What does the term 'side boys' refer to?

What does the term 'side boys' refer to?

• A. Young sailors stationed to receive dignitaries
• B. Deck crew performing maintenance
• C. Ship's cooks
• D. Passengers on board

Answer: (A)

Side boys are sailors assigned to render ceremonial honors to visiting dignitaries by standing at the ship’s gangway to greet and escort the guest as they come aboard or depart. This role is all about presenting a formal, respectful welcome or send-off, often with uniformed appearance and attentive pose, reflecting discipline and tradition. It’s not about maintenance work by deck crew, cooking duties, or passengers onboard, which is why the description of young sailors stationed to receive dignitaries best fits this term.

Side boys are sailors assigned to render ceremonial honors to visiting dignitaries by standing at the ship’s gangway to greet and escort the guest as they come aboard or depart. This role is all about presenting a formal, respectful welcome or send-off, often with uniformed appearance and attentive pose, reflecting discipline and tradition. It’s not about maintenance work by deck crew, cooking duties, or passengers onboard, which is why the description of young sailors stationed to receive dignitaries best fits this term.