Dedicated to the pilots who were there:

The "Shellbacks" of

"Fighter Duel" and

"1942"

Pacific Air War challenge ladders.

"PAW Archives" | "Fighter Duel Archives"

The following pilots distinguished themselves and brought credit to their comrades in the course of their duties as pilots of the "1942 - Pacific Air War" and "Fighter Duel" simulation challenge ladders.

There is a British naval tradition that has evolved during the past two hundred years, which is still practiced in modern times, and by shipmates aboard sea-going vessels of many different nationalities.

It is steeped in the traditional withdrawal of the customary protocol of rank aboard sailing vessels of that time. All crewmen had a temporary, and often exploited, removal of rank. All aboard the ship would become equal in stature, save one class of seaman.

This ceremony occurred as the ship crossed the equator.

Those seamen who had already crossed the equator and having received appropriate initiation, fell into the ranks of a "Shellback". As such, they ceremoniuosly entered into a membership of the "Realm of Neptune".

Membership was duly documented and recognition was customarily certificated. In future crossings, proof of membership in the "Realm" might be required in order to document "Shellback" status. Woe be unto the man who was unable to certify his status, or take seriously the import of the tradition. Hazing was merciless.

Those unfortunate souls who were crossing the equator for the first time, or unable to document their "Shellback" status, were among a lowly class referred to as "Pollywogs".

Any man claiming to be a "Shellback" but was unable to substantiate his claim, would be demoted to "Pollywog" status and would be due an extra ration of hazing.

The initiation of the "Wogs" was performed by any and all "Shellbacks" aboard, and since it usually took only a few souls to actually run the ship, each "Shellback" relished the opportunity to add to the ritual hazing.

The men of the European Air War challenge ladder who also fought in the South Pacific theater of operations referred to as "Pacific Air War" and "Fighter Duel" ladders are hereby recognized for their status as a "Shellback" and have been awarded the "Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal" for their service.

The affected pilots will have the medal displayed on the Official Rankings Page for one week. After that period of time, they will be displayed by each Officer's name and rank in the roster page as well on this site, dedicated to the "Shellbacks"

Any pilots who wish to make their claim as a "Shellback" and receive their deserved recognition and award, may submit their certificate as documentation for their proof of membership in the "Realm of Neptune". Additional names will be added as they become discovered.

Many of these pilots have gone on to new action in the European Air War theater of operations. For their outstanding service against opposing forces in the Pacific theater, these pilots have been awarded the following:

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

It is with great pride that we pay tribute to these pilots.

(Pilots with a Japanese flag by their name achieved "Ace" status with at least 5 victories during their simulated campaign service.)

* Lt. Calabs * Lt. FM Jump * Lt. Grizzly * Lt. Dirtdobber *

* Lt. Goshawk * Lt. Deacon * Lt. Ninja *Lt. Corn Cob *

* Lt. Puma * Lt. Hawkeye * Lt. Vapors * Lt. Preacher One *

* Lt. Snapshot * Lt. RoadRunner * Lt. Reno *

* Lt. Last Chance * Lt. Seahawk * Lt. Muad'dib *

* Lt. Teleocerus * Capt. Vertigo * Capt. Duke *

* Lt. Solo-Mio * Lt. HarHill * Lt. Dawg *

* Lt. Slick * Lt. Black Seal * Lt. Grey Wolf *

* Lt. Freight Train * Lt. Sabre * Lt. FD Jabo *

* Lt. Starwolf * Lt. Deep6 * Lt. Locutis * Lt. Laddle *

No Pollywogs allowed!!!

I Am A Pollywog!"
(Originally the "Lumberjack's Song" from Monte Python)

Sung to the tune of Monty Python's, "The Lumberjack Song"
If you haven't already memorized the Lumberjack Song, go to the following link and be sure to pay close attention to the lady's expression and the Mounties hats. 

http://bau2.uibk.ac.at/sg/python/Sounds/html

Chorus:
I'm a pollywog, and I'm OK.
I sleep all night and I work all day.

I shoot down planes. I eat my lunch.
I go to the lavatory.
On Wednesdays I go shoppin'
And have buttered scones for tea.
(chorus)
I shoot down planes, I skip and jump.
I like to press wild flowers.
I put on women's clothing
And hang around in bars.
(chorus)
I shoot down planes, I wear high heels,
Suspendies and a bra!
I wish I'd been a girlie,
Just like my dear Papa!

I'm a Pollywog and I'm OK!
I sleep all night, and I fly all day!

(background voice, talking)
What's this? Wants to be a girlie?! Oh my!
And I thought you were so rugged! Poofter!

I'm a Pollywog and I'm OK!
I sleep all night and I fly all day!