During World War II, gas masks were a crucial part of life in Britain. Teachers instructed children to remove their masks from the box, put them on their face, check that they were fitted correctly, and then breathe normally. Children had to take their gas masks to school every day, where they would participate in regular gas mask drills. These drills allowed children to practice using their gas masks properly.

So, how did children know how to use their gas masks? The process was quite simple. Air had to be continually pumped in through the filter with a hand pump. The lower section of the mask was made of canvas and was tied around the child's body to prevent gas from seeping in. Gas masks for babies were also known as 'baby helmets,' which were more like diving helmets than traditional masks.

These baby helmets, designed for children up to 4 years old, came in brighter colors to make them more appealing and less frightening. Some gas masks were even specifically designed for children and babies. Each gas mask was stored in a cardboard box and people were expected to carry their mask with them at all times.

If you were caught in public without your gas mask, you could face fines. Fortunately, these gas masks were never needed because the British government did not use gas against its own population during World War II. However, they were prepared for the possibility of an attack on the general population at home.

In September 1939, over 38 million gas masks had been supplied to families in Britain. The gas mask was a breathing device that protected the wearer from breathing in harmful substances, including chemical gas, into their lungs. During World War I, poisonous chemicals (in the form of gas) caused serious injuries and deaths among soldiers.

Overall, gas masks played an important role in the lives of British citizens during World War II. While they were never actually needed due to the lack of gas attacks on the general population, they remained an essential part of daily life for many years.

Ww2 gas mask box labels