Gas Alert Rattle, England, 1917

Made:
1917 in England
To give troops time to put on any protective clothing during To give troops time to put on any protective clothing during To give troops time to put on any protective clothing during To give troops time to put on any protective clothing during To give troops time to put on any protective clothing during To give troops time to put on any protective clothing during Gas alert rattle, wood and metal, British, 1915-1918. Gas alert rattle, wood and metal, British, 1915-1918. Gas alert rattle, wood and metal, British, 1915-1918. Gas alert rattle, wood and metal, British, 1915-1918

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To give troops time to put on any protective clothing during
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London

To give troops time to put on any protective clothing during
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London

To give troops time to put on any protective clothing during
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London

To give troops time to put on any protective clothing during
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London

To give troops time to put on any protective clothing during
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London

To give troops time to put on any protective clothing during
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London

Gas alert rattle, wood and metal, British, 1915-1918.
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Gas alert rattle, wood and metal, British, 1915-1918.
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Gas alert rattle, wood and metal, British, 1915-1918.
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Gas alert rattle, wood and metal, British, 1915-1918
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Gas alert rattle, 1917, made of wood and metal for use by British forces during poison gas attacks during the First World War, 1914-1918.

During the First World War, time was of the essence during a gas attack. Although some gases had distinctive smells – such as straw, mustard, even geraniums – men often relied on a loud alarm to sound the warning. This rattle would have been used to give such a warning and ideally enough time put on a gas mask and any additional protective clothing – although even its noise may not have been heard over the din of battle. Rattles such as these reappeared in the post-war years when, adopted by enthusiastic supporters, they became familiar sounds at football matches.

Poison gas was first used by the German Army in 1915, although quite quickly it became a weapon used by all sides. In the course of the conflict, three substances were responsible for most gas-related injuries and deaths during the First World War – chlorine, phosgene, and mustard gas. The gases varied in their effects, but ‘Mustard gas’, which could cause blindness and severe burns to the skin, was particularly feared.

Details

Category:
Wellcome (general)
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A652304
Materials:
oak (wood), iron and complete
Measurements:
overall: 212 mm x 306 mm x 48 mm, .99 kg
type:
rattle