Gas Attack-St Julien.

[Bob Coulson]

Have recently read of the Green Howards under gas attack at St Julien when "wet handkerchiefs and cap comforters" were used.

Could someone explain about cap comforters please.

Bob.

[charlesmessenger]

A cap comforter was/is a closely knitted object, rather like a long miniature sandbag in shape. It could be pulled down over the head and was usually used when patrolling by night, where cap or helmet would be awkward to wear. The Green Howards obviously pulled them down over their faces to minimise the affects of gas.

It is, I think, still standard issue in the British Army, at least it was ten years ago.

Charles M

[CROONAERT]

They could also be worn as a (short) scarf. Being "tubular",double thickness and sewn at both ends, they were turned half inside-out and rolled up to wear on the head. I'd imagine that the Green Howards actually wore them scarf like around their faces as primitive gas-masks, rather than pulling them down over their faces as they wouldn't have been able to see if they did this!

Dave.

[Joe Sweeney]

Bob,

The photo below shows the cap comforter being worn. The addition of the MGC brass is very unofficial.

Joe Sweeney

[Bob Coulson]

Charles, Dave, Joe.

Many thanks for the as always excellent information and photo.

Bob.