Iliff-King phrasebook Iliff-King phrasebook

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definition

if I wasn’t a gunner I wouldn’t be here expression or saying

Timing phrase used by the gunner during a gun salute to ensure the bangs are evenly spaced

Origin

From one of the naval fiction books we read together, probably Patrick O’Brian’s

Collector

M & N – 1980s
Mark & Naomi

Submitted: 30/06/2022 by Mark

comments

 If I remember correctly, there were four lines to this. The next line is "Left home and wife and everything dear."

—John Hobson, 24 Jul 2026

 @John Hobson: Hadn't heard that before. Thank you! µ

—Mark Iliff, Caversham, 24 Jul 2026

any thoughts?

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