![]() ![]() The War Office said the masks were needed "in view of the increasing use of dogs for essential duties". The War Office's chemical weapons research station at Porton Down, Wiltshire, strove from April to October 1944 to protect dogs against gas on the battlefield. However, the trials revealed one significant catch - the dogs could not smell anything while wearing the masks, rendering them useless for 90% of their tasks on the battlefield. "Final proof, if it was needed, that the English care more about their dogs than perhaps anything else was provided yesterday by the release of confidential state papers showing that secret trials were carried out during the second world war to develop gas masks for the army's war dogs.Īfter six months scientists succeeded in developing a mask which was comfortable for the dogs to wear. Gas masks put Britain's dogs of war off the scent | UK news | The Guardian Interesting article from the Guardian newspaper in 2001 that reads like it could match your gas mask. Thanks again to Dean O (CampX) for the opportunity to own such a fantastic piece. I know this is the second time this exact mask has been shown on this forum, but I thought it was worth sharing a second time round Here are some detailed photographs of the respirator. The filter marking 1/45 could perhaps mean January 1945, however a positive confirmation on this is unfortunately impossible. W.& M (Barringer, Wallis and Manners Ltd) L2 11/1942" and on the filter, which has been hand painted with "Ptn 1/45 No.151 Wt:8 1/2 Ozs." I'm not too sure of when exactly it dates from, but it is certainly no earlier than the date found on the exhale valve. The only markings are on the exhale valve, which is stamped "B. Connected to this are a series of straps which form a suspension system which secure the mask to the dog, it also incorporate a metal ring which allows a lead to be fitted. Behind the face seal are is another piece of sheet rubber with ear holes which would also cover part of the dogs neck. It also features a peripheral face seal inside which is quite similar to the neck seal you would find on a drysuit. The facepiece itself however is very different and is made from a series of pieces of sheet rubber, which are secured together with glue. The exhale valve, eyepieces and the filter mount are identical to those on the standard issue Lightweight Respirator. Development of protective equipment for animals continued throughout the Post WW1 years and well into WW2 which is where this particular piece falls into place. This led to protection against such weapons becoming paramount for any man, or animal that may be at risk of exposure. In the first half of the last centaury gas was one of the most feared weapons due to its large scale use during the First World War, during which its effects were clearly displayed and become very well known. As a result, in modern history animals have been provided with various means of protection against enemy weapons and other hazards. Throughout history, man has went to war alongside animals which have often played a pivotal role in having an advantage against the enemy. ![]() I thought I'd share what is probably the favourite piece in my collection: a Second World War British Dog Gas Mask/Respirator. I've been a bit absent from the forum of late, however I'm now actively getting back into working on my website, so I'll likely be spending a lot of time on the computer, so I'll be able to take part in and keep track of the discussions on this forum which I am looking forward to getting back into. ![]()
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