powderman

[ pou-der-man, -muh n ]

/ ˈpaʊ dərˌmæn, -mən /

a person in charge of explosives, especially in a demolition crew.

Slang. a safe-cracker who uses explosives to open safes.

Origin of powderman

First recorded in 1660–70; powder¹ + man¹

Half the men composing a gun's crew, excluding the Powderman or Boy, are to be Boarders.

Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. |Bureau of Ordnance, USN
To reduce from 20 men and Powderman to 16 men and Powderman, omit four next highest numbers.

Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. |Bureau of Ordnance, USN
If the Powderman is disabled the highest number takes his place.

Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. |Bureau of Ordnance, USN
An 11-inch pivot-gun on its revolving carriage was served by 24 crewmen and a powderman.

Artillery Through the Ages |Albert Manucy

To reduce from 24 men and Powderman to 20, omit four highest numbers.

Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. |Bureau of Ordnance, USN