![]() Many children called the gas mask a 'Hitler.' The gas mask was not popular and most people found it uncomfortable. The gas mask attracted many nicknames, from 'nosebag' after the feedbags that horse wore round their noses, to 'dickey-bird'. When the ARP wardens sounded rattles to alert people to a gas attack, the directions were to 'Hold your breath, put on your mask, cover your skin and take shelter in the nearest building.' If you had inhaled some vapour gas you were advised to 'keep your mask on even if you feel discomfort and seek help at a first aid post.' The emergency services and the ARP were trained in dealing with gas attacks. The Ministry of Home Security issued instructions on what to do in the event of a gas attack. There were even events like 'Gas Mask Week' when talks on anti-gas measures were given in local town halls, and people could get their masks tested. Don't be a gas casualty.' Short films and radio adverts also kept people informed. Don't be caught without your gas mask when the wardens sound their rattles. ![]() 'It is your duty to yourself, your family and your country to be prepared. ' Hitler will send no warning - so always carry your gas mask', cautioned one poster. Posters about the dangers of gas attacks were everywhere by the outbreak of war. People were told to keep their gas masks with them day and night. The Government waged a publicity campaign. The British government took precautions against poison gas attacks and by 1938 they had issued 'civilian type respirators' to every man, woman and child in the nation. Harmful gases can make the skin blister, cause blindness and breathing problems, and can even kill. During World War I the Germans and Allies had used poison gas to attack each other in the trenches. In the build-up to World War II the British government feared that the Germans would attack Britain with poison gas. It is important that all asbestos is professionally removed from gas masks from this period. In recent years the link between asbestos and lung disease has become known. A label inside the box instructed the user to pack the respirator in the box with the heavy end on the bottom and the transparent eyepiece on the top.Īs asbestos ages it breaks down. The owner's name and address were written on the label so that the gas mask could be returned if lost. The label on this box shows that it came from the 'Borough of Hendon, ARP, Central Division'. Take off by pulling the straps over the head from the back.Įach gas mask came with a carrying case so that people could take them wherever they went.Adjust straps to obtain close but comfortable fit. Put on the mask by first putting chin into the facepiece, and then drawing the straps over the head.Inside the carrying box there is a label that gives instructions on wearing the mask. Three straps hold the mask securely on the head and the rubber fits snugly round the wearer's face to prevent fumes leaking into the mask. When worn, the air breathed in would pass through the asbestos, which would filter out dangerous gases so that the wearer could breathe safely. Asbestos is a chemical substance that can absorb poisonous gases. It is made of black rubber with a plastic eyepiece and a filter made of a perforated tin can containing a block of asbestos. Find out how you can use this.This gas mask dates from World War II when the British government gave everyone gas masks as protection against possible poison gas attacks by the Germans. © Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Happy days for a child even with a war happening. “Ha ha hee hee little gas mask how I love thee,Ĭan you imagine the noise of over forty-five seven year olds singing while wearing gas masks. So our teacher made up a little song to the tune of “Little Brown Jug” that we all sang wearing our gas masks, I suppose it was to get us used to wearing them. The windows in the classroom were small pane with sticky paper strips all over them, in case they broke if a bomb was dropped nearby. No-one liked wearing the gas masks as the eye pieces steamed up and you couldn’t see properly. Practising in case of an air raid, we sat on the floor under our desks, wearing our gas masks. I can remember a large classroom, the classes were big then, we each had our own wooden desk, with an opening lid – ink wells even ink monitors!! We all had a gas mask which had to be taken to school. I was seven years old in 1939, in the September I started in the juniors at the local school. I was born and lived in Leicester until 1954. The author fully understands the site’s terms and conditions” “This story was submitted to the site by the BBC Radio Derby’s CSV Action Desk with Pamela Findlay’s permission.
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