Ensign R. C. Latham, U. S. Navy Ensign J. R. Tibbets, U. S. Navy Ensign N. C. Johnson, U. S. Navy Ensign G. C. Merrick, U. S. Navy Ensign J. W. Stivers, U. S. Navy Ensign J. H. Eichmann, U. S. Navy Ensign N. H. Meyer, U. S. Navy Ensign J. G. O'Handley, U. S. Navy Ensign J. M. Seymour, U. S. Navy Ensign E. W. Shellworth, U. S. Navy Ensign G. Hutchinson, U. S. Navy Ensign C. B. Langston, U. S. Navy |
Ensign D. C. Lyndon, U. S. Navy Ensign H. H. Larsen, U. S. Navy Ensign G. W. Clegg, U. S. Navy Ensign G. S. Fuller, U. S. Navy Ensign E. D. Vestel, Jr., U. S. Navy Ensign R. McGowan, U. S. Navy Ensign S. L. Ward, U. S. Navy Ensign G. T. Baker, U. S. Navy Lieut-Commander (MC) D. H. Vance, U. S. Navy Lieut-Commander (MC) E. Ward, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) (MC) J. J. Sapero, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) E. J. Easley, U. S. Navy Lieut-Commander (DC) J. E. Herlihy, U. S. Navy Lieutenant (DC) V. H. Traxler, U. S. Navy Commander (SC) S. E. Dickinson, U. S. Navy Lieut-Comdr. (SC) H. E. Humphreys, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) (SH) H. C. Haynsworth, Jr., U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) (ChC) R. R. Marken, U. S. Navy Lieut. (CC) C. F. Cotton, U. S. Navy Ch. Btsn. F. W. Atherton, U. S. Navy Bosn. C. L. Knopp, U. S. Navy Ch. Gun. B. E. Blossie, U. S. Navy Ch. Gun. J. B. Ayres, U. S. Navy Gunner G. C. Nichols, U. S. Navy Ch. Elec. W. B. Craig, U. S. Navy Elec. M. F. Hathaway, U. S. Navy Elec. J. E. Teague, U. S. Navy Ch. Rad. El. C. A. McKelvey, U. S. Navy Ch. Rad. El. J. S. Weigand, U. S.: Navy Ch. Mach. V. F. LeVerne, U. S. Navy Ch. Mach. R. O. Deitzer, U. S. Navy Ch. Mach. S. C. Moore, U. S. Navy Ch. Mach. A. F. O'Meara, U. S. Navy Mach. J. W. McLean, U. S. Navy Ch. Carp. A. F. Whittier, U. S. Navy Carp. G. A. Tryon, U. S. Navy Ch. Pay Clk. E. E. Sleet, U. S. Navy Ch. Pay Clk. J. H. O'Neill, U. S. Navy Ch. Pay Clk. L. W. Sadd, U. S. Navy Capt. (USMC) B. W. Atkinson, Jr. 1st Lt. (USMC) W. F. Parks 2nd Lt. (USMC) H. W. G. Vadnais VF Squadron Two-B Lieut-Commander A. Crinkley, U. S. NavyLieut-Commander W. S. Cunningham, U. S. Navy Lieutenant E. C. Parker, U. S. Navy Lieut, (jg.) M. P. Evenson, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) G. W. Anderson, Jr., U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) C. E. Wakeman, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) F. C. McAllister, Jr., U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) R. H. Best, U. S. Navy |
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VB Squadron Three-B Lieut-Commander R. H. Harrell, U. S. NavyLieutenant J. H. McKay, U. S. Navy Lieutenant L. A. Moebus, U. S. Navy Lieutenant F. M. Hughes, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) R. S. Custer, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) R. C. Brixner, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) J. P. Monroe, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) W. H. Ashford, Jr., U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) S. B. Perreault, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg)E. O. Rigsbee, Jr., U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) N. M. Miller, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) L. Q. Forbes, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) J. T. Thornton, Jr., U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) W. M. Ryon, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) C. J. Odend'hal, Jr., U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) T. E. Carpenter, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) D. S. Crowley, U. S. Navy Ensign (USNR) R. R. Campbell VF Squadron Five-B Lieut-Commander J. R. Tate, U. S. NavyLieutenant W. W. Smith, U. S. Navy Lieutenant R. C. Sutliff, U. S. Navy Lieutenant D. T. Day, Jr., U. S. Navy Lieutenant W. C. Dey, Jr., U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) P. H. Lyons, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) O. P. Smoot, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) F. Turner, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) L. H. Hunte, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) W. F. Raborn, Jr., U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) H. P. Badger, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) G. M. Greene, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) W. E. Gallaher, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) C. M. Jett, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg)E. S. Lytle, Jr., U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) J. H. Morse, Jr., U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) R. L. Strickler, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) W. J. Widhelm, U. S. Navy |
VS Squadron Three-B Lieutenant J. F. Bolger, U. S. NavyLieutenant W. V. Saunders, U. S. Navy Lieutenant D. E. Wilcox, U. S. Navy Lieutenant J. O. Lambrecht, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) P. W. Watson, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) F. N. Taylor, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) R. G. Armstrong, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) E. P. Southwick, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) T. B. Clark, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) W. M. Drane, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) E. M. Block, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) W. C. Kaiser, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) P. H. Ashworth, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) R. W. Allen, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) P. K. Will, U. S. Navy Lieut. (jg) H. E. Born, U. S. Navy U. S. MARINE CORPS Captain V. M. Guymon, U. S. M. C. Captain W. G. Manley, U. S. M. C. 1st Lieut. E. L. Pugh, U. S. M. C. 1st Lieut. D. F. O'Neil, U. S. M. C. 1st Lieut. J. C. Munn, U. S. M. C. 1st Lieut. H. R. Lee, U. S. M. C. 1st Lieut. T. G. Ennis, U. S. M. C. 1st Lieut. W. J. Huffman, U. S. M. C. 1st Lieut. P. Moret, U. S. M. C. 1st Lieut. W. B. Steiner, U. S. M. C. 1st Lieut. R. D. Salmon, U. S. M. C. 1st Lieut. F. D. Winfree, U. S. M. C. Ch. Pay Clk. W. W. Raybolt, U. S. M. C. PASSENGERS Captain J. S. McCain, Sr., U. S. NavyLieut. W. S. Chamberlain, U. S. N. R. Captain. T. S. Olds, U. S. Army 1st Lieut. R. B. Landry, U. S. Army Mr. Harry Larsen |
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FIRST DIVISION VF5B
IN PERFECT FORMATION
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FOR SIGNATURES OF OFFICERS
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