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The Times & The Sunday Times
The Times & The Sunday Times
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Rise and shine

Would you like to buy a battleship?
The Times
The Times

Sir, When my father woke me up at 7am after my late-night socialising (“Wakey, wakey”, letter, Jan 15) he would always rouse me with the question: “Would you like to buy a battleship?” Unfortunately, I never asked him why.

Other than just being part of his joyful revenge can any reader suggest a reason why he should choose to use such a particular phrase, as it is too late for me to ask him now?

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John Ellerby
Winchester, Hants