Anti-gas hood, issued to British soldiers on Western Front, 1916

This anti-gas hood was issued to British soldiers on the Western Front in 1916. Its issue was one of a series attempts to meet the new threat of poison gas, first used by the German army in 1915, following an initial British use.

The woollen hood was dipped in chemicals that could filter out much of the gas as the wearer breathed in through his nose. The 'non-return' valve at the mouth was for breathing out.

Although not entirely effective, these hoods gave enough protection and reassurance to reduce the threat posed by poison gas. Gas was itself a very difficult weapon to control and use effectively.

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