slight side-track, but, still on about Lining the Decks :) ..... takes me back to when I was a wee boy working at Rosyth Dock yards - picture the scene -
At sundown the British Navy used to lower to White Ensign flag on the aft deck. All the officers and crew were mustered at the ceremony.
Now picture the day... it is literally blowing a gale, in December .... round about 3.30 p.m. Halestone, sleet etc., you name it, its lashing down. There are these poor souls on the aft deck of the ship attending the ceremony...when also, a German warship comes in - and her decks are lined with their crew - but, the German crew all had short-sleeved shirts on, taking the salute/whatever. The crew of each vessel saluted one another; whilst we onlookers, wrapped up in our survival suits and whatnot stood and watched in disbelief.
That is ceremony stretched to the limits I think. By the way, the vessel I was working on was HMS BLACKWATER.
Aye
JOHN
bluebird