12/16/2023 0 Comments German ww1 gas mask soldier v2![]() So, again we see a continuing pattern of the First World War initiating new weapons, which leads to new protective measures or medical technologies to aid people caught up in the conflict. For others breathing became difficult when advancing towards the enemy, resulting in ‘many men’ removing their helmets and subsequently suffering the effects of gas poisoning as a result. Firstly, the early morning rain caused the protective chemicals that the helmets had been soaked in to ‘soak out and irritate the eyes’ of the troops. While Captain Torrance blames carelessness of the soldiers for the primary reason for suffering gas poisoning as the offensive began, The Official History records some of the practical difficulties experienced on the 25 September. Report from Captain Torrance, 12 Battalion Highland Light Infantry (catalogue reference: WO 95/1952/2) ![]() Captain P W Torrance elaborates further, revealing that ‘two (or three) of the gas cylinders burst and several more were leaky’ resulting in many gas casualties before the attack had even been launched. Lieutenant Colonel J H Purvis, commanding the Battalion, reported that ‘many of A Company’s men suffered from the effects of our own gas before leaving the trenches’. The 12 Highland Light Infantry was one such Battalion affected by unsuitable wind conditions. Subsequently, ‘a considerable number’ of British troops are noted as having been gassed by their own gas as they assaulted the German lines. The War Diary of the 46 Infantry Brigade Headquarters reveals ‘misgivings’ as to whether the wind strength was sufficient to push the British gas towards the German positions on the morning on the 25 September, the opening day of the battle. Using the experiences of the 15 Infantry Division and 46 Infantry Brigade, however, we can clearly see the tragic difficulties when deploying new weapons and protective devices in combat situations. © IWM (EQU 3913)ĭespite fears of possible asphyxiation by carbon dioxide exhaled by the wearer of the helmet, early tests showed men could remain in their helmet for three hours in an atmosphere containing gas, as well as being able to run ‘a quarter of a mile with the helmet securely adjusted’.īy September 1915, the British Army felt ready to launch their first gas attack as part of the Battle of Loos. If in doubt, please check the law in your country.Developments from the initial pad design led to a textile helmet that covered the whole head. The law regarding sales of items like this vary depending which country you are in. Militaria Zone does not promote, and is strongly against, the hate ideologies and atrocities committed during WWII. Read more.ĭisclaimer: Items related to the Nazi regime or the Third Reich sold by dealers on this platform are intended solely for educational, historical, or TV/film prop purposes. Lastly the spare lens compartment to the inside of the lid retains its original compliment of 1917 dated twin replacement lenses in their original paper sachet.Īn excellent example which would prove difficult to upgrade. The straps on this Tin are not only all there, they are undamaged and strong. Paper cloth straps are the correct pattern for the M17 Tin, however, these rare items are most typically found to be lost or in shreds given the material's substance, this leading to the often seen collector replacement to a more readily available, but incorrect, fabric type. ![]() It retains all its original grey "paper cloth" carrying straps. ![]() The Gas Mask Tin is original to the Mask and no less pleasing. Here there are no such holes or extensive rust, with the field grey paint at least 95% present. The filter is clearly dated 1917 and this too is in very good condition as often than not these are rusty, frequently to the extent of piercing the filter, this due to the internal chemicals starting to degrade. This important item is usually lost as it is simply knotted in place and this is only the second original example I’ve ever come across. ![]() The sprung head and hanging straps atop the Mask are very good and again undamaged, every one is strong and functioning correctly.įinally, the original weight-bearing cord to the front of the Mask is still present. The leather to the body of the Mask is soft, pliable, and un-punctured with the viewing lenses whole and unscratched. The leather-faced Gas Mask was first introduced for use by the German Army in 1917 and today of course it is much sought after as being one of the most evocative WW1 pieces. A outstanding example of the classic WW1 German M17 "Lederschutzmaske" Gas Mask in absolutely complete and undamaged original 1917 configuration. ![]()
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