GAS UNIFORMS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20034, 5 September 1939, Page 2

GAS UNIFORMS

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING USE OP OILED MATERIALS SEALING BODY SEVERAL STYLES USED Protective clothing for military use during air raids constitutes the latest addition to the equipment at the Narrow Neck, Auckland, training centre. Four distinct varieties of oiled suitings are included among the gear, which is tlie product of British designers to thwart the casualty effects of disastrous modern blister gases. Demonstrated by the camp staff last week, the features of the equipment are of more than passing interest. Two of the pieces arc of comparatively simple characteristics, resembling cyclists’ capes more than anything else. Both made of oiled silk, one is short and meant to cover no more than the shoulders and head if necessary, while one races from shelter to shelter. More Elaborate Features A little more elaborate, and embodying numerous purposes, is a full-length cape. In the event of sudden detection of mustard or Lewisite gases, as cast from the air, the wearer may promptly squat, pulling the cape over his head, thus using it as a kind of lent until relief comes. When not required even as a rain cape, it may be worn well back on the shoulders, so as not to hamper the wearer.

The third suit is that which completely seals the wearer’s body against a gas-filled atmosphere. Again made of oiled silk, grey-green in colour, this set of clothing consists of cloak, trousers, overboots, leather gloves and hood to protect the nape of the neck. These are worn in conjunction with a respirator and metal helmet, while each soldier will be provided with a strip of litmus pafrer, attached to the bayonet of his rifle, which will change colour when vapour gases are present. Decontamination Work All this equipment will prevent blister gases, whether in liquid or vaporised form, from penetrating to the body for a considerable period. In the event of one being splashed with the gas while wearing ordinary clothing, tho liquid will contact the skin within 10 minutes. However, even the protective uniform will not stand the test indefinitely, and it must be subjected to decontamination processes.

For those engaged in decontamination. work—rescuing those affected ’ey gases and treating the earth where the heavy gases collect and vaporise—a more substantial scries of garments is provided. 7'hey are made of oiled duck cloth, and include coat, trousers, hood, face piece, leather gloves, gum boots, respirator and steel helmet. In these uniforms one may engage in work among blister gases for three half-hour periods in 24. Blister gas takes 17'. hours to penetrate gum boots.

Eye protection is another important phase of air raid precaution. Each soldier will 'be provided with six celluloid eye shields. One may be comfortably worn whenever danger lurks in the clouds, so that the wearer may look up for his protection every so often. Should gas strike the shield, it may be discarded and replaced by one from the reserve supply.