| Place | Oceania: Australia, Queensland, Brisbane |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL39940.001 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Technology |
| Physical description | Elastic, Glass, Metal, Rubber |
| Maker |
M.H & Co |
| Date made | 1941 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Gas mask civillian : M R Shields, Air Raid Warden, Brisbane, Queensland
Description
Civilian issue gas mask respirator with front mounted black painted metal filter canister clamped to a black rubber face mask with two screw-in circular glass eye pieces set in a protruding molded brow. The clamp is impressed 'ICA 6-11-41'. There is a rubber flutter valve attached to a triangular metal plate mounted between the eye pieces. The adjustable elasticised harness is marked in yellow '25-29-41' and is mounted to the mask via six riveted metal plates. The rubber mask is embossed 'NORMAL' on the right cheek and stamped 'L10 NOV 41' on the chin.
History / Summary
This gas mask was issued to Malcolm 'Roy' Shields during the Second World War. Shields was the Air Raid Warden of Highgate Hill, Brisbane, Queensland.
During the war, high level Japanese reconnaissance planes flew over Brisbane and there was a threat of bombing attacks. As a precautionary measure, some civilians took refuge in air-raid shelters and trenches.
Wardens carried gas masks, helmets and rattles or whistles and their chief duty was to advise the public what precautions to take and ensure they were taken.