Catalogue Number
NMLH.1993.80
Object Name
Gas Mask
Title
A 499 HENLEY 11-38. MEDIUM; PACKING OF RESPIRATOR ...
Events
War & World War II
Description
Gas masks, worn to protect against the inhalation of deadly gas, came in a wide range of shapes and sizes in World War II. Infants had a one-piece mask that covered the whole body. Young children took quite happily to the 'Mickey Mouse' gas masks. Older children and adults had a simpler form, made of rubber, webbing and a one-piece acetate visor which had a habit of cracking. People hated them. However, fears were ill-founded. German bombers dropped no gas bombs. Originating in the 1920s, various pessimistic theories of massive startegic bombing involving gas, had done much to influence civil defence planning. There were fears that entire British towns and their citizens would be wiped out in a matter of hours. This gas mask, with acetate visor, is the type for older children and adults.
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