gun-layer

plural gun-layers · alternative gun layer · alternative gunlayer

1. A soldier who is assigned to aim and fire a mounted machine gun such as that on the turret of a tank.

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

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

   2 more examples

   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.

   1930, Stephen Lucius Gwynn, Captain Scott, page 112

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

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