10
THE YPRES TIMES
By this means it was anticipated the gas would rise clear of the trenches. The
fires were estimated to be effective for the space of approximately twenty minutes
and the men were, therefore, warned not to light them prematurely.
Gas vacuum bulbs were also distributed at intervals along the forward trenches
in order to obtain samples of the cloud gas for analytical purposes.* These were
like large electric-light globes, rubber-capped at the neck. The men were instructed
to puncture the rubber cap when a gas cloud enveloped the trench and then re-cap
with the spare nipple that was attached.
Then followed the Vermorel Sprayer, a manually pumped tankstrapped on the
back of the operator normally employed by horticulturists. This was used to
neutralize the gas in trenches and dugouts by spraying them with a solution of hypo-
soda. The Ayrton Fan*commonly called the "Flapper" in allusion to the action
of this devicewas also extensively used for expelling the gas fumes from dugouts.
In the winter of 1915-16, the "Large Box Respirator"f came into use which,
like its successor the Small Box Respirator, was worn on the chest, being connected
by tube to a facial mask. First issues of the Box Respiratoras it was first called
were made to the Special Brigade R.E. for use during British gas operations.
The dimming of goggles by condensation of moisture still remained a problem
but, to a large extent, was overcome by cleaning the eye-pieces with "Glasso"a white
pasteissued in April, 1916.
In June, 1916, the Small Box Respirator was adopted. Issues commenced in
August to the Second Army. The First, Third, Fifth and Fourth Armies being
completed by the end of January, 1917. All previous patterns were then withdrawn
and thenceforth were only used by personnel operating outside of a five-mile limit.
The Small Box Respirator remained the Service pattern to the end of the war.
The subsequent minor changes which were effected included an improved container
and the adoption of splinterless triplex glass eye-pieces.
Although the Small Box Respirator proved quite adequate for protection against
all gases used by the enemy, nevertheless it was not the slightest avail against carbon
monoxide. The tunnelling companies who had frequently to face the latter gas were
equipped with special oxygen breathing or mine rescue apparatus.
The equine was also provided with a protective mask, the "Tissot" pattern-a
French devicebeing largely used.
AN EYE FOR AN EYE THE BRITISH RETALIATE.
Within five weeks of the first gas attack the British had fifty gas cylinders in
the field, but, as in the case of the Germanswho were fully prepared to project
gas in the Zillebeke sector by 10th March favourable winds and circumstances
delayed their use, and it was not until 25th September, at Loos, that the British made
their first attack with this new weapon.*
The Germans had made use of gas shell prior to the cloud attack of 22nd April,
viz., at Neuve Chapelle on 27th October, 1914; at Bolimow, on the eastern front,
*An experimental laboratory had been organized at G.H.Q. on 26th April.
Invented by Mrs. Hertha Ayrtonthe only woman member of the Institute of Electrical
Engineerswho, in 1915, presented the device to the War Office for the duration of the war.
Over a hundred thousand were used at the front.
t Invented by the late Lieut.-Colonel E. F. Harrison, Controller of Chemical Warfare.
Colonel Harrison became a victim of his own discovery; he died on November 4th, 1918, from
pneumonia aggravated by exposure to gas during the course of his experiments. He joined the
Sportsmen's Battalion at the age of 47as a privatein 1915, and after the first gas attack was
transferred as a corporal to the chemical branch of the Royal Engineers. Shortly before his
death he was to have been promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General and awarded the Legion
of Honour, but death intervening these honours were not bestowed upon him.
In the month of October, 1918, the British projected forty-six tons of gas against the
Germans.
