gun-layer

English

Alternative forms

• gun layer, gunlayer

Noun

gun-layer (plural gun-layers)

1. A soldier who is assigned to aim and fire a mounted machine gun such as that on the turret of a tank.
   • 1930, Stephen Lucius Gwynn, Captain Scott, page 112:

     A ship carries comparatively small guns to repel attacks by torpedo craft. We carry eight twelve-pounders, three three-pounders for the purpose. Each of these guns has its appointed gun-layer who is supposed to shoot straight.

   • 1998, Ian V. Hogg, Allied Artillery of World War Two, page 111:

     The breech is opened by hand and the auto-loader primed, after which the gun-layer aims and stamps on the firing pedal.

   • 2019, Vasily Grossman, translated by Robert Chandler and Yury Bit-Yunan, Stalingrad, page 114:

     'Well, comrade Colonel, it's started now!" said a gun-layer.