'Gas Helmet' for Babies A 'gas helmet' was designed by Mr. E.W. Mills of Kent that could be used for babies.  It comprised of a small airtight chamber into which filtered air was provided by means of hand bellows.  An example of this type of 'gas helmet' can be seen below.  As you can see it enveloped the whole baby. PICTURE:  'Parents try out Gas Helmet for their baby'

The Phoney War grips Britain

The issue of gas masks was, initially, taken very seriously and everyone was careful to ensure they carried them at all times.  However, as the war began to drag on and the fear of gas attack subsided many people began to leave their gas masks at home and get careless.  The 'Phoney War' or 'Bore War' descended on Britain and a sense of unrealism gripped Britain as the war seemed more and more distant.

An idea of the drop in people carrying their gas masks could be seen by the numbers left behind in trains and buses in London.  In September 1940 the figure was up to 2000 a week.  By early 1942 it was just 400.

Man's Best Friend Dogs and cats were not forgotten in all the initial panic and many pet owners were advised to send their animals to the country.  This however did not stop countless animals being destroyed unnecessarily in the first weeks of the war. Simple guidelines were drawn up for people particularly dog owners. If taking your dog for a walk you were advised to be near a shelter.  It was publically declared that animals were allowed in public shelters.  If an attack did occur then cotton wool over dogs ears were a good measure. Bromide or tranquilisers could also be used if really necessary. A dog's gas mask was provided but unfortunately dogs come in all sorts of shapes and sizes so it proved very difficult to design a universal mask for dogs.  Anyway, most dogs frantically tried to get the masks off even if they did fit! Cats As for cats? An ARP broadcast in 1939 said it all: -

PICTURE:  'Man's Best Friend' carrying his gas mask!

 Blunt but probably true!

Gas-Proof Kennels?

The National Canine Defence League designed a special kennel to protect smaller animals against gas.

It was composed of a steel cylinder which was closed at one end. A gas-proof cover with a glass window would be fitted at the other end once the dog was inside.  These were however not widely distributed.

PICTURE:  'Gas Proof Kennel' (with Air Filter)