Polliwog to a Shellback!

March 25, 2025

We crossed the equator! I now share this “ancient order of the deep” with my father. He was a 20 year old young man serving in the Navy during WWII when he crossed the equator and became a “Shellback.” It has been 82 years ago and now my Son, Darrell proudly possesses these precious documents from our family history.

My initiation was quite mild compared to my dad’s. I barely kissed a fish. I believe all the Navy “Polliwogs” were actually tossed overboard. Being a confident swimmer, dad enjoyed a nice cool dip in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Not all the sailors were happy about going overboard as some were not swimmers!

💦 🏊‍♀️ 💦

4 thoughts on “Polliwog to a Shellback!

  1. sullivandeanie's avatar sullivandeanie

    Shirley! I love your commentaries! They sound just like you and very librarian! I love that I’m learning something too besides just living vicariously through you and Linda – and making sure you’re happy and healthy! Thanks again for the updates ! Sending love from WA ! 😘

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    1. Deanie! Thank you! I love that you love my commentaries! Haha, Mary said the same thing about being a librarian. I’ll own it👍🏻🤗I am so very happy👍🏻🥰 I still can’t believe this is my life!
      Isn’t being a grandmother the grandest! I am so happy for you!
      I know that’s a lot of exclamation marks but so be it❣️

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