Name/Title
RattleEntry/Object ID
2003.43.01Description
Alarm rattle made of wood. when spun, the rattles would turn and make a loud ratchet noise. They were used to sound the alarm , and announce gas attacks. On the back we can read the inscription : "D. L. Sector 42. 18 Quarry Rd". The rattle was probably owned by A. Parsons.Use
The gas alarm rattle was a hand-operated ratchet device that makes a loud clacking sound when turned rapidly. Soldiers of the British Empire forces used rattles in some instances as alarms to warn others of the presence of chemical weapons. Commonwealth troops used a variety of devices as anti-gas alarms throughout the war. Low maintenance alarms could be improvised by converting empty large-calibre brass cartridge cases into bells or gongs, like dinner bells. These alarms were installed at regular intervals in the front trenches and sounded if a gas attack was suspected.Made/Created
Date made
1915 - 1918Notes
Date: 1915 - 1918Lexicon
Legacy Lexicon
Object Name
Sound Communication T&EClass
Sound Communication T&E