Issue of Box Respirator

[Fromelles]

I was always under the impression that the Box Respirator was first issued in August 1916, however I have been reading a diary of an Australian soldier which seems to indicate it may have been as early as June/July 1916. 

If not the case what is the mask these 'Box Respirator' comments refer to? 

Finally, can anyone make out what is written for the period 'July 5th to 7th' .....

'Got box respirators & [???] other things' 

I thought it could be 'diverse' but am not convinced, any thoughts?

Dan

[Andrew Upton]

1 hour ago, Fromelles said:

I was always under the impression that the Box Respirator was first issued in August 1916, however I have been reading a diary of an Australian soldier which seems to indicate it may have been as early as June/July 1916. 

If not the case what is the mask these 'Box Respirator' comments refer to? 

The Small Box Respirator (SBR) was in general use from mid/late 1916 onwards. However this was an improvement on (and eventually completely replaced) the earlier type Large Box Respirator (LBR) which had been in use since very early 1916. So my money would be on it referencing the issue of the LBR over the SBR:

https://gasmaskandrespirator.fandom.com/wiki/Large_Box_Respirator

[Fromelles]

Thanks Andrew,

Very interesting attachment, particularly the fact that priority of issue of the LBR was to MG and Arty pers, as the diary was written by a member of a MG Coy.

Dan

 

[Terry_Reeves]

SBR ISSUE TIMETABLE

First issue of SBR for Instructors – 18^th August, 1916

2^nd Army received theirs between the end of August and 19^th September.

1^st Army received authorisation for issue on 26^th August and was completed during the latter part of October

3rd Army issue was completed in November

5^th Army issue was completed in December

4^th Army issue took place January – February, 1917.

Source:  Diary of Development of British Respirators in History of the Anti-Gas Department MUN5/386/1650/13

TR

 

[Fromelles]

Thanks Terry,

It's often overlooked that it could take some time for new items of kit to filter through to everyone.

It's now obvious the diary refers to the LBR. I've seen the 'converted haversack' used to carry the LBR, does anyone know if there was a specific designed bag for it?

Dan