8 RFID and Auto-ID in Planning and Logistics
1.5.5 gunpowdeR LogIstIcs consIdeRAtIons
Whatever the cannons red, it was necessary to use gunpowder. Due to the explosive nature of the
loose gunpowder, barrels of gunpowder were stored deep within the hull in the ship’s magazine.
Only when a cartridge was needed was the gunpowder assembled into a cartridge in another room
called the handling chamber. The assembled cartridge was then taken to the gun by a sailor called
a powder monkey. The other major issue with gunpowder or more specically with black pow-
der was the necessity of keeping it dry. This of course was an issue to consider given the marine
environment.
Thus, the creation of the world’s most powerful navy for more than 200 years ...