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CMHS Home
PPCLI in WW1
Activities 
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Uniform and GearThe Gas MasksThe Long Box RespiratorThe Long Box Respirator, became an almost universal mask for Commonwealth troops. This later development had a face mask, held in place by elastic straps across the rear of the head, and a separate filter. The filter was connected to the mask by a long rubber hose, and it was kept in the carry bag, usually strapped to the chest. The face mask was made of a rubber coated material, which, with the passing of time degrades and becomes particularly brittle. This mask was particularly effective against most gases, but when the gases which had a skin blistering agent were used, the earlier PH helmet was reissued to be carried as well.  
The PH HelmetThe PH Helmet was worn over the head and inside the tunic, the collar was then closed about the lower section of the hood for protection. The PH helmet is constructed of a double layer of light blue-grey flannel, with two glass eye pieces set in metal rims. The 'snout' of the helmet has a metal tube, leading from a rubber mouth piece that is held in the mouth, to the outside of the helmet, where a rubber valve would be usually found (missing on this example). |
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