| Accession Number | P02550.004 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | At sea |
| Date made | c 1940 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
A Crossing the Line ceremony held onboard the Kent class cruiser HMAS Canberra. The Commanding ...
Description
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 observe the proceedings as the ship's band (left) plays a musical interlude. When circumstances allow, unofficial ceremonies are held in ships as they cross the equator to initiate novices into the Brotherhood of the Seas and as subjects of 'His Oceanic Majesty, King Neptune'. The ship is usually placed out of routine for the day and officers and men share impartially in the proceedings, which are made the occasion for harmless, good-natured skylarking. Capt Farncomb was the first graduate of the Royal Australian Naval College to be promoted to the rank of captain. HMAS Canberra was sunk on 9 August 1942 off Savo Island in the battle of Guadalcanal.