HMS Daring crossed the equator at 10:00 on Sunday 30th July 1967 and it is believed that this was the first time that she had done so. The weather was overcast with a cooling breeze and not the hot sunny day that we had all anticipated. It is traditional for ships crossing the equator to hold a 'crossing the line' ceremony and this was no exception. S/Lt John Stoakes with Chiefs CPOSA(S) Brien Beasley, ERA Taylor and MAA Judson organised the ceremony with much flair; this made for a welcome break from the daily routine at sea. The court of King Neptune included the bears, who duly administered the punishment of coating all convicted novices with an evil smelling paste that included feathers and a purple dye.