Of all the U.S. developments in 1918 and 1919, the Navy Mark
II head canister gas mask was certainly the most peculiar. The
filter canister was worn on top of the head as part of an
integrated, helmet-like metal support system. Air was inhaled
through an opening in the back of the filter canister, drawn
through to the front of the canister and down into the mask via
two short rubber hoses that connected just above the eyepieces.
The mask had a rubber, flapper-type exhale valve that pointed up
from between the glass eyepieces. It was designed to protect the
wearer from chemical warfare agents.
|
