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What Does The English Phrase 'Gone For A Burton' Mean?

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    There are a number of suggestions as to the true nature of the meaning of the phrase 'Gone for a Burton'.  In Second World War RAF parlance, something that had gone for a Burton was something that was missing, broken, damaged or destroyed.  Therefore if one of their fellow pilots was Killed In Action (K.I.A) or Missing in Action (M.I.A), then they were said to have 'Gone for a Burton'.  Burton is a famous centre for the brewing industry.  It may be a euphemistic way of suggesting that one of their own has just step out for a beer.

    To go for a Burton could also relate to the Montague Burton, a tailor, to have Gone for a Burton, may relate to getting fitted up for a suit. The type of suit one might be tailored to wear in a coffin.

    Other references are far more obscure and less likely to be possible answers.
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    Epictetus 

    answered 3 years ago

         
         

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