WW2 USS Gen. Freeman 1945 Sailors Crossing Equator Ceremony 5x4 Original Photo

Description: This is an original photo from a sailor who served aboard USS General H. B. Freeman (AP-123), a Squier-class transport ship during WWII. It was acquired in a collection from an Estate in New York.Type & Size: A 5x4" original photograph.Condition: Good vintage condition; light age wear, corners may have slight damage. Please see photos. A large group of men, many in festive or theatrical attire, are gathered closely together on a ship deck. Several wear whimsical costumes, including some dressed as mythological or historical figures, soldiers, and sailors, suggesting a celebratory or ceremonial event. A chaplain is present on the right of the photograph, indicating a possible religious or formal maritime ceremony.During WWII, sailors often participated in 'Crossing the Line' ceremonies when their ship crossed the equator. This traditional naval event involved elaborate costumes and performances, and included the "King Neptune" figure who initiated the initiates into the "Order of Neptune." These ceremonies were a way to boost morale and create camaraderie among the crew. The photograph appears to capture one of these ceremonies with crew members dressed up for the occasion.The text "This is the group that had crossed the scythe and did like mistaking the man with the before in refer the to our right is Chaplain" seems to refer to the event at hand, mentioning the chaplain's participation. The date "JUN 11 1945" and the ship's designation "U.S.S. GEN. H. B. FREEMAN, A.P. 143" are stamped on the back, confirming the historical context.

Price: 29 USD

Location: Carlsbad, California

End Time: 2024-12-14T12:56:11.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD