Mac Perry provided perspective on what was happening seventy years ago aboard Tryon :. Watched the rest of the convoy steam away and out of sight as the engine room gang worked frantically to effect repairs. I had the first dog-watch, so he told me to have my relief report early as he wanted to see me in his cabin at I must admit that it frightened the devil out of me.
I wondered what I had done, and thought of everything and decided that he might beach some of us when we arrived at our destination. Fired all guns and our pattern of fire was the best yet. Other drills and work occupied the rest of the day. This was my birthday and the Captain was beginning a custom of entertaining each officer for dinner on his birthday.
I had forgotten all about it. There was a fine dinner, topped off by a gaily decorated cake. The Filipino steward was beaming when he brought it in. Pollywogs are put through a series of physical tasks, outrageous taunts and disgusting indignities all intended for fun , and after completion of the initiation are given a certificate declaring their new status as shellback.
When it comes to performing the initiation, rating and rank are irrelevant. One of these ceremonies was briefly mentioned by nurse Lena Gelott, aboard Rochambeau, in the convoy with Tryon mentioned in an earlier post. I hope to look at these celebrations more closely later.
Perry reports that shortly after crossing the equator Tryon broke down, dead in the water, with the rest of the convoy steaming on without them. Once repaired, Tryon was able to go full steam and catch the rest of the convoy before dark.
