"Crossing The Line" - Part 5

Their Majesties then shook hands in turn with each boy, and wished them the best of luck.

They went through laughing and choking, and then the proceedings ran along smoothly and without incident until seven bells, when the Court and the assembled multitude were called to attention by another blast ( from the trumpet). Amid a great silence, the King rose and said "My very old friend, the Admiral of the Fleet, has expressed a wish to be again initiated. I consider it a great honour which he pays Us, and an example to other old friends of ours."

The Admiral, attended, of course, by his Secretary and his Flag Lieutenant, also old friends of His Majesty, duly observed the customary rites. As the Admiral emerged from the bath he was greeted with three enthusiastic cheers from the whole assembly, led by His Majesty and the Court.

A ripple of talk now filled the air, followed by a hush, as Lady Jellieoe came forward, in spite of advice to the contrary from her physician, so that she, too, might observe the full rites. And indeed, she did so, though instead of taking the full course of the bath, a few drops of its sacred water were sprinkled over her. The ceremony over, she was given three hearty cheers and a “tiger.” His Majesty announced at this stage that the Court would resume at eight bells of the afternoon watch, and thereupon closed the morning session.

At the appointed hour His Majesty came in procession as in the fore- noon, and immediately carried on with the remainder of the business. Many old hands followed the example of the Admiral, and all the proceed- ings were completed within the space of the First Dog Watch.

The most stirring, even touching, incident of the afternoon session was the eloquent address delivered by the Admiral’s Printer, the oldest member in the Ship’s Company, who spoke thus, causing Her Majesty deep emotion.

To Father Neptune--

Behold in me a Printer bold
Who’s always got a "thust,"
Contracted in my childhood days
By swallowing dry gold dust.

Your waters I’m prepared to try
Upon my outer skin,
But just to damp the dust, old boy,
I’d like something else within.

Now if You wish to test my wares,
I’m foremost in the race--
Just see how nice the gold dust looks
On Amphitrite’s sweet face.

The Printer had gilded the cheeks of Amphitrite and presented King Neptune with a packet of the precious gold dust.

My tale is nearly ended now,
But I’m sure you’d like to know--
I crossed Your blinking, mouldy Line
Just thirty years ago.

Yours (in aqua pura),
OLD MOORE

After closing of the Court, formalities were relaxed, and Their Majesties, before returning to the Deep, permitted the Royal Suite to throw them- selves into the bath, where they were joined by crowds of onlookers. The final scene was, very properly, distinctly watery. All those who attended the Court this day were presented, as is customary, with the Royal Certificate, artistically designed and executed by His Majesty’s Printer-in- Chief.

Their Majesties were pleased to learn in the evening that the whole of the good ship’s company looked back upon a very merry day, which was unspoiled by any unfortunate incident or jarring note. Their Majesties, too, though somewhat fatigued, returned to Their watery Realms in an excellent temper and with a deeper affection for the old ship, her Admiral, And her crew.

His Majesty King Neptune has been graciously pleased to request the Secretary of State to convey His Royal Thanks to those who played the leading parts for their untiring energy, good humour and liveliness through- out the cay, and for the trouble they took and the ingenuity they showed in preparing their costumes.

They were—

King Neptune - Mr. E. J. Whiting, M.B.E., Chief Gunner, R.N.

Queen Amphitrite - Mr. P. Turner, Commissioned Shipwright, R.N.

Judge - F. H. Green, P.O. Mr. F. J. Cummins, W.V.O., R.N.

Judge’s Clerk - W. Spinks, Sto.

Doctor - F. R. Stallard, Sto. P.O.

Barber - R. Donaldson, Sto.

Barber’s Assistant - E. Roberts, Lea. Sea.

Lady Barber - A. G. Johnston, P.O.

Police
S. 0. Allen, Sergt., R.M, L.I.,
R. Horsefield, A.B.
F. H. Marfieet, Cks. Mate.,
J. Hicks, Ptr.,
W. T. W. Miller, Ptr.,
J. J. Upton, Joiner,
A. Marlow, A.B.,
A. Joyce, Lea. Sto.,
F. W. Battrick, A.B.,
P.O. J. J. Brennan.

Secret Police
P.O. F. Quick,
Pte., R.M.L.I., J. Bingham,
A.B. W. J. McCall.

Bodyguards
A.B. W. H. G. Bishop,
C.P.O., D. Redfern, Armr.,
F. Blake, A.B.,
H. T. Andrew, Shlpwright.

Head Bears
W. J. Bryant, P.O.,
J. J. Ellis, A.B.

Bears
W. T. Cook, Ch. Electn.,
H. Daniels, C.P.O.,
J. P. Swiggs, P.O.,
A. Wardropper, A.B.,
H. Trafford, A.B.

King’s Messenger - R. Yendell, Cpl. R.M.L.I.

Chariot Seahorses
M. Grant, L/Cpl., R.M.LI,
R. M. McGregor, Bombr., R.M.A.

King’s Trumpeter - B. J. Every, Bugler, R.M.L.I.

His Majesty also wished to thank the Commissioned Shipwright, the Signal Boatswain, and their assistants for rigging and decorating the bath and the stages; and particularly the members of the First Commission, from whose arrangements the general plan of the ceremony was taken.

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