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Gas helmet, WW1
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Gas helmet, WW1
A fearsome-looking gas helmet. An example of a gas mask issued to British soldiers during the First World War. The peculiar projection in front has its termination in the mouth so that the wearer inhales through the nose and exhales through the mouth and projecting tube, thereby avoiding condensation on the glasses of the goggles. Date: 1916
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Media ID 14140348
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Goggles Helmets Mask Masks Primitive Protection Protective
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the image of a fearsome-looking gas helmet, a vital piece of equipment issued to British soldiers during the horrific chemical warfare of the First World War. Dating back to 1916, this primitive yet innovative protective mask was designed to shield soldiers from the deadly effects of poisonous gases that were increasingly used on the Western Front. The helmet's most distinctive feature is the peculiar projection in front, which terminates at the mouth area. This design allowed the wearer to inhale through their nose and exhale through their mouth, while the projecting tube ensured that any condensation formed on the goggles did not obstruct their vision. The use of chemical weapons during the First World War marked a significant departure from traditional warfare, and the development of protective gas masks became a priority for military forces. This gas helmet, with its unique design, represents an essential step in the evolution of military equipment that would continue to adapt and improve throughout the 20th century. The image of this gas helmet serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of the 1916-1918 period, a time when soldiers on both sides of the conflict were forced to confront the terrifying consequences of modern warfare. This historical artifact stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who fought in the Great War, and the importance of continued innovation and progress in the face of adversity.
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