Hypo helmet facts for kids
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The Hypo helmet was an early type of gas mask used by British soldiers during World War I. Its official name was the "British Smoke Hood." It was designed by a doctor named Cluny Macpherson to help protect soldiers from dangerous poison gas attacks.
Why Gas Masks Were Needed
During World War I, a new and terrifying weapon appeared: poison gas. The German army first used this gas against Allied soldiers in Belgium on April 22, 1915. This attack happened during the Second Battle of Ypres.
Soldiers needed protection quickly. At first, the British gave their troops simple cotton pads wrapped in cloth. Soon after, a device called the Black Veil Respirator was introduced. It was a cotton pad soaked in a special liquid. Soldiers held it over their mouths. This mask offered only a little protection against chlorine gas. It was also easily damaged and hard for soldiers to use while fighting.
How the Hypo Helmet Was Made
Dr. Cluny Macpherson wanted to create a better gas mask. He had seen a German soldier use a bag over his head during a gas attack. Macpherson decided to design a mask that covered the entire head.
He presented his idea to the British Army in May 1915. Prototypes, or test versions, were quickly made. The army liked his design. It was officially introduced as the "British Smoke Hood" in June 1915. About 2.5 million of these helmets were made.
The Hypo helmet was a khaki-colored fabric hood. It was about 50.5 by 48 centimeters (20 by 19 inches) in size. The fabric was treated with chemicals like glycerin and sodium thiosulphate. These chemicals helped to absorb chlorine gas. The helmet also had a single rectangular eyepiece made of mica, a clear mineral. Soldiers would pull the hood over their heads and tuck the bottom part into their uniforms. Air would pass through the treated fabric as they breathed.
Later Improvements
The Hypo helmet was a basic design. Over time, it was improved to offer better protection. More advanced chemicals were added to later versions of the helmet. These new chemicals helped protect against other dangerous gases. These included gases like phosgene and chloropicrin.
Eventually, in 1916, the Hypo helmet was replaced by more modern gas masks. These newer masks had a canister that held the chemicals.
