SIEBE GORMAN 'PURETHA' RESPIRATOR, 1951

The 'Puretha' gas mask was originally produced during WW2, which included a Military Type 'E' filter; this was removed and fitted with various types of filters this one having a Type 'A' which was for protection from Ammonia. They were supplied in suitable carrying cases, this one is made of cardboard, and supplied as 'General service' equipment for industrial use'. The mask on this unit is made of plain rubber with the filter canister held in a webbing shoulder strap. An instruction card on how to wear the mask and general safety warnings is also supplied.

Donated by David Jubb

A1668

WWII GAS MASK (RESPIRATOR) WITH MICROPHONE, 1938

Standard Gas Mask of WW2 shown with microphone A0793,

During air raids a mask can cause obvious communication problems, this one has a carbon microphone to solve that problem. One use could be a Telephone Operator.

A0793 A0424

WW1 GERMAN GAS MASK, 1915

Non-rubberised early Gas Mask used by the Germans during WW1. The base of the fabric hood tucked into the collar.
It was used to protect against British gas attacks.

A0816

WWII SERVICE BOX RESPIRATOR OR GAS MASK No 4 Mk 2

Box Respirator worn with but not part of the Pattern 37 web set during WW2.
The 37 web set was superseded by the 1958 pattern after the war.
Gas attacks had been common in WW1, so during WW2 all precautions were taken against them. However no gas attacks came, it appears that no side would undertake such an event realising that the other would do also.

For a view of the respirator in its bag with the Web-set see A0984

• Respirator in its bag with the web-set
  

A0438

WWII BOX SERVICE RESPIRATOR OR GAS MASK, 1938

Box Respirator (Gas mask) supplied to the British Infantry as standard, also used by the Civil Defence and fire personal during the Blitz.

A0419

WWII ADULTS CIVILIAN GAS MASK (RESPIRATOR), 1937

Gas Mask issued to all personnel during and before WW2. Complete with 'Rexine' vanity cover for the box.
This item was donated by Mrs Evans and it has her name written inside the cover.

A0421

WWII DUTY GAS MASK (RESPIRATOR), 1939

Another example of a British Gas Mask

Donated by Ronald Cass

A1025

WWII BABY'S GAS HELMET, 1939

Baby's gas protection, the baby was placed inside the chamber and a flap was folded round between the baby's legs, once inside it was essential to pump fresh air inside the chamber to help the baby breathe.
Stories have been heard of mothers leaving their babies for too long without pumping, this then led to fatal consequences.

A0423

WWII MICKEY MOUSE GAS MASK (RESPIRATOR)

Child's Gas Mask given to the public as a loan by the Government during WWII.

Made to resemble the cartoon character 'Mickey Mouse' and coloured red and blue to try and entice children into wearing them.

A0422

WWII CHILDS GAS MASK (RESPIRATOR) IN YELLOW TIN

Child's Respirator and tin from the John Ambrose Collection used by John during World War Two.

A0836

WWII ADULT CIVILIAN GAS MASK (RESPIRATOR) WITH CANVAS BAG AND BOX, 1941

Gas Masks issued to William Ambrose during World War 2. (Infantry bag)
The cover is marked W.J.J. Ambrose. Also seen is an Ambrose family mask in a plain cardboard box.

John Ambrose Collection

A0838

WWII GERMAN GAS MASK (RESPIRATOR) AND TIN, 1944

Standard issue gas mask for the German infantry during WW2 with corrugated cannister for mounting on leather equipment belts.

A0418