Historic Valley Forge
Matross
Q.I am looking to define what "matross" means as it is listed as the rank of a relative who fought at Valley Forge.
G. Abend
A.A Matross was a soldier who assists artillery gunners in loading, firing, sponging and moving the guns. There were many of these men encamped at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78 and were "retrained" with the arrival of von Steuben. While certainly not a glamorous role, it was very essential!
