Source 3b

Gas Raid Quiz and Gas Mask Leaflets Catalogue ref: HO 186/2247

WAR GAS
OFFICIAL INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF HOME SECURITY

IF THE GAS RATTLES SOUND
Put on mask, holding your breath until mask is in position. Turn up collar. Put on gloves or keep hands in pockets. Take cover in nearest building quickly. Put up umbrella if you have one.

IF YOU GET GASED by Vapour gases.
1. Keep your mask on even if you feel discomfort.
2. If discomfort continues, go to the First Aid Post.
By Liquid or Blister gas.
1. Dab, but don’t rub the splash with your handkerchief. Then destroy the handkerchief.
2. Rub No. 2 Ointment well into place (buy a 6d [6 penny] jar now from any chemist). In an emergency, chemists will supply Bleach Cream free.
3. If you can’t get the Ointment or Cream within 5 minutes, wash the affected place with soap and warm water.
4. Take off at once any garment splashed with gas.

HOW TO PUT ON YOUR GAS MASK

1. Hold your breath. 2. Hold mask in front of face, thumbs inside straps. 3. Thrust chin well forward into mask. 4. Run finger round face-piece taking care head-straps are not twisted.
MAKE SURE IT FITS
See that the rubber fits snugly at sides of jaw and under chin. The head straps should be adjusted to hold the mask firmly. To test for fit, hold a piece of paper to end of mask and breathe in. The paper should stick.

Note with picture of gas mask: Arrows indicate points needing particular attention.

ALWAYS HAVE YOUR GAS MASK WITH YOU-DAY AND NIGHT. LEARN TO PUT IT ON QUICKLY

« Return to The Home Front

3. Look at Sources 3 a, b and c. These were leaflets produced during the war.

  • Who produced these leaflets?
  • What dangers are these leaflets about?
  • How many different types of gas masks would the government have to provide?
  • How useful do you think the advice offered in these leaflets is?
  • The government had to be careful not to scare people, but at the same time it wanted people to take notice and be prepared. How do these leaflets:
    • get people to take notice?
    • educate people?
    • reassure people?