Gasmasks Collection

Wearing gas masks
Cartoon demonstrating how the social graces can still flourish, even when gas-masked. Date: 1939

His mask keeps him on the job. c. 1944
7265326 His mask keeps him on the job. c.1944 by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Federal Security Agency - U.S)

A Soldier Wearing a Gas Mask during World War I, c. 1915 (b / w photo)
1729065 A Soldier Wearing a Gas Mask during World War I, c. 1915 (b/w photo) by French Photographer

The new aspects of war, a counter-attack by our infantry, with helmets and masks (colour litho)
2815812 The new aspects of war, a counter-attack by our infantry, with helmets and masks (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The new aspects of war)

A British soldier wearing a new gas mask on the front cover of The Illustrated London News, 11th December 1915. Following the German use of poisonous gas at Ypres on April 22nd, 1915

A demonstration of 3. 7 Anti-Aircraft Gun on the Downs, Bristol. Circa 1940
A demonstration of 3.7 Anti-Aircraft Gun on the Downs, Bristol. Circa 1940

Bob Nesbitt (top) and Norman Bell train in the heat and humidity chamber at Ashington

Members of the mines fire and rescue service are ready at a moments notice to race to any emergency, and to tackle any job

The fire and rescue team practicing to revive a miner overpowered at the coal face. 18th July 1937

Mr. Philip Sprott, a Burradon collliery miner, demonstrated a new type of safety resopirator now on trial at eight British pits

Kitted up and ready for workd are rescuers Bob Nesbitt from Ashington, John Tench from Ashington and Norman Bell of Bates Colliery

Casualties are being loaded into the back of a lorry during an air raid drill in Sidcup, Kent. 1939

ARP ( Air Raid Precautions ) wardens examines the casualties during a drill in Sidcup, Kent. 1939

ARP ( Air Raid Precautions ) night demonstration in Sidcup, Kent. 1939

A press photographer in a ARP ( Air Raid Precautions ) gas suit, taking pictures at the demonstration in Sidcup, Kent. 1939

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Wearing gas masks has been a crucial part of history, protecting individuals in hazardous environments. In 1944, amidst the chaos of war, a brave soul dons his mask to stay on the job. The image captures the resilience and determination that defined that era. In Alsdorf, near the Belgian border, an alarming outbreak has left devastation in its wake. A terrifying scene unfolds as people are buried beneath rubble and debris. Only those wearing gas masks stand a chance against this invisible threat. During World War I in 1915, a soldier is captured in black and white, showcasing the early days of gas mask usage. It serves as a reminder of how warfare evolved with new aspects like helmets and masks becoming essential for survival. The Germans' conquest at Ypres during that dreadful war was not achieved solely through weapons but also by employing asphyxiating gases. This color lithograph depicts the sinister nature of this "bad war" where trenches were conquered using suffocating agents rather than traditional means. A British soldier proudly graces the front cover of The Illustrated London magazine wearing a new gas mask. This symbolizes progress and innovation in protecting our troops from deadly chemicals on the battlefield. Moving forward to 1940, we witness a demonstration of an Anti-Aircraft Gun on Bristol Downs. Amidst rising tensions during World War II, these guns provided defense against aerial attacks while soldiers stood prepared with their trusty gas masks nearby. Bob Nesbitt and Norman Bell train diligently inside Ashington's heat and humidity chamber to acclimate themselves to extreme conditions they may face while wearing their protective gear underground. These miners understand that being equipped with proper safety measures can mean life or death when working deep within coal mines. Members of the mines fire and rescue service remain ever-ready at any given moment to respond swiftly to emergencies underground. Their dedication ensures miners have someone watching over them even in perilous situations where oxygen becomes scarce.