The gas filters which were fitted to these German gas masks in the First World War had an un-modified standard Osram brand street light screw fitting. This case contained a small compartment in the folding lid for spare set of lenses and usually contained an instruction sheet at the bottom explaining how to use the gas mask.ĭue to the effective Royal Navy blockade of German ports, apart from the metal, ersatz (substitute) materials were also used in the production of gas masks and cans. The gas mask carry case was known as a 'Lederschutzmaske (Bereitschaftsbuchen)'. These were removed on the improved Gasmaske 18. The spoked metal devices on the inside of both lenses were known informally as 'spiders'. Sometimes referred to as 'model 1917', after the year of its introduction, this style of gas mask was also known as the 'Ledermaske (Gasmaske 17)'. The Germans used both leather 'leder' and rubber 'gummi' masks during the First World War. At the top of the canister mount, along the middle of the gas mask is a hook for the attachment of a length of ersatz paper cord (which is missing) which is normally threaded between the eyes to a leather loop on the gas mask above the forehead of the wearer. The bottom of the canister is heavily rusted and through these rusted holes can be seen some of the white coloured filter lining. The remnants of a small manufacturer's stamp are also barely visible. On the canister is stamped in faded blue ink '9u'. When the canister is removed an embossed 'H2' can be seen on the outside circular metal mounting surface of the mask. A long khaki cotton webbing strap attached near the chin enables the mask to be suspended around the neck.Ī rusted and scratched grey-green canister filter unit is attached to the mask. Khaki cotton head straps are connected to coiled springs inside cotton sleeves to keep mask in place. The right 'spider' fitted to the mask has some of the inner circular metal piece missing. Internally, the eyepieces have removable metal 'spiders' enabling the inner layer (which was coated with gelatine to absorb moisture) to be replaced. The circular eyepieces are made of two layers of yellowed celluloid, set in painted circular steel frames with leather gaskets where they are let into the mask. The single seam running under the chin and the folded edge of the mask are coated with a black sealant lacquer partially made from rubber. The mask is made from a single piece of chrome-tanned sheepskin dipped in an oil sealant solution. Here is a collection of pictures of war dogs wearing gas masks against the threat of chemical warfare.German 'Lederschutzmaske' (Leather protection mask) gas mask. In a less formal way, dogs improved morale within the trenches by hunting rats and acting as companions to troops in miserable conditions. Their small size helped them slip over and between trenches to deliver messages, shuttle medical supplies, or lay down communication wires. Some dogs pulled heavy machine guns on trolleys, others used their keen sense of smell and hearing for sentry and scout work. The Germans used some 30,000 dogs on the Western Front, and the Entente kept around 20,000. Because of the critical combat role played by dogs at the time, they also developed canine gas masks. The devastating effects of these gases accelerated the development of masks, worn to counteract those agents.Īfter the first use of poison gas by German forces in April 1915, the British and American governments sent out a series of quickly designed masks to filter out the toxic gases and keep their soldiers alive. About one million dogs were killed in action in World War I, a conflict that also saw the first large-scale use of chemical weapons. And it wasn’t just human combatants who suffered - many military working animals died from chemical weapons.ĭogs have been used in warfare since ancient times, serving as sentries, messengers, attackers, and even mascots. Soldiers succumbed to the strangling effects of chlorine, phosgene, and mustard gas for years as the stalemated armies searched for new ways to defeat each other. This warning cry sent men scrambling for their masks as the poisonous fog enveloped them. There was nothing more terrifying in the trenches than the call of a gas attack - “Gas! Gas!”. Dogs have been used in warfare since ancient times, serving as sentries, messengers, attackers and even mascots.
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