Gas Masks Collection

29 November 1937 Sidcup fire brigade in gas clothing A John Topham / TopFoto
29 November 1937 Sidcup fire brigade in gas clothing eJohn Topham / TopFoto

British schoolchildren practicing putting on their gas masks, World War II, 1939-1945 (b / w photo)
6015158 British schoolchildren practicing putting on their gas masks, World War II, 1939-1945 (b/w photo) by English Photographer

Les precautions contre les gaz; Tous les masques ajustes, aux betes comme aux gens, la colonne pour Creator: Unknown
Les precautions contre les gaz; Tous les masques ajustes, aux betes comme aux gens, la colonne poursuit sa route, 1917. From "L'Album de la Guerre 1914-1919

Les precautions contre les gaz; Les chevaux ont aussi leur appareil special, 1917. Creator: Unknown
Les precautions contre les gaz; Les chevaux ont aussi leur appareil special, 1917. From "L'Album de la Guerre 1914-1919, Volume 1" [L'Illustration, Paris, 1924]

Les precautions contre les gaz; Arrete par un factionnaire muni d'un ecriteau: "Attention, nappe de gaz ", le chef d'une colonne portant des munitions aux batteries en ligne fait

Sur le front d'artois - Feuilles d'Album de Jean Lefort; Masques contre les gaz, 1915 (1916)
Sur le front d'artois - Feuilles d'Album de Jean Lefort; Masques contre les gaz : La cagoule anglaise/Le masque Tambute, 1915. From "Collection de la Guerre IV

Children of St. Benedicts Road School, Small Heath during their evacuation rehearsal 28th August 1939

World War Two, evacuation of children. Written in the faces of these children, setting off to safety is a tale of fears and doubts hardly formed in their bewildered minds

World War I: French trench protected from gas attack
3786969 World War I: French trench protected from gas attack; (add.info.: World War I: French trench protected from gas attack. Soldier wearing gas mask)

Police with helmets and gas masks 1939 Bristol

A woman wearing a protective gas mask - February 1981 holding and spraying a can of Ant Killer Spray. Pest Control -

Welcome to the Machine
Christophe Kiciak

Military training
Garik

The Dance of Death 1914-1918, 1914-19 (etching with drypoint)
3899034 The Dance of Death 1914-1918, 1914-19 (etching with drypoint) by Smith, Percy John Delf (1882-1948); 20.2x25.2 cm; Private Collection; Photo © Christies Images

An extravagant masquerade? (colour litho)
2778104 An extravagant masquerade? (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: An extravagant masquerade? Anything but)

Realism in an air raid practice carried out in a south London suburb
HJA360615 Realism in an air raid practice carried out in a south London suburb, from The Illustrated War News, published 8th November 1939 (b/w photo) by English Photographer

Women workers manufacturing gas masks that saved soldiers lives during World War I (b / w photo)
6015388 Women workers manufacturing gas masks that saved soldiers lives during World War I (b/w photo) by English Photographer

Gas Masks - II (litho)
6021285 Gas Masks - II (litho) by Robinson, William Heath (1872-1944); Private Collection; (add.info.: Gas Masks - II. Illustration for Lets Laugh)

Gas Masks - I (litho)
6021284 Gas Masks - I (litho) by Robinson, William Heath (1872-1944); Private Collection; (add.info.: Gas Masks - I. Illustration for Lets Laugh)

Small box respirator, 1917-1918. Creator: Unknown
A small box respirator, or gas mask, dating from World War I. The respirator is comprised of a metal canister, hose, and face piece

I do not stink Paco, yes you do Mambo
Carola Kayen-Mouthaan

ARP exercise in Reading during the Second World War in preparation for re-acting to German air raids on the city. Picture shows" A " casualty" awaitng attention during the training

Miss Sarah Churchill, the Prime Ministers daughter with Wing Commander Hodsoll, Inspector General of Civil Defence Services

Mr T. M. Watson, Chief Constable of Wallsall (wearing mac), leading his men in to the gas van during the Gas Drills at Walsall Fire station in preparation for a real attack. 29th October 1936

Additional filters for civilian respirators to increase their efficiency against smoke gases are now being fitted.Here is an Air Raid Precaution warden (ARP)

District Officer Coleman explaining the air raid precautions to the members of the Aston Hippodrome Company during their visit to the Central Fire Station in Birmingham

Firemen The London Fire Brigade. Checking their oxygen masks during the Blitz on London. World War Two.. No actual date for this picture, but Mirrorpix will suggest 29th December 1940

A. R. P. demonstration at Esher. Wardens wearing thir gas masks. April 1938
A.R.P. demonstration at Esher. Wardens wearing thir gas masks. April 1938

Merseyside ARP team seen here wearing their gas suits and masks during a gas decontamination exercise, 14th July 1939

Air raid warden with nurse and baby in arms seen demonstrating the new gas helmet during an air raid gas exercise on Merseyside 24th July 1941

Air raid wardens seen here riding on a motorbike and sidecar during an air raid gas exercise on Merseyside 18th January 1938

Czecho-Slovakia Crisis (Sept. 13-29, 1938. ) A. R. P. measures taken in Liverpool as members
Czecho-Slovakia Crisis (Sept.13-29, 1938.) A.R.P. measures taken in Liverpool as members of the public seen here receiving their gas masks at an un-named school 27th September 1938

A. R. P. demonstration at Esher. Wardens seen here being given training on how to deal with
A.R.P. demonstration at Esher. Wardens seen here being given training on how to deal with an incendiary bomb. April 1938

ARP Wardens testing gas masks at gas chamber, Lincoln 7 November 1938

As the crisis over the Sudetenland deepens and the threat of war between Great Britain and Germany seems more likely, the government issues gas masks to the population

Members of the ARP demonstrate how to deal with a suspected gas attack during a series of civil defence demonstration at Sandown Park April 1939

Nurses at Birmingham Hospital going on duty with their gas masks 5th September 1939

Children of St. Benedicts Road School, Small Heath, listen to instructions from the head master during their evacuation rehearsal 28th August 1939

A gas mask lesson at Birmingham Hospital for the doctors, nurses and ambulance men. 5th September 1939

Gas mask test at the start of the second world war, Bristol Circa September 1939

Members of the Reading Home Guard seen here as stretcher bearers during a simulated gas attack during a anti invasion exercise in the centre of the city. 27th July 1941

Two business men who usually travel to town by car share a tandem cycle after the introduction of petrol rationing on the 22nd September 1939

Telephone girls at Whitley Bay Post Office try out the gas masks as they prepare for any eventuality during A.R.P training. August 1938

British troops of the Irish 10th Division seen here wearing gas masks in the trenches in the Struma River valley, close to Salonika. 1st August 1916

Gas mask distribution in Birmingham, October 1939

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During World War II, gas masks became an essential part of British schoolchildren's lives. In a black and white photo taken in 1939-1945, young students can be seen diligently practicing putting on their gas masks. The image captures the seriousness and urgency that permeated the air during those tumultuous times. Another snapshot from November 29, 1937, showcases Sidcup fire brigade donning their gas clothing. Preparedness was key as they geared up to face potential gas attacks with unwavering bravery. This photograph by John Topham serves as a reminder of the courage displayed by these brave firefighters. The Chislehurst Caves formed an eerie backdrop for a simulated "Gas Attack by Air. " These caves were transformed into a scene of action where individuals trained to protect themselves against deadly gases, and is within these underground chambers that resilience met fear head-on. Evacuation rehearsals were not limited to schools alone; even police officers had to equip themselves with helmets and gas masks in Bristol during 1939. Their stoic expressions mirrored the gravity of the situation at hand - protecting civilians amidst uncertain times required unwavering dedication. Fast forward to February 1981 when a woman wearing a protective gas mask stood defiantly against potential harm. This powerful image encapsulates both vulnerability and strength, reminding us that even decades after World War II ended, precautions remained necessary. The evacuation of children during World War II left indelible marks on their innocent faces - written there are tales of separation from loved ones and glimpses into unimaginable hardships endured throughout this dark period in history. In Alsdorf near the Belgian border lies a large mine where terror struck as an outbreak buried many beneath its depths. A color lithograph depicts this horrifying event, emphasizing how crucial it was for miners to have access to reliable gas masks while working under perilous conditions. Military training often involved familiarizing soldiers with various equipment, including gas masks.