The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
King Neptune and his helpers hold court during a 'crossing the line' ceremony held onboard the troop transport HMAS Sydney whilst en route to Vietnam. Some of those crossing the equator for the first time would be subjected to harmless yet high spirited initiation rites. Army personnel, including soldiers from 1 Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), also observed and participated in the proceedings. In naval folklore, those who undergo these rituals have paid due homage to the King of the Seas and are considered to be always under his care.
A Crossing the Line ceremony held onboard the Kent class cruiser HMAS Canberra. The Commanding Officer, Captain (Capt) H B Farncomb (centre), receives a certificate from King Neptune. Crew members o
Troops on board the transport ship SS Marathon watch games associated with the traditional naval 'crossing the line' ceremony, which takes place when a ship crosses the equator. Sailors who are crossi
Troops on board the transport ship SS Marathon watch some games associated with the traditional naval ceremony of 'Crossing the line', which takes place when a ship crosses the equator, and sailors wh
Chaplain Alexander Tulloh (centre) faces judgement in King Neptune's court while crew members observe the proceedings of the Crossing the Line ceremony onboard the Kent class cruiser HMAS Canberra. 1
Portrait of two unidentified seamen dressed as Father Neptune and his consort, water nymph Amphitrite coming aboard the destroyer HMAS Yarra in a traditional line-crossing ceremony. This ancient naval
Group portrait of unidentified seamen in fancy dress costume as Father Neptune and his entourage on board the destroyer HMAS Yarra. On the left in the front row is a bugler holding a mascot dog. The
