Australian Army issue canvas respirator case

Waterproofed khaki canvas case to hold an army issue gas respirator and accessories. The case has an overlapping top flap with two press stud fasteners in each corner, and is stamped inside in black ink 'MH + CO 1942'. This haversack appears to be a modified version of the Mark V, with three internal compartments, as it has two additional internal pockets to carry the anti-dimming ointment and eye shields. There is a small loop inside one of the pockets to hold the anti-dimming ointment in place. There are two small drainage vents in the bottom of the haversack to prevent the collection of water or condensation. A khaki webbing shoulder strap is attached to metal loops on each side of the top of the case.

This respirator case is associated with the service of John Grieves Dyson in the Victorian ARP during the Second World War. John Dyson lived in Geelong and during the war, with his brothers, owned and ran a foundry that manufactured wool scouring machines for use in knitting mills that produced wool for soldiers' uniforms.