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Woman carrying gas mask correctly, September 1939
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Woman carrying gas mask correctly, September 1939
London woman photographed from behind as an example of how best to carry a gas mask. The Sphere comments on the impracticality of holding a gas mask in your hand which it describes as " distinctly not good" and instead recommends carrying it over your shoulder as the woman does.
September 1939
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Media ID 23268428
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Carry Females Jul19 Mask Masks Raid Raids Respirator Respirators Shoulder Shoulders
EDITORS COMMENTS
September 1939: A London Woman Demonstrates Proper Gas Mask Carriage During Air Raid Precautions Amidst the looming threat of air raids during the early days of World War II, the British government and civil defense organizations emphasized the importance of carrying gas masks at all times. In this evocative photograph from September 1939, a woman is shown from behind, carrying a gas mask over her left shoulder. The image, published by The Sphere, underscores the impracticality of holding a gas mask in one's hand, as the caption notes, "distinctly not good." Instead, the woman's example demonstrates the recommended method for carrying a gas mask during an air raid. As the war in Europe intensified, the British public was encouraged to take precautions against potential gas attacks. Gas masks were distributed to millions of civilians, and instructions on their use and carriage were disseminated through various media channels. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the daily life adjustments required during wartime, as Londoners braced themselves for the possibility of air raids and the potential hazards they might bring. The image, taken in September 1939, captures the resilience and determination of the British people during the early stages of World War II. The woman's posture and the casual yet deliberate way she carries her gas mask over her shoulder embody the spirit of preparedness and the unwavering resolve to protect oneself and one's family during uncertain times.
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