Powder monkey

His chief role was to ferry gunpowder from the powder magazine in the ship's hold to the artillery pieces, either in bulk or as cartridges, to minimize the risk of fires and explosions.

The Marine Society, which encouraged youths to join the Royal Navy recruited them by providing clothes, bedding, and a rudimentary education.

This group had cousins, fathers, and even grandfathers who were sailors, thus making them want to continue family traditions and exploit their sense of adventure.

The two navies fought against each other in the War of 1812, during which time both sides utilized the special physical gifts that powder monkeys offered on board their warships.

[12] The term was later used, and continues to be used in some countries, to signify a skilled technician or engineer who engages in blasting work, such as in the mining or demolition industries.