Gas Mask Collection (page 4)

Early gas masks, First World War, 1915, (1935). Creator: Unknown
Early gas masks, First World War, 1915, (1935). The Introduction of Chemical Warfare: one of the earliest patterns of gas-masks, pads of cotton-wool soaked in a solution of common washing-soda

German naval troops wearing respirators, First World War, 1915, (1935). Creator: Unknown
German naval troops wearing respirators, First World War, 1915, (1935). The Introduction of Chemical Warfare: German naval troops wearing early types of respirator

Machine Gunners in Action Wearing their Gas Helmets, (1919). Creator: Unknown
Machine Gunners in Action Wearing their Gas Helmets, (1919). Scene from the First World War, 1914-1919. From " The History of the Great European War: its causes and effects", Vol. X, by W

Soldiers in gas masks emerging from trenches, c1914-c1918. Photograph from a series of glass plate stereoview images depicting scenes from World War I (1914-1918)

Soldiers wearing gas masks, c1914-c1918. Photograph from a series of glass plate stereoview images depicting scenes from World War I (1914-1918)

Gas alert in trenches, Champagne, northern France, 1916. Photograph from a series of glass plate stereoview images depicting scenes from World War I (1914-1918)

Crew in breathing apparatus, London Fire Brigade Headquarters, London, 1934. Fire engine with ladder and fire hose visable

To Sit There And Carry On as though nothing was happening outside was not easy, 1941 (1942). G.P.O and Control Centre telephonists were called upon to do their ordinary jobs coolly

There Was Noting He Did Not Do, from moving people out of threatened shelters to mounting guard over unexploded bombs, 1941 (1942)

Gas Alarm!, Loos, France, World War I, c1915-c1918. Artist: Realistic Travels Publishers
Gas Alarm!, Loos, France, World War I, c1915-c1918. On 22 April 1915, during the Second Battle of Ypres, the Germans released 168 tons of chlorine gas over a four mile front

British gunners donning masks as protection against German gas shells, World War I, c1914-c1918. The board on the right of the photograph identifies the men as being from the 8th Battery

British troops advancing through gas, Passchandaele, Ypres, Belgium, World War I, c1914-c1918. Stereoscopic card. Detail

Trench warfare, Bourlon Wood, France, World War I, 1914-1918. Artist: Realistic Travels Publishers
Trench warfare, Bourlon Wood, France, World War I, 1914-1918. The soldiers are wearing their gas masks. Stereoscopic card detail

Gunners wearing gas masks, World War I, 1914-1918. Artist: Realistic Travels Publishers
Gunners wearing gas masks, World War I, 1914-1918. The board on the right identifies the men as 8th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, Doadpore Troop. Stereoscopic card detail

Infantry fitted with the latest gas marks and steel helmets, World War I, 1915-1918. The Germans were the first to make use of poison gas on the Western Front, at Ypres in April 1915

British soldiers advancing under cover of gas and smoke, France, World War I, 1916. A break in the German lines is made through to Serre and Thiepval during the Battle of the Somme

Seaman Gunner, 1937. Artist: WA & AC Churchman
Seaman Gunner, 1937. Churchmans Cigarette Series, The Navy At Work

Third Battle of Artois, France, World War I, 25 September 1915, (1929). A bayonet charge against a German trench. The Third Battle of Artois was a joint British

Gas protection, France, World War I, 1915. French troops in a trench wearing rudimentary facemasks and goggles. On 22 April 1915 the Germans released 168 tons of chlorine gas over a four mile front

Fench sappers in gas masks re-laying telephone lines after a bombardment, 1918

French soldiers in improvised gas masks, 1915. A print from Le Pays de France, 5th August 1915

Masque cagoule (Gas mask) advertisement, 1915. A print from Le Flambeau (the Torch), 18th September 1915

Locomotive driver in air raid kit, during WWII
Locomotive no. 5085 Evesham Abbey with a locomotive driver on the footplate wearing a gas mask during WWII

GWR parcel van converted into an ambulance, 1940. The driver and another man in uniform are wearing gas masks. The van bears the GWR roundel branding

Gas mask training, World War II. South African WaF (Womens Auxiliary Air Force) sergeant and instructor fitting a gas mask during a training session in World War II (1939-1945)

Dr Alistair Hay wearing chemical warfare suit August 1990 of the type used in the Gulf War holding syringe filled with chemical warfare antidote

A soldier wears a gas mask in training Oct 1990 during the Gulf crisis

World War One - Canadian Medical Corp with wounded on stretcher wearing gas masks. 1918

WW2 First gas proof chamber for animals invented by Mr C H Gaunt, Chief Technical Superintendent of the Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals

Mr Watkins and family being fitted with their gas masks at the guildhall in Kingston Upon Thames September 1938

British soldiers in full NBC protection gear and a S6 respirator

A Marine drinks water from his canteen through his gas mask inside a gas chamber
November 22, 2005 - A Marine drinks water from his canteen through his gas mask inside a gas chamber

World War II poster of a soldier wearing a gas mask and men in overalls marching
Vintage World War II poster of a soldier wearing a gas mask and men in overalls marching. It reads, The Enemy Is Syphilis - Enlist employees in a campaign against it

A Marine wearing a gas mask during during chemical warfare training
February 27, 2012 - U.S. Marines and Sailors conduct annual chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

British soldier in full NBC protection gear and a S6 respirator

WORLD WAR I: GAS MASKS. German Soldiers with Gas Masks. Oil on canvas, 1917, by Francois Flameng

Gas Masks
7th April 1927: Scots Guards trying on their gas masks before sailing to China. (Photo by E. Bacon/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Evacuees walking through town, September 1939 George Garland Collection West Sussex Record Office Ref No: Garland N18712

Gas Mask Man stands next to the Berlin Wall
Man wearing gas mask and striped jersey looks at camera next to Berlin wall, arms crossed

Cricket match in gasmasks
Public Record Office staff stage a cricket match in gasmasks during WWII Date: 1939-1945

WORLD WAR I (1914-1918). British troops advancing on enemy positions, protected by gas masks
WORLD WAR I (1914-1918).British troops advancing on enemy positions, protected by gas masks. 1915

GAS MASK, 1942. A sailor wearing protective clothing and a gas mask designed for use in chemical warfare, at the Naval Air Base in Corpus Christi, Texas. Photograph by Howard M. Hollem, August 1942

WWI: REFUGEES, 1918. English soldiers helping French refugees return to their homes near Maretz, France. Photograph, November 1918

WORLD WAR II: NURSES. An instructor guides a group of U.S. Army nurses through a cloud of smoke in a gas mask drill during training at Scott Field, Illinois. Photograph, c1942

WORLD WAR II: NURSES. U. S. Army Lieutenant Edward W
WORLD WAR II: NURSES. U.S. Army Lieutenant Edward W. Gopp, demonstrates to members of the nurse corps the proper way to put on a gas mask, during training at Scott Field, Illinois. Photograph, c1942

Illustration of gas mask

GAS MASK, 1942. Sergeant George Camblair learning how to use a gas mask in a practice smokescreen at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Photograph by Jack Delano, September 1942

Gas Mask Squad
A detachment of soldiers stationed in the Home Counties undergoing revolver training in suburbia

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"Gas Masks: A Symbol of Protection and Resilience" In the annals of British history, gas masks have left an indelible mark, serving as a testament to the nation's determination in times of adversity. From stamps commemorating Queen Elizabeth II to images capturing hooded British Territorials charging German trenches at Loos in 1915, these masks have become iconic symbols. During World War I, gas masks became essential for survival on the battlefield. The haunting image of soldiers equipped with gas masks amidst debris serves as a stark reminder of the horrors they faced. French soldiers also relied on these life-saving devices to counteract Germany's use of asphyxiating gases in their treacherous trenches. As conflicts evolved, so did the role of gas masks. In World War II, even civilians were prepared for air raids with cigarette cards illustrating Air Raid Precautions and GWR station staff members donning protective gear. Signalmen operated levers while wearing their trusty gas masks during wartime operations. The significance extended beyond humans; dogs too were outfitted with specially designed gas masks during war efforts. These loyal companions became "Dogs Of War, " standing alongside their human counterparts in times of danger and uncertainty. The resilience displayed by railway workers was evident when locomotive drivers donned air raid kits while operating trains amidst bombings. Even GWR parcel vans were converted into ambulances to aid those affected by conflict. Through it all, these humble yet vital pieces of equipment stood tall as guardians against deadly gases that threatened lives during both world wars. They remain poignant reminders not only of Britain's unwavering spirit but also its commitment to protecting its people from harm. So next time you encounter a depiction or mention of a gas mask – whether it be on a stamp or within historical photographs – take a moment to reflect upon the bravery and fortitude exhibited by those who wore them throughout history.