Military Respirators

Type: Goggles, Anti-Gas, Spicer Tear Gas Type

Manufacturer(s): N/A

Filter Type: N/A

Date(s): N/A

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK004

The Spicer Goggles, named after their designer, were issued in 1915 alongside early gas hoods for protection against tear inducing irritants including Tear Gas. The instructions printed on the original storage envelope recommended that protection could be improved be smearing Vaseline around the edges of the goggles. They were later likely used (along with the Sponge Type Goggles) with the Large Box Respirator (LBR) which was of a half mask design, thus requiring separate goggles to be worn. With the introduction of the Small Box Respirator (SBR) in August 1916, and replacement of the gas hoods, the Spicer Goggles were removed from service.

Type: Hypo Hood (Replica)

Manufacturer(s): N/A

Filter Type: N/A

Date(s): N/A

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK005

Type: Phenate Hexamine (PH) Helmet

Manufacturer(s): S&N

Filter Type: N/A

Date(s): 1917

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

The First World War saw the biggest changes in providing means of protecting soldiers against poisonous gases, as the war progressed, so did the equipment being used. These changes range from improvised means of protection during the first uses of gas to considerably more advanced respirators later on in the war. The Phenate Hexamine (PH) Helmet shown here is a good example of this evolution, it still retains the same principle as its predecessor, but with a number of improvements. These include being made using an additional layer of fabric in the construction of the hood, two individual glass eyepieces, an exhale valve and most importantly an improved chemical solution which provided additional levels of protection for the wearer.

Full Article

Type: Small Box Respirator

Manufacturer(s): No manufacturer markings present

Filter Type:

Date(s): N/A

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK001

The Small Box Respirator was first introduced into service in August 1916 as a replacement for the more primitive Helmet Respirator variants first issued in the summer of 1915, and the Large Box Respirator which had been issued in small numbers at the start of 1916. The Small Box Respirator featured a rubberised fabric facepiece secured using a 5 point head harness, a pair of celluloid eyepieces, an internal nose clip and mouthpiece connected to a black painted brass tube to which the exhale valve and hose are attached. To the hose a "Small Box" Filter was fitted, this contained various layers of activated charcoal and gauze impregnated with filtering agents which allowed the Small Box Respirator to provide higher degrees of protection than the respirators which preceded it. It was however quite an uncomfortable respirator to be worn due to the combination of nose clip and mouth piece which meant all breathing was done through the mouth.

Type: Small Box Respirator

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type:

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK002

This example of a Small Box Respirator (SBR) is fitted with an unusual filter which bears considerable resemblance to that of Russian Zelinsky Kummant Gas Mask, specifically the Kazenny model. During the First World War, a number of British made respirators including SBRs were exported for use by the Imperial Russian Army. Through time it is likely that the original filters would eventually require replacement whether it be through use or as a result of damage. The natural choice in these circumstances would be to fit a much more readily available Russian made filter, which is likely the explanation for this unusual configuration. This theory of repair/replacement is further reinforced by the fact the facepiece itself has been repaired using several small patches in order to further prolong its use given that replacements were likely not readily available in large numbers.

Type: Small Box Respirator

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type:

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Type: Small Box Respirator

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type:

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK003

Type: Connell M1918

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type:

Date(s): circa 1918

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

The Connell, named after its inventor; Major Karl Connell of the US Army Medical Department is an experimental gas mask from the first half of 1918. It is a unique design and features a stamped brass facepiece with two glass eyepieces, a foam rubber face seal and a filter suspended from the rear of the elastic head harness. Approximately 1000 Connell gas masks were manufactured in the United Kingdom under the direct supervision of Major Connell, then exported to the United States for testing and evaluation. By July of 1918 production was discontinued as it was found that the design of the Connell wasn't comparable to other designs being trialed at the time. It can however be assumed that the design went on to influence future gas masks used in the United States, in particular the Navy Diaphragm series which also had the filters suspended from the head harness. It is likely that the Connell gas mask was the first gas mask to be manufactured in the United Kingdom purely to be exported overseas.

Type: Mk.II General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): L&B. R. Co (Facepiece), R.Oldfield (Filter)

Filter Type: Type A

Date(s): 25 (Facepiece), 31.12.25 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

The respirator shown here is assumed to be the Mk.II General Service Respirator. This interesting and unique design was developed at Porton Down following a 1919 request from The Admiralty for a replacement for the Small Box Respirator and its derivatives. This request likely detailed a number of specific requirements including compatibility with optical equipment, better speech transmission, a non obstructing filter position, and a secondary means of providing a gas tight seal. The design for this respirator addressed these requirements, was applied for Patent in September 1922 with production beginning in the following years and subsequent issue to the Royal Navy exclusively. For further details and photographs of this unique and interesting respirator, click on the article link below.

Full Article

Type: MkIII General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): J.E.B & Co Ltd

Filter Type: N/A

Date(s): 4/26

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK006

Following the First World War and its technological advancements in both weapons and protection for personnel, development into providing better equipment continued. This resulted in new manufacturing techniques being developed which allowed for much more advanced respirators to be made. For the British Army this eventually led to the Mk.III General Service Respirator as a replacement for the now obsolete Small Box Respirator. The Mk.III features a stockinette covered moulded rubber facepiece with integrated tissot tubes to aid in demisting the glass eyepieces. The use of a moulded rubber meant there was no need for the uncomfortable nose clip and mouthpiece found on the Small Box Respirator, this in turn allowed for considerably easier communication whilst wearing the Mk.III. It is secured using an elastic head harness secured to the head harness at six points to ensure a proper gas tight fit. A cast aluminium assembly on the front of the facepiece provides a means to attach both the hose from the filter (not present on this example), and the flapper type exhale valve (replica valve fitted for photographic purposes). This particular Mk.III has been marked on the forehead area "Drill Only" and features a Broad Arrow surrounded by a "D", meaning that this mask was only to be used for training purposes. It would have likely have been originally fitted with the Type A filter.

Type: MkIII General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: N/A

Date(s): 1926

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

This second Mk.III is the same in configuration as the above example, however remains in its original in service state and does not feature markings which suggest it was later used for training purposes. This example also retains its original flapper type exhale valve, many of which are missing today due to their fragile nature. Unfortunately, like the above example it is missing its filter which would have likely been a Type A. It is worth noting that the Mk.III did continue to see use by the British Army but fitted with later types of filter in the early stages of the Second World War alongside the later Mk.IV General Service Respirator, and was still used for training purposes even after the introduction of the Mk.V General Service Respirator. When compared together, it is clear to see how influential the Mk.III was on subsequent respirator designs.

Type: MkIII General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): J.E.B & Co Ltd (Facepiece), Barringer, Wallis & Manners Ltd (Filter)

Filter Type: Type A

Date(s): 8/27 (Facepiece), 19/6/25 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

This example of a MkIII General Service Respirator is in the original condition in which it would have been issued. As was mentioned with the above two examples, the MkIII was originally fitted with the Type A filter, which is fortunately still present with this example. It also retains the original flapper type exhale valve made from the same orange rubber as the facepiece. Unfortunately, this example has suffered from the usual fate of many respirators made from this particular type of rubber which under certain conditions loses all flexibility and becomes brittle, meaning that it has taken the shape as it was stored in its carrier.

Type: MkIV General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: Type A Mk.III

Date(s): 3/4/36 (facepiece) 15/5/36 (filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

The next evolutionary stage in the development of British respirator design came in the form of the MkIV General Service Respirator, introduced in the mid 1920s for all three British Armed Services who had previously used different respirators. Clearly, the MkIV design was influenced by its direct predecessor, the MkIII. The most noticeable difference being that it features a completely redesigned valve holder assembly containing a more conventional type of exhale valve. The MkIV design went through several iterations throughout the period it was issued. Early examples such as that shown here were manufactured from orange coloured natural rubber, and were fitted with the Type A filter. As time progressed, the MkIV was manufactured from black rubber and had more up to date filters fitted, as well as minor components such as the valve holder, head harness and eyepieces also being redesigned several times.

Type: Mk.IVA General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): L&B. R. Co

Filter Type: Type A

Date(s): 2/10/29 (Facepiece) 2/2/23 (filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK007

As part of the standarisation resulting the Mk.IV General Service Respirator being designed for and issued across all three British Armed Services, several variations of the design existed from the outset. Long hosed versions such as this Mk.IVA were issued to Royal Navy personnel, this allowed the carrier and filter to be slung on the wearers left side side as apposed to the chest position which could be a hindrance for certain users. This particular early example was issued with the kidney shaped carrier of the Mk.II General Service Respirator, later Mk.IVAs were issued with the more commonly seen square shaped carriers, but with an additional waist strap. The Mk.IVA was also issued in large numbers to Royal Air Force and Royal Artillery personnel such as search light and artillery gun crews.

54279054_10210639240216250_8613318545738

Type: MkIV General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): Avon (Facepiece) G. H. Williamson & Sons, Worcester (Filter)

Filter Type: Type D

Date(s): 13/7/36 (Facepiece), 14/8/25 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Throughout the service life of the Mk.IV General Service Respirator, there were numerous types of filters used. In the years following the First World War there was a considerable amount of advancement in the protection provided by the filters. This resulted in filter design varying considerably when the facepieces themselves remained relatively unchanged. A good example of these changes in filter design can be seen with the Type D as shown here fitted to an early pattern Mk.IV facepiece. Air would pass through two inlet valves located on the top of the filter, then through a Cellulose pad, it would then pass through the main charcoal filling, then through a layer of fabric and gauze, and into the facepiece. The Type D bears considerable resemblance to the MI Filter manufactured in the US, however it is unclear which came first.

Type: MkIV General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: Type EA, Type E Mk.IV

Date(s): 10/11/31 (facepiece), 10.39 (Type EA filter), 8/7/37 (Type E filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK085

As research and development into providing better means of protection continued, earlier filters such as the Type A were eventually replaced or retained only for training purposes. This resulted in a number of early MkIVs being fitted with later filters, such as this example which is fitted with both Type E and Type EA filters, an unusual configuration which came about as an emergency measure to provide protection against Arsenic Gas. These were famously issued to the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), and can be seen in several period photographs. During the evacuation of the BEF (Operation Dynamo), many of these respirators along with other pieces of equipment were abandoned on the beaches of Dunkirk.

Type: MkIVA General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): Macinlop Ltd (Facepiece) B.W. & M. Ltd (Filter)

Filter Type: Type E Mk.VI

Date(s): 29/2/32 (Facepiece) 22/1/41 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Much like the above example, this early MkIVA has too been upgraded with a later filter. In this instance a Type E Mk.VI, which is more commonly associated with later MkIVs and the MkV General Service Respirator. Other than the upgraded filter, it remains in its original configuration including the early pattern of valve holder assembly, which unlike later patterns is secured together by a small nut and a cotter pin.

Type: MkIV General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): L&B R Co

Filter Type: Type E Mk. VI

Date(s): 27/9/33 (Facepiece), 28/10/40 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK038

This example of an early Mk.IV has undergone the same filter upgrade to a Type E Mk.VI as the above example, however it has also had the small nut and cotter pin securing the valve holder assembly replaced with a cone shaped nut which requires a special tool to fit and remove. This style of nut was fitted as standard to all subsequent Mk.IVs during the manufacturing process.

Type: Mk.IVA General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): Dunlop

Filter Type: Type E MkVI

Date(s): 29/7/36 (Facepiece), 2/9/40 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK091

Shown here is another example of the many variations that exist with the Mk.IV series, this early pattern of a Mk.IVA is manufactured using black rubber by the famous Dunlop Rubber Company, other than that all of the component parts remain the same as on those manufactured from the more commonly seen orange rubber. The small tab on the centre of the hose with eyelet is designed to fit a small hook on the carrier strap, this is to secure the hose close to the chest of the wearer. As is the case with many early pattern Mk.IVs, this example has been fitted with the later Type E Mk.VI filter, originally it would have likely been fitted with a Type A filter.

Type: Mk.IV General Service Respirator (Canadian Manufactured)

Manufacturer(s): BPG

Filter Type: Type E

Date(s): 18/4/38 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK041

As well as being manufactured in the United Kingdom, the Mk.IV General Service Respirator was also manufactured in British Commonwealth Countries. This Canadian Mk.IV follows the same pattern as those manufactured in Britain however they were only ever made from black rubber regardless of when they were produced. This particular example features the early type of eyepieces and valve guard.

Type: MkIVA General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type: Type D

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Type: Mk.IVA General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: Type E MkIV

Date(s): 29-9-38 (Facepiece) 15/11/38 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK028

In the latter half of the 1940s the Mk.IV went through a series of design changes, these culminated in respirators such as this Mk.IVA shown here. Although similar in general appearance, almost all of the component parts went through some form of change. The most noticeable difference being that these later Mk.IVs are all made from black rubber, again covered in stockinette material. Individual component parts such as the eyepieces, valve holder assembly and head harness also changed somewhat. The new eyepiece design allowed for them to be repaired in the field using simple tools, this was seen as an advantage over the press assembled type of the early Mk.IVs. Dependent on their date of manufacture the later Mk.IVs would normally be fitted with either the brown Type E Mk.IV Filter as shown on this example, or the later red Type E Mk.VI Filter.

Type: Mk.IV General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: Type EA Mk.I, Type E Mk.IV

Date(s): 6-10-38 (Facepiece), 10-39 (Type EA), 2/3/39 (Type E Mk.IV)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK026

As was the case with early Mk.IVs, the later models were also made with two different lengths of hose and issued accordingly. This standard Mk.IV has however had a Type EA Filter fitted in the centre of the hose. The reason for this unusual modification came after a captured German Gas Mask was studied and was found to give 10x the protection against Arsenic Gas compared to the British Type E Mk.IV Filter, so it was assumed that the Germans may use it as a weapon. This resulted in the EA Filter being quickly developed, issued and fitted to already in service respirators, most notably to those of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF).

Type: Mk.IV General Service Respirator (Special T-Mic)

Manufacturer(s): L&B R Co

Filter Type: Type EA Mk.I, Type E Mk. V

Date(s): 25/9/39 (Facepiece), 13 Dec 1939 (Type EA), 23/9/39 (Type E)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK037

This example of a Mk.IV is constructed using the Special T-Mic facepiece, which features a hollow cylindrical protrusion moulded into the side of the facepiece. This allows for specially designed microphones to be fitted, in this instance the Respirator Microphone No.2 intended for use with wireless sets. When the microphone isn't required, the protrusion would be sealed using a bakelite plug secured by a hose clamp. Unusually, the microphone on this example has been secured using wire and tape much like is present on the hose, which suggests a more permanent fixture than if the normally provided hose clamp had been used. Like the above example, it is also fitted with the Type EA Filter for protection against Arsenic Gas.

Type: MkIV General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: Type E Mk.VI

Date(s): 6-12-38 (Facepiece), 1941 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK024

This is an example of a late MkIV, despite bearing an overall similar resemblance to the earlier types, they in fact have very little in common when it comes to the individual component parts themselves. These include the head harness, eyepieces, valve holder assembly, filter, the type of rubber used and even how the stockinette is applied to the rubber facepiece itself. Each of these small changes was an improvement on the previous, for example the eyepiece retaining rings were made from two threaded halves instead of a fixed pressed assembly meaning that with some simple tools they could be replaced in the field. The head harness was also simplified with the central pad being made from a single piece of sheet rubber with a series of perforations through which the elastic straps passed instead of a pad made of several pieces of fabric with the elastic straps sewn into place. These parts remained largely consistent with the later Mk.V General Service Respirator.

Type: MkIV General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type: Type E Mk.VI

Date(s): 14/1/38 (Facepiece)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK022

Type: MkIV General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): FS & Co

Filter Type: Type E Mk.VI

Date(s): 16/10/42 (Stamped on filter), Feb 1952 (Painted on filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK021

Type: MkIV General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): L.B.R.

Filter Type: Type E Mk.VI

Date(s): 18/7/41 (Facepiece)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Type: MkIV General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): Avon (Facepiece), H B & S (Filter)

Filter Type: Type F Mk.I

Date(s): 7/6/37 (Facepiece), 1935 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK086

Type: MkIVA General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): L&B R Co (Facepiece)

Filter Type: Type E MkVI

Date(s): 7/11/39 (Facepiece), 26/11/40 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK025

Type: MkIVA General Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type:

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Type: MkIV General Service Respirator (Special T-Mic)

Manufacturer(s): Avon (Facepiece), B.W & M. Ltd (Filter)

Filter Type: Type E Mk.VI

Date(s): 8 10 41 (Facepiece), 4/9/40 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK023

Shown in this image is an example of a standard MkIV General Service Respirator with the Special T-Mic facepiece. Several different types of respirator compatible microphones existed in order to allow various pieces of communications equipment to be used during a gas attack. The microphone (officially designated "Respirators Power No.1") shown fitted to this example was intended to be used with the Telephone, Loudspeaking, No.2 Set, which was a control unit used by Artillery Battery Commanders to control the four guns under their command. Each gun having its own dedicated loudspeaker/transmitter unit which could be communicated with independently or at the same time as other guns. This particular type of microphone was activated using a pressel fitted onto the microphone cable itself.

Type: MkIV General Service Respirator (Special T-Mic)

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type:

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK023

Type: MkIV General Service Respirator (Special T-Mic)

Manufacturer(s): F.S. & Co. S.P.L. (Facepiece), B.W. & M. Ltd (Filter)

Filter Type: Type E Mk.VI

Date(s): 19/1/43 (Facepiece), 12/2/42 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK039

Type: Mk.IVA General Service Respirator (Canadian Manufactured)

Manufacturer(s): GSW MacDonald Plant Toronto (Filter)

Filter Type: Type E Mk.VI

Date(s): 8/42 (Facepiece), 18/9/42 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK042

Type: Mk.V Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): S.T.R (Facepiece)

Filter Type: Type E Mk.VI

Date(s): 1/41 (Facepiece), 1/5/41 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK088

The next stage in the evolution of the General Service Respirator came in the form of the MkV, first issued in 1939. The overall design remains almost identical to its predecessor which it shares many component parts with. The defining feature that differentiates the MkV from the MkIV is the facepiece, which doesn't have a stockinette covering. This was removed from the design due to concerns that the stockinette material would be difficult to decontaminate if it were to come in contact with and potentially absorb any chemical agents. The removal of the stockinette from the manufacturing process also likely had time and cost saving benefits also. The MkV facepiece was also manufactured with a protrusion to allow the attachment of a microphone as standard, however unlike on the MkIV Special T-Mic, a blanking plug wasn't available and instead the microphone would become a permanent fixture once attached in order to maintain the gas tight integrity of the facepiece.

Type: Mk.V Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): Avon (Facepiece)

Filter Type: Type E Mk.VI

Date(s): 12/41 (Facepiece), 9/7/43 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK035

Type: MkVA Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): L&B (Facepiece) B.W.&M. Ltd (Filter

Filter Type: Type E Mk.VI

Date(s): 9/41 (Facepiece), 9/12/42 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK034

Type: Mk.VA Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): S.T.R. (Facepiece), B.W.&M. Ltd (Filter)

Filter Type: Type E Mk.IV

Date(s): 5/39 (Facepiece), 22/2/39 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK033

Type: MkVA Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type:

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

As well as the MkIV General Service Respirators, a number of 1939 and early 1940 production MkVs fitted with the Type E Mk.IV Filter also underwent the fitting of the additional Type EA Filter to provide protection against Arsenic Gas, such as this example of a MkVA. This configuration is a lot less commonly seen than its predecessor due to the majority of MkVs being manufactured or upgraded with the later red coloured Type E Mk.VI Filter.

Type: MkV Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): J.B.

Filter Type: Type F Mk.I

Date(s): 1.40 (Facepiece), 23/4/39 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK087

Type: MkV Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): Avon (Facepiece)

Filter Type: Type E Mk.VI

Date(s): 3/42 (Facepiece), 1941 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK032

Type: MkVA Service Respirator

Manufacturer(s): U.R.P

Filter Type: Type E Mk.VI

Date(s): 10/42 (Facepiece), 8/10/42 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK090

Type: MkVA Service Respirator with RAF Pattern Respirator Microphone Adapter

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type:

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

This example of a MkVA has been fitted with an RAF Pattern Respirator Microphone Adapter. All MkV facepieces were manufactured with a rubber protrusion on the side of the facepiece which allowed for the fitting of either the Respirator Microphone No.1 or No.2. This differs from the the MkIV, of which a dedicated facepiece existed for the fitting for microphones, known as the Special T-Mic. The two differed further in that the MkV facepiece didn't come fitted with a removable bakelite blanking plug. Instead, a hole would have to be cut in the rubber protrusion and the microphone attached permanently in order to maintain a gas tight seal. This however isn't the case with this particular example, instead a threaded insert is secured into the protrusion, into which an RAF Pattern Respirator Microphone would be fitted. When the micrphone was not required, a bakelite blanking plug would be screwed into the insert to maintain the gas tight seal.

Type: MkV Service Respirator (Unknown Modification)

Manufacturer(s): J.B.

Filter Type: N/A

Date(s): 5/41

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK089

This unusual variation of a MkV Service Respirator has at some point been modified by means of completely removing the stem to which the hose would connect, soldering a plate over the gap left, and then re-painting the effected area. As well as this a hole has been crudely cut into the microphone protrusion and a simple valve fitted made from a single piece of rubber fitted internally. Remnants of adhesive or tape on the microphone protrusion suggest that something else was connected to it in the past. It has been speculated that this may have been an early attempt at trialing a respirator with a side mounted filter, eventually leading to the Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light series. This how ever is so far unconfirmed by any primary source documents.

Type: Amphibious Tank Escape Apparatus (A.T.E.A.)

Manufacturer(s): Siebe Gorman

Filter Type: Rebreather

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

The A.T.E.A. is a unique rebreather designed for use by the crewmen of the amphibious tanks involved in the invasion of Nazi occupied Europe during the Second World War. The necessity for this device was a result of loss of life by drowning incurred due to the sinking of amphibious tanks. It was a simple and easily produced piece of equipment designed to be compact enough to be worn in the "ready" position by crews, and allow for escape through narrow vehicle hatches. The design is based on that of the Davis Submarine Escape Apparatus (D.S.E.A.) and shares several component parts and the same principle of operation. The A.T.E.A. was initially charged prior to use by cylinders on the Tank Landing Craft, and the filling of the scrubber container with Protosorb (Siebe Gorman branded soda lime). The A.T.E.A. could provide enough air for a couple of minutes of breathing and provided enough buoyancy to support a fully equipped crewman on the surface.

Additional Photos

Type: Experimental Light Respirator Mk.I

Manufacturer(s): Unknown

Filter Type: N/A

Date(s): 6-39 (Eyepiece retaining rings)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK012

In early 1941 a request was submitted to the Chemical Defence Experimental Station (CDES) Porton Down for the development of a special light respirator for assault troops. This request eventually resulted in the the respirator shown here, which is believed to be a prototype which led to the Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light series. The facepiece is clearly derived from the Civilian Duty Respirator design, but with the addition of a 60mm filter port on the side of the facepiece, this was likely done by modifying an existing mould by essentially increasing the diameter of the microphone port. The moulded triangular shape in the nose area to which an exhale valve would have been fitted can also be seen, as well as the locking filter retaining ring which in this instance is securing the exhale valve holder. The valve holder itself is quite an interesting component, it appears to have been heavily based on main body of the filter belonging to the Small Child's Respirator, even sharing the same colour of paint. Contained within the valve holder are a simple outlet valve and a valve seat. The piece of ribbon secured by the retaining ring was intended to allow the respirator to be carrier round the wearers neck in the "ready position". Only 1000 of these prototype respirators were constructed for use in trials, which by the later months of 1941 had successfully concluded resulting in the design being adopted with some small changes and entering production as the Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light, Mk.I.

Type: Mk.IA Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: N/A

Date(s): 12/42

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK075

The Mk.IA is the second pattern of the Lightweight Respirator which was issued to the British Armed Forces. It still closely resembles the Mk.I preceded it, the main change being in the design of the valve holder. The Mk.IA features the L2 Valve Holder, this is almost identical in construction and appearance to the L1 Valve Holder of the Mk.I, however it the centre has a flatter profile which allows for better compatibility with hand microphones. The other components such as the easily recognisable L1 Rubber Mask based on the Civilian Duty Respirator remain unchanged from the Prototype Mk.I design. This Mk.IA would have originally been fitted with the Light Container Mk.II as shown on the example below.

Type: MkIA Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light

Manufacturer(s): D R Co.

Filter Type: Light Container Mk. II

Date(s): 1/43 (Facepiece), 9 Sep 1943 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK048

This example of a MkIA Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light remains the same as the above example, however it still retains its original Light Container Mk.II which is still fitted with the cork bungs attached together with a piece of ribbon. These bungs were fitted for the purpose of waterproofing the container, as any water ingress would render it un-usable. It remains in its original as found condition, and hasn't been re-issued in the post war years in Denmark for Civil Defence purposes as is the case with many wartime dated British made Lightweight Respirator variants.

Type: MkIA Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light

Manufacturer(s): D R Co

Filter Type: Light Container Mk. II

Date(s): 1/2/1943 (Facepiece), 1 Nov 43 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK093

This is again another example of a MkIA Lightweight Respirator, again retaining the original cork bungs as in the above example. Due to a large number of Lightweight Respirators being re-issued in Denmark for Civil Defence use, many can be found today in very good condition due to being correctly stored for decades such as those shown below on this page.

Type: MkIIA Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light

Manufacturer(s): B.T.R

Filter Type: Light Container Mk. II

Date(s): 7/43 (Facepiece), 1 Sep 1943 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Type: MkIII Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: Light Container Mk.II

Date(s): 7/42 (Facepiece)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Type: MkIIIA Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light

Manufacturer(s): L&B R Co

Filter Type: Light Container Mk.II

Date(s): 10.43 (Facepiece)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK051

Type: MkV Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light

Manufacturer(s): S.T.R.

Filter Type: Light Container Mk.II

Date(s): 5.44 (Facepiece), 31 Jul 44 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Type: Mk.6 Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light

Manufacturer(s): STR

Filter Type: Container, Light, Mk. III

Date(s): 1/53 (Facepiece), 29,1,53 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK050

Type: Mk.6 Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light, LH (Left Handed)

Manufacturer(s): STR

Filter Type: Container, Light, Mk.III

Date(s): 1 53 (Facepiece), 29,1,53 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK047

With the introduction of the Lightweight Respirator, its compatibility with weapons and equipment that could be used ambidextrously was hindered due to the filter being mounted on the left hand side of the facepiece, which was most suited to right handed users. The majority of weapons were designed to be fired from the right shoulder, and thus left handed people simply had to learn to use them as they were designed. However, with advancements in weapons came several which could be fired from both the left and right shoulders, which resulted in left handed users being able to adopt a more natural firing position. This resulted in a small amount of Lightweight Respirators being produced with the filter mount located on the opposite side in order to accommodate this.

Type: Mk.7 Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: Container, Light, Mk.III

Date(s): 6/56 (Facepiece), 27.3.53 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK049

The Mk.7 is the final variant in the "Lightweight" series of respirators issued to the British Armed Forces. It closely resembles its predecessor; the Mk.6, however the immediate noticeable difference being that the metal components are always painted black apposed to grey as is the case with many examples of the Mk.6. On closer inspection it can be seen that the eyepiece design also differs. The Mk.7 features the press assembled type as seen on the Mk.III, and early Mk.IV General Service Respirators, where as the Mk.6 has the threaded type which allowed for the eyepieces to be easily replaced in the field. Why this change was made is unclear, however it may have been to mitigate the chances of eyepieces being incorrectly refitted thus rendering the respirator useless. Instead, if eyepiece damage was present, the Mk.7 would simply be replaced instead of repaired at unit level. Both the Mk.7 and Mk.6 were used interchangeably until the introduction of the S6 in the mid 1960s.

Type: Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light Mk.II (Canadian Manufacture)

Manufacturer(s): D O M (Dominion Rubber Company)

Filter Type:

Date(s): 1943 (Facepiece), Oct 13 1944 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK072

Type: Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light Mk.I Type C (Canadian Manufacture)

Manufacturer(s): V.M.C (Viceroy Manufacturing Company)

Filter Type: M11 Canister

Date(s): 1949 (Valve Holder Assembly), 7-15-53 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Type: Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light (Australian Manufacture)

Manufacturer(s): Ansell (Facepiece), Willow (Filter)

Filter Type: Container, Light, Mk.II

Date(s): 13 Jun 1943 (Facepiece), 43 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

As well the Lightweight Respirator variants produced in Canada, several variants produced in Australia also exist. These are unique in the fact that they were the first, and so far the only respirators to be made using different colours of rubber mixed together in order to create a camouflage patten for the facepiece. This unsual design was used due to the jungle environments of the Pacific Theater in which Australian Soldiers would find themselves. The Australian Lightweight Respirator variants also differ in that the second and third models had an additional strap on the head harness which secured to the container mount, this was an attempt to further secure the somewhat cumbersome container which was prone to movement which may compromise the seal of the respirator. The respirator shown in the image here is an example of the third, and final model. This model differs from the previous two in that it is fitted with pressed eyepiece retaining rings (as per the British Mk.III and early Mk.IV General Service Respirators), and has a green painted valve holder assembly. The two previous models had the threaded eyepiece retaining rings, and black painted valve holder assemblies, which in the case of the second model was painted with a basic camouflage scheme using green paint. The first type differed further in that it wasn't fitted with the additional strap to secure the container.

Type: M45/E (MkIIA Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light - Post War Re-issue)

Manufacturer(s): L&B R Co

Filter Type: Light Container Mk.II

Date(s): 1/44 (Facepiece), 4/44 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK054

Following the Second World War a large quantity of both British and Canadian made Lightweight Respirators of varying types were exported to Denmark for use by the Hæren (Royal Danish Army) between 1945 and the early 1950s, these were all designated as the M45/E regardless of the variation. Following this they were handed over for use by the Civilforsvar (Danish Civil Defence) and marked with a C.F. stamp on the facepiece, filter and carrier. Initially the M45/E retained the original Light Container Mk.II as is the case with the example of a re-issued MkIIA shown here, however later in their service life a quantity were fitted with a plastic 60mm to 40mm adapter and M/65 Civil Defence Filter.

Type: M45/E (MkIIIA Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light - Post War Re-issue)

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type:

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Shown here is another example of a Lightweight Respirator variant that was re-issued like the same manner as that shown above, in this instance it is a MkIIIA, however it would still carry the same designation of M45/E as per all re-issued Lightweight Respirators. The majority of the re-issued examples encountered on the collectors market tend to be in very good condition due to being kept in storage until fairly recently when they were released as surplus in large numbers.

Type: M45/E (MkIIIA Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light - Post War Re-issue)

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type:

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK073

A number of the re-issued Lightweight Respirators which can be found on the surplus/collectors market have undergone repair at some stage in their life. This has resulted in some examples being in quite unusual configurations given that there doesn't appear to have been any specific attention paid to the different types of Valve Holder available. This particular example has at some point had its Valve Holder re-secured by means of a stainless steel band in place of the standard wire and tape, much like the example of an M45 Respirator shown below.

Type: Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light M45

Manufacturer(s): N/A

Filter Type: N/A

Date(s): N/A

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK055

This unusual Lightweight Respirator is believed to be a variant manufactured in Denmark to supplement the re-issued wartime dated British and Canadian manufactured examples. It features the same basic layout and component parts, however the overall quality and final assembly isn't on the same level as the earlier re-issued examples. Like the above example of a repaired British MkIIIA, the valve holder and filter mount are secured using a stainless steel band, on this example they are covered by a black elastic rubber band. The facepiece doesn't feature any markings other than the size.

Type: Experimental British Respirator P.T.N. 2 / D/46/34

Manufacturer(s): N/A

Filter Type: Unknown

Date(s): 2/53 (Head Harness Pad)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK019

During the 1950s initial development began to replace the now aging Lightweight Series of respirators in order to provide protection against the growing NBC threat of the Cold War period. This respirator is the first of the four prototypes manufactured for what would become the Respirator, NBC, SR6. It is thought that this particular model was designed for use by personnel operating in confined spaces or with specialist equipment which may not allow for a side mounted filter as per its immediate predecessor; the Lightweight Respirator. It is very similar in design when compared to the production SR6 with many of its features and components strongly influencing or remaining consistent.

Type: Respirator, NBC, S6 (S6/SR6)

Manufacturer(s): L&B R Co

Filter Type: Canister, NBC, Respirator, No.1 Mk.1

Date(s): 1964 (Facepiece), 2/65 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK068

The Respirator, NBC, S6 (Also referred to as the Service Respirator No.6) was adopted as the replacement for the Lightweight Series of respirators. This design was the culmination of several proposed designs, experiments, and trials first started in the early 1950s. Despite it being the next evolutionary step in British respirator design, other than the basic configuration it takes no design characteristics from its in service predecessor unlike and is instead an entirely new design. It offered considerable improvements including a higher factor of protection against newly developed/researched weapons, compatibility with weapons sights, speech transmission and comfort. The S6 features a moulded rubber facepiece with an inflatable face seal, two curved glass eyepieces designed to allow for greater peripheral vision, a side mounted filter and a voice diaphragm. It was also the first respirator introduced into service with the British Armed Forces with an oral-nasal mask, which aided considerably in preventing the eyepieces from fogging. User trials for the S6 began the late 1950s, with it being fully introduced into service and replacing the Lightweight Respirators entirely by the mid 1960s. The S6 was famously used by the Special Air Service (SAS) during Operation Nimrod, which brought the 1980 Iranian Embassy Siege to an end in quite an overt manner which catapulted a previously secretive and unheard of unit into the public eye.

Type: Respirator, NBC, S6 (S6) LH (Left Handed)

Manufacturer(s): L&B R Co

Filter Type: Canister, NBC, Respirator, No.2 Mk.1

Date(s): 1982 (Facepiece), 25-10-77 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK076

This version of the S6 was developed for use by left handed shooters who were issued with either pistols or sub machine guns, the use of which would be hindered by the standard S6 configuration with the filter located on the left hand side (as worn) of the facepiece. Personnel issued with rifles such as the L1A1 Self Loading Rifle (SLR) were still issued with the standard S6 given that the SLR was designed to be fired from the right shoulder only. The S6 LH variant is in essence a mirror image of the standard S6, other than the filter port on the opposite side it remains identical. The additional markings of LH are moulded into the facepiece beneath the size stamp. Due to the infrequency of the need to issue the LH variant, they are somewhat rarer than the standard S6, and were only produced in three sizes (Large, Normal and Small), thus not including Extra-Small which was available for the standard S6.

Type: Conversion Kit, Respirator, NBC

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type: Canister, NBC, Respirator, No.2 Mk.1

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

In order to allow better compatibility with various Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), a conversion kit was developed for the S6. This kit included two components; a hose with a clip that allowed the filter to be secured elsewhere on the wearers uniform, and a moulded rubber cap with male coupling to enable connection of the filter to the vehicles NBC filtration system. This set allows for a degree of added comfort and an additional layer of protection for the wearer. It is also compatible with the later S10 Respirator and PS10 filter.

Type: Service Respirator No.6 (S6/SR6) Fred Dodd Project Prototype

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: Canister, NBC, Respirator, No.1 Mk.1

Date(s): 1968 (Facepiece), 9/70 (Filter)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK009

Following the introduction of the S6 Respirator into general service within the British Armed Forces, experimentation and testing continued at Porton Down to explore the possibility of improving the design further. This took form in a small amount of what are essentially modified S6 Respirators being produced with modifications to the original design. The project took on the name of the Porton Down scientist overseeing it, Frederick Dodd. The example pictured differs from the in service model in that the air cushion face seal has been done away with, and instead it features a reflex face seal containing foam rubber padding. This likely is a result of the original design being potentially susceptible to damage which could result in the whole respirator being unservicable. Also changed was the material from which the voice diaphragm was made, the diaphragm on this prototype is made from polycarbonate, a plastic known for its durabilty compared to the type on the in service model. Externally the only recognisable difference is to the speech diaphragm cover, on this example it is made from fine wire mesh secured by a retaining ring, not a single piece of pressed metal as per the in service model.

Type: A/R 3 (Aircrew Respirator No.3)

Manufacturer(s):

Filter Type:

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Type:

Manufacturer(s): L B R

Filter Type: Canister, NBC, Respirator, No.2 Mk.1

Date(s): 1971 (Facepiece)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK014

Type: Respirator Fire/Crash/Rescue, NBC, No.2 Mk.1

Manufacturer(s): Leyland and Birmingham Rubber Company (L.B.R.Co)

Filter Type: SCBA/ Canister, NBC, Respirator, No.2 Mk.1

Date(s): 1971 / 76 (facepiece)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK020

This unusual looking respirator was specifically designed for use by RAF Firefighters when tackling aircraft fires. The close fitting design is in order to allow it to be worn underneath

the helmet and visor of a Fire Proximity Suit. The respirator was worn in conjunction with a breathing apparatus set which under normal use provided filter air through a Canister, NBC, Respirator, No.2 Mk.1. However during periods of increased activity or oxygen depletion this could be supplemented by opening a valve providing air from the three cylinders to the wearer. This provided approximately 5 minutes worth of air, after which the set would automatically revert back to supplying air through the NBC Canister. Air enters the facepiece by hoses on either side and passes through inlet valves, one on either side. It then passes through air deflectors to aid in demisting the visor. Exhaled air is expelled through the sides of the facepiece due to the lack of an exhale valve in order to maintain the close fitting design of the facepiece.

Additional Photos

Type: Clearance Divers/Swimmer Canoeist Breathing Apparatus (CDBA/SCBA) Facepiece

Manufacturer(s): Dunlop

Filter Type: Rebreather

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

This facepiece is a full face diving mask intended for use with either the Clearance Driver Breathing Apparatus (CDBA) or the Swimmer Canoeist Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Both of these types of apparatus are oxygen rebreathers designed for diving.

Type: Prototype Optical Sights Respirator R8

Manufacturer(s): N/A

Filter Type: Canister, NBC, Respirator, No.2 Mk.1

Date(s): 5/70 (head harness)

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK010

Following the successful introduction of the S6 Respirator in 1966, constantly evolving technology relating to optical equipment such as weapons sights and range finders soon revealed that the S6 suffered from a lack of compatibility with such equipment. Several design proposals were made, including a series of Experimental and Prototype respirators each with different design characteristics, these were serialised from R1 to R8. The R8 as shown here is essentially the end result of this series and is considerably more refined than the Prototypes which preceded it. A number of R8s went on to be used in a variety of compatibility trials alongside the S6. The R8 was successful in the majority of these trials and it appears that it came close to being put into production for issue to personnel requiring a specialised respirator. The R8 however never made it into production and personnel continued to make do with the S6. Although clearly influenced by the design of the S6, the R8 differs in having a more low profile fit, resulting in the eyepieces sitting considerably closer to the wearers eyes. It also features a more conventional peripheral reflex face seal unlike the air cushion face seal of the S6. A speech diaphragm is fitted to the right side (as worn) of the facepiece allows Clansman Respirator Microphone to be fitted without the use of the adapter bracket.

Full Article

Type: S10

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type:

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Type: S10 Twin Filter Model

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type:

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

Type: SF10

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: CTF12

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

The SF10 is a variation of the S10 design intended for use in hostage rescue and law enforcement type situations. At a glance, it would be easy to confuse this for the easily recognisable S10, however there are several differences between the two. The SF10 differs from the S10 in that it has no drinking tube, dual low profile filter ports and flat impact resistant eyepieces. The removal of the drinking tube allows for the option of attaching an integrated microphone and/or Voice Projection Unit (VPU). Dual low profile filter mounts allow the filter position to be changed easily by the user, or for the attachment of an SCBA set for use in the event of oxygen depletion. The flat eyepieces are considerably more robust than that on the S10 and are designed for use with a range of outserts, however they aren't as compatible with optical sights due to being at an angle to and further away from the wearers eyes. Typically the SF10 would be issued with filters specific to the application in which it was intended to be used, in this instance an Avon CTF12 filter which is designed to protect the wearer against Riot Control Agents (RCA).

Type: SF10 IM (Integrated Microphone)

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: CTF12

Date(s):

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK083

48429691_10210243400960516_5767836105785

Type: Experimental S10

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: PS10

Date(s): 1999

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No:

This unusual variation of the famous S10 differs from the standard production model in the choice of colour used for both the facepiece and majority of the smaller components, and the use of FM12 style filter mounts including a removable Secondary Speech Module (SSM). The purpose of this specific respirator is open to speculation, however it is known that Avon have experimented with different colours of facepiece in the past. It is likely that this too is a result of such experimentation, possibly to demonstrate other colours available to aid in camouflage for use in specific environments, this particular being suited for desert conditions.

Type: S10 Commemorative Display Piece

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type: N/A

Date(s): N/A

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK079

This bizarre looking piece isn't a respirator as such but actually a solid plastic casting of an S10. A number of these were produced and mounted onto plaques by Avon as presentation pieces for UK Ministry of Defence Officials to commemorate the millionth S10 produced for the UK Armed Forces. This particular unfinished and subsequently damaged example somehow ended up in a Cardiff prop workshop which at the time was producing props for the TV series Doctor Who, whether there is a link or not I don't know. But how it ended up there is likely a story in itself.

Type: C3 Swedish Armed Forces Concept

Manufacturer(s): Avon

Filter Type:

Date(s): 1988

GasMasksUK Collection Serial No: UK061

The C3 is a developmental concept respirator produced by Avon for evaluation for the Swedish Armed Forces in the late 1980s. At first glance it could easily be mistaken for an S10, or the later FM12 however upon closer inspection features both from the S10, and features that went on to become part of the FM12 design can be seen. The most apparent components borrowed from the S10 are in the Primary Speech Module (PSM)/Exhale Valve Assembly and the head harness adjustment buckles. The remaining component parts were unique to the C3 design, and some including the lower profile facepiece, mesh head harness, smaller eyepieces and low profile dual filter mounts with removable Secondary Speech Module (SSM) went on to be used or influence the design of the later FM12 which began production in the 1990s. The C3 also uniquely features eyepieces tinted with a removable film and air deflectors over the inlet valves to aid in directing of air over the eyepieces. The C3 was never developed beyond this stage as the Sweden Armed Forces adopted the Swedish manufactured Forsheda F2, with the designation Skyddsmask 90.