Powder monkey

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For other uses, see Powder monkey (disambiguation).
A powder monkey on a Union vessel during the American Civil War

Powder monkeys were a part of warships' crews during the Age of Sail that carried bags of gunpowder from the powder magazine in the ship's hold to the gun crews. Powder monkeys were usually boys or young teens selected for the job for their speed and height — they were short and would be hidden behind the ship's gunwale, keeping them from being shot by enemy ships' sharp shooters. In recent times the term has been applied to a variety of workers who deploy explosives. The use of the term 'powder monkey' in English dates to the late 17th century.[1]

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  1. ^ Edward Ward. The curry-comb turn'd to its right use; or, The powder-monkey to a Jamaica ship, dress'd with it.. http://www.worldcat.org/title/curry-comb-turnd-to-its-right-use-or-the-powder-monkey-to-a-jamaica-ship-dressd-with-it/oclc/228730742. 

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