ANTI-GAS METHODS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 194, 17 July 1937, Page 9

ANTI-GAS METHODS

MILITARY DEMONSTRATION. BRITISH INNOVATIONS. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) Received July 17, 11.10 a.m. LONDON, July IG. The infantry wartime appellation of “P. 8.1.” was again applied when a demonstration of the latest British anti-gas methods was given on Salisbury Plain following many experiments which have produced a dozen innovations.

Infantry in the field, in addition to a respirator, will probably carry six eye shields which can be discarded when their usefulness has worn oft ; also a light oilskin cape as a protection against mustard gas from aircraft, wuile another will be carried by the transport.

Tbe infantry’s respirator case mcluues a tin of anti-gas ointment which, if applied within three minutes, will prevent skin injuries. The troops also will be supplied with two pairs of over-boots, which a mile of marching will wear out, in order to avoid contamination in gassed areas. Dispatch riders and signallers will be issued with a gas-proof jacket and trousers. All units will be supplied with light and heavy de-contamination suits. The latter, weighing 151 b., were so exhausting to wear that it was found at the demonstration that the soldiers could not do more than three and a-half hour periods at entrenching in 24 hours.