M2 gas mask facts for kids
The M2 gas mask was a special mask used by soldiers during World War I. It was made in France and used by French, British, and American forces. Soldiers wore it from April 1916 to August 1918. About 29.3 million M2 masks were made during the war. This mask was designed to protect soldiers from dangerous gases like phosgene for at least five hours. Phosgene was a common chemical weapon used at that time.
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History of the M2 Gas Mask
The idea for the M2 mask came from René Louis Gravereaux in Paris in 1915. The first 600,000 masks were made in February 1916. British forces started using them the next month.
Early M2 Models
The very first M2 mask came in only one size. It often got damaged when soldiers folded it to put it in a metal box. A better version was introduced in April 1916. This second model came in three different sizes. It also had two separate eyepieces, which meant it wouldn't break when folded. Between May and November 1916, British forces received 6.2 million of these improved masks. They continued to use them until August 1918.
United States and Gas Masks
When the United States joined World War I in 1917, they were not ready for chemical warfare. The US Army gave its soldiers two types of gas masks. They received the British-made Small Box Respirator for quick protection. They also got the French-made M2 gas mask for longer use.
Soldiers were not well-trained in using these masks. They often put on the Small Box Respirator first during a gas attack. Then, if the attack lasted a long time, they would try to switch to the M2 mask. Changing masks in the middle of a gas attack was very risky. Some soldiers breathed in the poison gas while switching and got hurt.
Design of the M2 Gas Mask
The M2 gas mask was different from later masks. It did not have a separate filter that attached to the mask. Instead, the mask was made from one piece of material. This material covered the soldier's entire face. In 1917, an extra strap was added. This strap went around the wearer's head to help keep the mask in place.
Eyepiece Changes
The first M2 mask, made in March 1916, had a rectangular eyepiece. This eyepiece was made of cellophane glass and had another piece of glass in front of it. However, this design had problems. It was hard to clean the eyepiece without taking the glass out.
In April, the rectangular eyepiece was changed. It was replaced with two round pieces of cellophane glass. These round eyepieces were easier to clean. Each round glass was held in place by a metal ring. These rings had 12 small dents to hold the glass firmly in the mask.
Protection from Gas
The M2 gas mask was designed to protect soldiers from phosgene gas. It could keep them safe for at least five hours. However, a problem would happen inside the mask after a while. Condensation, like fog, would build up inside. This made it very hard for the soldier to see. Because of this, soldiers often had to take off their masks, even if gas was still present.
