![]() ![]() The gases used recently in Iraq and Syria are the same as those developed for WW2. If you have a strong stomach, read Wilfred Owen's poem 'Dulce et Decorum Est', which describes a gas attack. In WW2, many people would have known soldiers who had been gassed in the trenches in WW1. One minute's viewing of a film of gas effects is enough to get people following the gas attack drills perfectly. That said, the consequences of being gassed were dire. The masks are uncomfortable to wear for any period of time, and prone to fogging up because facial sweat is both triggered by, and cannot escape, the rubber (an anti-misting kit was also issued). There is some speculation that Hitler never ordered an attack as he had been a victim of a British chemical attack during WW1. Thus it was thought necessary to issue protective gas masks to all civilians as well as military personnel.ĭespite the high chance, chemical weapons were not in fact ever used in warfare during WW2 by any side, though records show every major power had them, and was prepared to use them in response to a chemical attack by the enemy. The effect of nerve gas poisoning is horrific as well as lethal. Thus the Allies fully expected Germany to drop chemical bombs on cities during WW2. They similarly bombed Rotterdam in Holland in 1940, showing they considered civilians legitimate targets. During the Spanish Civil War, the German Condor legion launched a bombing attack on the undefended city of Guernica. Chemical warfare using chloride gas was first released by German troops on April 22. This gas mask was worn by 21 year old Levi Nathan Cox from Clarendon, Texas. Gas masks were developed in WWI to protect soldiers from the effects of chloride gas. Weapons, and conducted advanced research leading to the first nerveĪgents. 1 of 6: Gas mask issued to World War I soldier, Levi Nathan Cox from Clarendon, Texas, ca. The 1930's, the Germans had rapidly built up a stockpile of chemical In the first World War, it was the Germans who initiated gas use,ĭespite it being clearly banned under the Hague Conventions of 1899. The filter is fitted on the left to make it easier to use a rifle. The military mask is butyl rubber and has 2 eyepieces for better vision, 6 straps for a better fit whilst moving, and a screw on filter to enable changes. They were designed to protect inactive people indoors. This was quite effective, and safe as long as the filter is not damaged. The civilian masks consist of a rubberized fabric mask held by 4 straps, with a cellophane vision panel and an air filter containing (among other things) asbestos. By September 1939, it had changed its name to the Air Raid Precautions (ARP), and 1.5 million were enrolled.The museum has 3 World War Two gas masks, two civilian and one for military use.Ĭivilian gas masks were issued to all British citizens during WW2, and many were distributed in Canada also. People had seen images of the devastation the Luftwaffe brought to Guernica, a town bombed during the Spanish Civil War, in 1936.ĭuring 1937, the Air Raid Wardens Service was created, and by 1938, 200,000 people had joined. It was feared that there could be a million casualties – a million coffins were ordered in case. There was a major fear that many civilians’ lives would be lost due to German bombing of British cities. Following the declaration in September 1939, the next six months were known as the 'phoney war' as no military action took place, giving Britain more time to prepare. The army was regarded by some as too small and lacking sufficient equipment.īy appeasing Hitler in September 1938, the country gained another 12 months to prepare for war.View the accompanying book: STURMTRUPPEN: WWI German Stormtroopers (1914-1918) View. The Royal Air Force (RAF) were well-trained with good aircraft (the Hurricane and the Spitfire were the best fighter planes in the world), but the RAF’s bombers were not as modern. Gas mask lenses and, 2 gas mask cannisters included.The Royal Navy was the organisation best prepared for war.However, in 1939, Britain was not adequately prepared to fight a major conflict, and it would take time to match the sheer size and effectiveness of the German forces. met with trade unions to ensure they agreed on wartime working regulations and wages.organised a Ministry of Supply to ensure overseas supplies continued.spent money informing people about rationing, blackouts and gasmasks.started a programme to build new warships.The Royal Navy battleship, HMS Prince of Wales, shortly after being launched down the slipway in Birkenhead, Merseyside on īefore the outbreak of war, the Government had put plans into place in recognition of the dangers that lay ahead. ![]()
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