This is from pre-history (to some) ... like that very cold November of 1949.
National Service fly-boy hopefuls on the parade ground at RAF Padgate for Initial Training while waiting for Aircrew Selection are being instructed in "Parts of the Rifle" (Lee Enfield .303). Corporal X has covered most bits and comes to the bit that rests against your shoulder:
"Now this is the butt.
It is made from
lignum vitae.
This is a very resistant wood.
It is used for piles for piers.
And I do not mean haemorrhoids for the haristocracy".
I seem to remember that nobody even smirked ...
