Date: 1940
Photographer: Photography Division of the British Ministry of Information – World War II Archive, Imperial War Museum.
Details: As World War II erupted, there were widespread fears of Germany employing chemical weapons and poisonous gases. In response, the British government, as early as 1938, initiated the distribution of gas masks to the public. These masks were designed for easy portability, ensuring that people could carry them wherever they went. Special versions were even created for children, featuring bright colors and playful designs to make them less frightening.
Infants, however, posed unique challenges due to their age and size. Consequently, specialized gas masks were developed for babies, as depicted in the photograph. These gas masks were designed for children up to two years old. The child’s head would be placed inside the mask, with only the head contained within the helmet. The rest of the body remained free, with the mask securely fastened around the child using fabric wraps similar to a diaper, ensuring a tight seal with elastic straps to prevent gas from seeping in. The baby’s feet were left dangling outside the mask for comfort.
The masks featured filters that purified the air and were equipped with a manual pump. A nurse or parent would need to operate the pump at intervals to supply fresh air to the child. However, these exercises were not without challenges. During some training sessions, it was observed that infants would fall asleep unnaturally while inside the gas masks. Investigations revealed that the manual pumps were not always efficient, leading to concerns that the children were at risk of suffocation. Fortunately, these gas masks were never used in actual combat, as there were no chemical attacks on Britain during the war.
This unique image highlights the efforts made to protect even the youngest citizens during one of the most dangerous times in history.
