Gas mask, Hypo Helmet
Production date
1915
Country
England
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Object detail
Description
Although the Hague Convention of 1907 forbade the use of "poison or poisoned weapons" in warfare, poisonous gas was used by opposing forces throughout the 1914 - 1918 war.
The Hypo Helmet was simply a flannel bag soaked in hypo solution (glycerin and sodium thiosulphate); it protected against chlorine. The soldier placed it over his head and tucked the bottom into his tunic. No inlet or exhaust valve was provided, and the wearer's lungs forced the air through the material making up the bag. A fragile rectangular mica or celluloid window provided visibility.
The first version was tested in May 1915; manufacture began in June and lasted until September, by which time 2.5 million had been made and the hood had been superseded by the P Helmet, which provided improved protection against chlorine and added protection against phosgene.
The Hypo Helmet was simply a flannel bag soaked in hypo solution (glycerin and sodium thiosulphate); it protected against chlorine. The soldier placed it over his head and tucked the bottom into his tunic. No inlet or exhaust valve was provided, and the wearer's lungs forced the air through the material making up the bag. A fragile rectangular mica or celluloid window provided visibility.
The first version was tested in May 1915; manufacture began in June and lasted until September, by which time 2.5 million had been made and the hood had been superseded by the P Helmet, which provided improved protection against chlorine and added protection against phosgene.
Classification
MILITARY Army gas helmet
Production date
1915
Production place
Measurements
L510 x W475 mm
Media/Materials description
Wool (Textile)
History and use
Hypo Gas Helmets like this one were supplied to Australian and New Zealand soldiers on the Anzac Peninsula in Gallipoli in late 1915 in response to fears of a chlorine gas attack by Turkish forces. The attack did not eventuate.
The notion of using toxic substances as a weapon was known before 1914, but it was considered barbaric – and forbidden by the Hague Convention of 1899. However, when trench warfare became common this stigma was ignored. Both sides had experimented with the use of tear gas and in April 1915 the German army launched the first chlorine gas offensive of World War 1, at the start of the second Ypres battle, with the British retaliating with their own gas attack at the Battle of Loos in September of the same year. In response to the attack at Ypres, the British developed the Black Veiling Respirator, which was superseded by the Hypo Gas Helmet.
Made of a woollen or flannel material, and impregnated with a mixture of sodium hyposulphite (hence the name 'Hypo’), bicarbonate of soda and glycerine, these helmets were worn tucked inside the wearer’s shirt and held in place by the jacket. This proved very uncomfortable and it was difficult to aim a rifle while wearing the hood.
The first examples of this helmet were fitted with a window made of mica. This proved to be too brittle, and later versions used either celluloid or cellulose acetate. Intended to provide up to three hours’ protection, soldiers generally carried at least one with them.
This gas helmet was donated to the Queensland Museum by Bombardier C L Taylor, an Australian veteran of the Gallipoli campaign. Although discharged from the army in 1916 as medically unfit, Taylor re-enlisted in 1939.
The notion of using toxic substances as a weapon was known before 1914, but it was considered barbaric – and forbidden by the Hague Convention of 1899. However, when trench warfare became common this stigma was ignored. Both sides had experimented with the use of tear gas and in April 1915 the German army launched the first chlorine gas offensive of World War 1, at the start of the second Ypres battle, with the British retaliating with their own gas attack at the Battle of Loos in September of the same year. In response to the attack at Ypres, the British developed the Black Veiling Respirator, which was superseded by the Hypo Gas Helmet.
Made of a woollen or flannel material, and impregnated with a mixture of sodium hyposulphite (hence the name 'Hypo’), bicarbonate of soda and glycerine, these helmets were worn tucked inside the wearer’s shirt and held in place by the jacket. This proved very uncomfortable and it was difficult to aim a rifle while wearing the hood.
The first examples of this helmet were fitted with a window made of mica. This proved to be too brittle, and later versions used either celluloid or cellulose acetate. Intended to provide up to three hours’ protection, soldiers generally carried at least one with them.
This gas helmet was donated to the Queensland Museum by Bombardier C L Taylor, an Australian veteran of the Gallipoli campaign. Although discharged from the army in 1916 as medically unfit, Taylor re-enlisted in 1939.
Associated person
Registration number
H5043
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