![]() ![]() Army regulation gasmask satchels were divided into two compartments the larger compartment for the mask, and the smaller for the filter canister. 64: Early 1917 dated gasmask satchel manufactured by Simmons with rectangular shaped body cord D-rings. Even though this diagram is of the CEM mask, the components for the RFK mask which followed were essentially the same. 51: Location of the key components on the American box respirator. Without listing all of the variations, when comparing CEM Gasmasks, one might notice differences in the eyepieces, angle joints, flutter valve guards, hoses, head harnesses, stitching versus glue, as well as the color of the filter canister. Some of these variations were the result of the different fabrication techniques employed by the vendors while others were official changes that were made to improve the mask’s durability and performance. The wire nose-clamp with rubber padding that held the nostrils closed to ensure the user breathed only through the mouth.ĭuring the period that CEM masks were manufactured numerous small changes were made to the mask.The rubber mouthpiece through which the wearer inhaled, and held the mask in place.The metal angle joint which connected the hose to the rubber mouthpiece.When used properly it allowed the gasmask to be drawn quickly from the satchel. In addition to preventing the satchel from bouncing. The body cord (not shown) which was used to tie the satchel firmly to the torso.The elastic head-harness, which held the facepiece in place on the head.Either celluloid or gas-proof Triplex glass eyepieces, through which vision was maintained.It fit the face snugly around the edges, and covered the lower forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, mouth, and chin. The flexible rubberized facepiece, which was sometimes referred to as a “hood”.The “flutter” or “exhalation” valve that was designed to close when the wearer inhaled clean air through the filter canister, and open when the user exhaled.The flexible rubber hose which connected the filter canister to the angle joint that protruded from the rubberized facepiece.The metal filter canister whose filling neutralized and absorbed the harmful chemical agents from the air that passed through it.The gasmask carrier or “satchel” (not shown) which was slung form either the shoulder or from the neck.Like the British SBR, the American CEM mask was comprised of 11 basic components. Gasmask photos courtesy of the New Romantic collection The insets show the interior of the CEM mask and a close up of its rubber padded nose-clip.īackground image courtesy of the John Adam-Graf collection 50: It didn’t take long for the enlisted men to realize that the gasmask, like the training mask worn by this Army recruit on kitchen patrol, was suitable for filtering out other eye and nose irritating agents such as onions. 165 th Infantry, 42 nd Infantry Division, AEF It was stand it or die … Gas masks on for 5 hours and it’s no joke. The pressure of the nose clip also is extremely irritating after an hour. It grew horribly uncomfortable, for the continued sucking of air through the mouth dries the saliva and the tongue swells. A member of the 42 nd Division had this to say about the SBR: The mask continued to be extremely uncomfortable to wear for a prolonged period of time.The superior filtration capabilities of the CEMs filter canister made it more difficult to draw air during heavy exertion.While more efficient, the filter canister was heavier than its British counterpart.The celluloid eyepieces on early variations of the mask were poorly installed and had a tendency to fall out.Its fuller cut of its facepiece increased the mask’s dead air space, making it more difficult to clear.However, reports from the front informed the gasmask’s designers of the following problems associated with the CEM Gasmask: CEM Gasmask was considered to be the best respirator on the Western Front. ![]()
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