Name/Title
1915 British Army PH anti-gas helmet (hood)Entry/Object ID
2019.17.53Description
1915 British Army PH anti-gas helmet (hood). Known as the P-helmet, it is an oversized hood, with two eyeholes, and what is missing is a rubber tube that was attached to the mouth. The material is made from a grey flannel.Context
This gas mask was introduced to the Western Allies after gas was used at the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915. Canadian and British soldiers wore the P-helmet. The eyeholes could become foggy or move around, making it difficult for the user. The P-helmet protected the Allies from phosgene. A special valve was added to the mouth of the hood to prevent the flow of carbon dioxide from building up in the mask. Many Allied soldiers resented the P-helmet, as they were essentially blinded during combat and partially protected Allied troops from chemical warfare.
