A Soldier's Letter.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 30 October 1917, Page 3

A Soldier's Letter.

HOW THE 28TH REINFORCEMENTS CROSSED THE LINE. Sergeant Eric E.Barratt, of Levin, who left with the 28th Reinforcements, writes a breezy account of the sport the men had on 9th September when they " crossed the line." No one knew at 5 a.m. what was to happen, and it was only when the sailors began to fill a big canvas sheet with wa- [ ter that we learned that Admiral Neptune was expected on board to initiate us into the mysteries of the sea. Most of our boys were ignorant of the usual custom on shipboard on such an auspicious occasion, and many were the questions asked. One old salt said the line could not be seen with a naked eye, but was discernible through a telescope, one of which he brought on deck and poised upon a rail for all to have a peep through. Several said they saw the line distinctly, but ordinary vision failed to perceive it. Later it was discovered that this nautical showman had affixed a thin thread across the glass of the telescope, and those who had been deceived cot some barracking later on, because they believed that the mythical line could be seen through a glass. The fun of the day commenced when the Sergeant-Major appeared in spotless white garments and shoes to match. It was a holiday rig out sure enough. Other officers looked proper dandies, and it was evident they were out to see the fun, not to partake in it. Meanwhile the sheet was filled with water, four feet deep, two strange beings were tumbling about in the water, a sergeant robed as a clergyman, stood close by with an open book, and the press gang started on their mission. The Sergeant-Major looked so attractive that they seized him, took off his coat and then slung him into the bath. Here he-was tumbled about unceremoniously, and then released, looking like a wet hen, his togs unstarched. The other officers paid their respects to old Father Neptune in a similar way. One ,was talking sweet things to a lady passenger, telling her, no doubt, that he would resent such liberties. But the press gang knew their business. Three pairs of muscular arms encircled him and he was borne off, struggling frantically and pitched headlong into the bath. He came up, looking very angry and said, " I pwotest ," but we heard no more, for a four inch hose was played upon him, and as he ascended from his. baptism the mock parson pronounced the benediction. Then came the civilian passengers and the boys. The day was hot and they all went through the ordeal vncomplainingly. In the afternoon we had sports, without j a thought of being torpedoed, and there was perfect good humour. It was a day of hilarious laughter and a release from the usual military routine.