wd aef 1433 - defense against gas december 1918.pdf

7/25/2019 WD AEF 1433 - Defense Against Gas December 1918.pdf

1/77

O F F I C I A L

A .

E .

F .

N o .

1 4 3

G 5

D E F E N S E A G A I N S T G A


2/77

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, A.E.F.


3/77

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 . GENER AL C ONS I DER ATI ONS

2 . GA S ATT AC K S

G en eral , , . . ,

Cyl inder Cloud At tacks

Pro jector A ttack s

Tren ch M or ta r s and Ar t i l le ry

Gas Hand Grenades

*

3 . WA R F AR E GAS ES


4/77


5/77

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

I. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS.

1. The following notes have been prepa re

the guidance of officers when giving instruction o

Defense. Such inform ation on the offensive use o

as can be published is issued by the Chemical W

Service in another pamphlet, in bulletins and b


6/77

6

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

6. There are two groups of warfare gasse

first group, of which chlorine is an example,

of substances that are true gases under ordina

ditions and form gas clouds immediately upon

the container in which they are stored. Those

second group, typified by mustard gas, form

only very slowly unless scattered by shell explo

warmed by the heat of the sun. Even an extreme

amount of certain gases if breathed sufficiently lo

cause a casualty.

7.

A man some distance from a shell h

taining poisonous liquid may become a casaulty


7/77

GAS

ATTACKS

(g) Practice in wearing respirato rs for

periods.

(h) W earing resp irators as long as ga

present.

Danger from gas can be greatly reduced by t

means, and officers should impress this fact on their

Excessive casualties from gas attacks indicate laxit

ignorance on the part of officers.

I I .

GAS ATTACK S.


8/77

8

DEFENSE G INST G S

projectors andmore rap id means of transp

will broaden the use of this form of attack

(c) Bombardments With Artillery

Or

Mortar

Gas

ShellSuch attacks

are

applic

all modes

of

warfare.

In

the

case

of

cylinder attacks,

a

highly po

liquefied gas of lowboiling point is liberated fr

inders placed in ornear thefront line. Incase

jector or trench mortar attacks, and of attacks b

lery shell, the gas is inclosed in a suitable p

and

is

thrown into

the

adversary's territory . T


9/77

GAS ATTACKS

transparent and slightly green in color, or it may

like a thick mist.

12. The cloud is carried by the wind over

opposing line and at times the gas has been notice

in the rear areas as much as 10 miles from the f

line.

Gas clouds are usually slightly denser than

surrounding air and therefore tend to fill up tren

and hollows and penetrate unprotected dugouts w

the gas remains long after the main cloud has pas

Such clouds tend to follow the course of valleys. L

or streams do not affect the gas.


10/77

10

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

test.

A new

development

is the use of

por

cylinders fired by electricity while lying on th

Projector Attacks.

14. The

enemy makes

use of "gas

p rojec

ing

a

range

of

about 1500 meters

and in the

c

new rifled projectors of about 3000 meters.

method

a

large number

of

projectiles, each c

about

16.5

pounds

of

liquefied

gas are

simu

shot from smooth-bore or rifled iron tubes^du

ground

or set in

wooden racks.

The

prop ellin


11/77

GAS

ATTACKS

of flashes may be seen in the enemy's lines, follow

a loud explosion, like that of an ammunition

blowing up. The enemy often tries to conceal this

of flame by installing projectors behind hills so th

only warning given is the crash. Sentries shou

warned to give the alarm when any sound is heard

might

be interpreted as being caused by projector

course of the projectiles through the air is often se

the trail of sparks emitted from the time fuses, an

bombs make a loud whirring noise described as

similar to the noise of pa rtridge in flight. In th

of the rifled projector shell the noise is less disti


12/77

12

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

of high velocity or upward currents will disperse

of non-persistent gas so rapidly that very little

will

be

done.

Gas

shells

are

used

in

vari

according to tactical result desired. To produce

tiesj sudden bursts

of

lethal shell are concent

small targets, and in preparation for an infantry

enormous numbers

of

shell containing penetra

surprise gases are often em ployed. Harassing

persistent gases like mustard,a few sheilaat ati

be continued indefinitely against permanent pos

Gas Hand Grenades.


13/77

WARFARE GASES

the soil will slowly vaporize under

the

heat

of the

This vaporization willnot as a rulebe great enou

lightor during cold weather to produce dangerous

centrations ofgas, bu t assoonasthe ground iswa

by the sun, troops passing near will be in almost as

danger from the gasas at the timeof the bombard

Mustard gas also has

the

property

of

remaining

on

penetrating woolen and cotton fabrics. Rubber

is

trated fairly rap idly . Oiled fabrics delay penetr

to a conside rable extent. However, it is unwis

depend onthis protection formo re than a few hou

fse

in

En em y Projec t i le s .


14/77

14

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

will cause irritation

of

any tissue with which

in contact. This irritation

is

usually

not

not

from

3 to 12

hours after

the

exposure

and

ma

any part

of

the body. The worst mustard gas c

due

to

irritation

of

the respiratory tract, which

serious enough

to

cause death.

A

secondary

often pneumonia

or in

lighter cases bronchitis

acute sore throat lasting

for

several weeks. E

of the eyes to the vapor will cause temporary bl

which

is

very painful,

and

will last from

a f

to several weeks, depending

on

the length

of

th

ure.

The third effect, from which mustard gas


15/77

WARFARE GASES

of the enem y to nullify the effects

of

our night ga

bardment inthe m orning should be neutralized

leys of rifle, machine gun, minenwerfer and a

fire/'

24.

M ustard gas

is

rarely used during the th

four days preceding

a

large scale "push," except a

those points over which it is not intended to advance

ticular care must be takeninoccupying terrain ca

from the enemy becauseofthe danger from gas

left during

his

retreat. Gas shell and bom bs m

left in dugouts or farmhouses and fused to explode

the locality

is

filled with our troops . M ustard ga


16/77

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

minish

its

effects upon the skin. The paste sh

rubbed liberally

in an

even layer

on

the genita

and region, the buttocks, the armpits, and other

the body which perspire freely. The length

of

t

such anapplication is effective depends en tire

the strength

of

the gas. Since there

is

no way

ing this easily

in

the field, care must be taken

sufficient quantity

of

the paste and

to

renew th

cation about once every 12 hours when continu

posed to the gas.

It

should be carefully noted

paste must beapp lied before troops enter ana

is likely to be shelled. This will have to be don


17/77

WARFARE GASES

)revent their entering. Sentries should also

be

p

front of contaminated dugouts in a zone othe

free from mustard gas. If not possible to evacuate

juent reliefs, or protection of troops as far as possib

gasproof dugouts will alone prevent numerous ca

ties,

as

mustard gas will outlast the staying pow

coops wearing the respirator. Inconnection wit

ise of gasproof dugouts,itshould be noted that me

tering such dugouts have gassed the occupants

b

which they have brought in ontheir clothes

lerefore,

all

outer clothing should

be

removed


18/77

1R

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

render lug die atmosphere extremely dangerous.

of lime isplaced onthe ground outside ofdu

order that themen may use thelime to des

liquid that may be carried upon their shoes. Th

element ofdanger in the useoichloride of lim

stroy gas due

to the

Fact that Lhe otlor

of th

completely masks lhat

of the

latter, When

of lime isthrown onliquid mustard gas, some

^ given

off.

This will cause little annoyance

ever, the heatof the reaction may vaporize som

mustard gas which has not

yet

been destroyed

large puddles of theliquid areencountered,


19/77

WARFARE GASES

cylinders

it is

usually mixed with chlorine

in

ord

form a mixed gas of high vapor pressure, It

is

gen

used pure in the 75, 170 and 25Umni. trench m

shell* and in the 180mm. smooth-bore projector b

In iJie^eit isra rely mixed with chlurpicrin. Re

the enemy has used phosgene in long range rilled p

tor shells mixed with pumice, absorption in whi

tan Is Us evaporation, making it persist for several h

Finally,

it

occurs generally

in

small proportion

decomposition product

of

cliphosgene

in

artillery

for 77 and IGOnmi. guns and in the 105, 150 and 21

howitzers.


20/77

20 DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

sentries must be thoroughly instructed so as to b

to recognize phosgene attacks and to give the

imm ediately. Trenches and dugouts can be

rid of phosgene by means of fanning and fires.

DIPHOSGENE.

33.

Diphosgene, superpa lite or trichlormethy

formate, is a liquid boiling at 261 degrees F . It

properties and action resemble those of phosgen

closely. It cannot be used in cloud or projector

because of its high boiling po int. It is used mix

chlorpicrin in green cross 1 shell of different


21/77

WARFARE GASES

chest, accompanied

by

sneezing and coughing.

ing

and

even temporary para lysis

of the

nervou

tem may finally result. It is used mainly to u

a man and prevent him from adjusting his mask q

or toprevent his keeping it onafter it isadjuste

is used also

for

direct neutralization through

th

duction

of the

above painful symptoms.

The

of this gaswhen used alone disap pea r quickly.

respirator gives absolute protection,

but

must

b

on immediately. Diphenylcyanarsine is similar

action and rather more effective.

It is

used in blu

shell.


22/77

22

DEFEN SE AGAINST GAS

bom bs. Smoke may be used with gas or betw

clouds; iL may also be used alone to distract a

from a real discharge of gas, and in general f

venting observation, as for instance as a screeni

rage, or for blotting out machine gun nests.

IV. PROTECTION AGAINST GAS

INDIVIDUAL.


23/77

PROTECTION AGAINST

C AS

results of such observations should be reported

Company Commander, who will in turn notif

B.G.O. when the wind is favorable for enemy g

tacks. (For further inform ation on this subjec

jaragraphs 141-145.)

ALARMS.

42.

Experience has shown that numerous c

ties occur through failure to warn "men promptly

the enemy makes a gas attack. O fficers are respo

that arrangements are made for the communicati

ha gas alarmrto all ranks under their command


24/77


Signal Officer

and

which

do not

conflict with thos

in

use, may be

employed for

gas

alarms. Co

of companieson the move should make sure th

cient stockofportab le alarm devicesisalways

Instructions with regard to GasSentries a

systems are given in "Standing Orders, p

114-117."

Protect ion

of

D ugouts and Cellars.

44.

Theprotection of dugouts against

proven

of

great value especially

in

the

case

high persistency, which may necessitate the w


25/77

PROTECTION AGAINST GAS

(d) Stop up any holes

or

flues.

(e) Prevent passing

in

and

out as

mu

possible.

(f) In case of passage in or out, only one

must pass through

at a

time. Only one cu

must be raised

at a

time, and curtains must be

ered as quickly

as

possible.

(g) Men entering from gassed areas mu

move outer clothing and leave

it

in the gas loc

Clearing Gas from Dugouts, Trenches, etc.


26/77


Precaut ions with Reference

to

Fo od and

47.

"There have been cases reported

of

fo

has been exposed

to

gas causing

ill

effects.

and water should be kep t covered. No food tha

unusual taste or odor after

a

gas attack or bom

should be eaten. Casualties have more frequen

produced

by

the use

of

contam inated water fr

crate rs. All water from shell craters should be

as dangerous until proved

to the

contrary , a

effort should be made

to

use water from other

Blue Cross, containing arsenic, dissolves

in

wa

ing

it

highly poisonous,

and

this

is not

reme


27/77


(b) Signallers must take

all

the precau

laid down in paragraph 53.

(c) Special care must be taken to protec

dugouts near battery positions againstgas.

(d) Alternative positions must be selecte

advance,

and

mustard areas prom ptly evacu

when tactical situation permits.

Art i l lery, Rif les and Machine Guns.

50.

All unpainted metal pa rts should be kept

oiled, and assoon as possible after exposure to

rosive gas should be washed in boiling water contai


28/77

28

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

tack without wearing respirators

or

helmets.

dugouts must, therefore, be particularly well pr

against gas, so as to allow this to bedone. Te

operators must be especially practiced in usin

instruments when wearing respirators. The he

of

the

receiver will

be

worn over

the

mask. L

must receive plenty

of

practice

in

carrying

o

work, both

at

night

and in the

daytime, whil

ing respirators.

Signal andTelephone Equipm ent .


29/77


chloride

of

lime and later washed with soap and

The internal portion

of the

instrument should

interfered with.

If an

instrument has been kept

or covered up,

it is

very unlikely that interna l p

will have suffered; but

if

these portions show si

corrosion, the instruments should be sent back

t

or division headquarters

to be

dealt with

by an

ment repairer.

Protect ionof Carrier Pigeons.

58.

When

the gas

alarm

is

sounded, p


30/77

30

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

gases vary, greatly and knowledge

of

their pro pe

essential

to a

realization

of

their full tactical v

60.

Fo r cloud attacks

it is

adv isable tha t

gas

is

discharged

all

troo ps except those whos

ence

is

considered abso lutely necessary, should

b

drawn from

the

line occupied

by the

cylinders

officer orm an who has special ord erstorem ain

put on his res pir ato r. A ll tro op s w ill be cleare

any posts or saps in front of this line.

61.

All t roops

in

any pa rt

of

the line w ith

half mile

of

the neare st p oint wh ere the gas


31/77

RESPIRATORS

RESPIRATORS.

THE AMERICAN TISSOT RESPIRATORDRIL

65.

The

following dr ills

are

designed

to

officers and men to adjust their resp irators accu

and quickly. The dr ill must be so thoroughly ma

that all will p rotect themselves instantly and

automatically upon hearing the gas alarm.

66. Drill A To bring theR espirator

Alert position.

1 .

S l u n g P o s i t io n .


32/77


the sling and bring the satchel

to

the front

of

t

With the right hand, grasp the metal hook

at

th

the satchel and with the left hand reach behind

for the metal eyelet on the sling, pull down an

the two together. Open the flap and take out w

with right hand. Pass

it

through

the

metal

the right

of

the satchel, then around the back an

it to the metal loop on the left of the satchel.

67. Drill B. Drill by num bers to obt

plete and accurate adjustmentofthe respirator

Alert position.

This drill will

be

alternated with one w it


33/77

RESPIRATORS

justment and head harness.

Six.

Replace helmet.

sume the attention.

68. Drill **" To Adjust Respirator from

Position.

Beingatslung position. (1)

Gas.

Stop breat

Place the rifle,

if

unslung, between the knees. Pul

satchel around until

it

hangs

in

front

of

the body.

fasten theflap and adjust the respirator as inpra

'"B," allowing the satchel tohangbythe rubber

Replace helmet, andatonce proceed toadjust the

chel in the "Alert" position, as in practice "A."

69. Drill D Drill toteach method of te


34/77

34

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

should be wiped dry, folded correctly and

in such

a

way that the rubber outlet val

bent.

71.

Drill

F

Inspection.

The respirator being at slung position. (1)

for Inspection

of

Respirators. Place the rifle

the knees. Slip the left arm back through the

bring the satchel around to the front of the bod

the flap

of

the satchel.

(2)Inspection. (3

tors. Examine the satchel and sling, make

metal hook and clasp and metal loops

at

each


35/77

RESPIRATORS

ing properly should vibrate back and forth. Tes

let valve by putting

a

kink in breathing tube to pr

the passage through it of airand attempttodra

into the facepiece.

If

the outlet valve

is in

proper

dition,it will not be possibletodrawinany air.

move respirators.

Six.

All men with defective re

tors step forward one pace. Others replace ca

in satchel, taking care not to twist facepiece into w

position, and return respirators to slung pos

(Note.) After inspection men should be given dril

once,sothatit can be seen whetherallcanisters

been correctly replaced in satchel.


36/77

36

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

(b) Practice

in

bom bing, rapid load

aiming, judging distance

and

rifle firing,

be carried out while men are wearing respir

(c) Officers and N.C.O.'s will receive t

training asthe men and, inaddition, will

ticed

in

giving orders while wearing their

tors.

(d) It must be realized that troops

line always carry the respirator, and that

in

the

rear should take this into account.

effort must be made to approximate actual

conditions. Every opportunity will

be

t


37/77

RESP1RATORS

outlet valve, the inlet valve closing

in

order

to

p

air passing through the canister.

If

the inlet valv

not close properly, expired

air

passes into the c

causing deterioration of thechemicals and disc

to the wearer.

76.

The facepiece

is

held

in

position

by

harness

of

self centering construction which ke

firmly against the face without discom fort. The

plete respiratoriscarriedin a satchel whichisd

'into two compartments, oneof which holds the

ter and theother themask. The canister rests

wire platform which raises it from the bottom


38/77


without a respirator, or in possession of one not h

will be strictly disciplined.

Care of Respirator.

80. The most serious causes of damage to t

pirators are:

(a) Water entering the canister and sp

the chemicals.

(b) Injury to the facepiece.

(c) Injury to the outlet valve.

81. Respirators must be protected from wet

as possible, and rough usage must be avoided. N


39/77

RESPIRATORS

cally. The chemicals

in

the canister will slowly

their efficiency, even when nothing butpure a

breathed through them. This isdue to the fact

the moisture in the air gradually cakes the granules

creases their resistance,

and

lowers their absor

power.

Replacement of Canister.

85. When the canister of the respirator isd

tive owing

to

wet, rust,

or

other damage,

or

has

breathed through for 40 hours

in

gas, and the res


40/77

40

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

88.

To bind the tubing with string, proceed

lows (see Fig. 1) : Rub the string with beeswax

bler's wax, if available. Make a loop at one e

of the string. Lay it along the tube and paralle

Wind the remainder

of

the string tightly round t


41/77

HORSE RESPIRATOR

Anti-Dimming Outfit.

89. This iscarried in thesatchel, andconta

stick ofcomposition and apiece ofsoft rag. Occ

ally at inspection andalways after each wearin

the respirator, the inner surfaces

of

the eyepieces s

be cleaned and dried,

a

little

of

the composition ru

on with thefinger, and thesurface rubbed with

rag until the filmofcomposition issmooth and thi

nearly clear.

Minor

Repairs.


42/77

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

and saves the flannelette from being bitten through

bag is provided with an elastic band which passes

I he opening so as to draw the resp irator close

face when in use. The up per side of the mouth

flannelette hag is furnished with a small unble

calico patch by which the respirator is attached

nose*band of the bridle or halter when in the **

position, and while in use. Inside the bag and att

to the canvas mouthpiece there is a canvas Frame wl

stitched on to the bag in such a way as to preve

material drawing into the nostrils when the resp

is in use. The whole is folded and carried in a c


43/77

HORS

RESPIRATOR

steadied by being strapped on either side to th

ring on the supporting strap, and its Hap sh


44/77

44

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

the respirators adjusted

in the

"Alert position"

moving off, as follows:

(a)

The

flap

of the

resp irator case

i

buttoned andslipped under thenose-band o

bridle orhalter from below upw ards.

(b)

The two

straps

at the

back

are

passed under thenose-band and secured t

check pieces

of

the bridle, above

the

metal

each side.

(c) The small unbleached calico patch o

upper side

of the

mouth

of the

respirator


45/77

HORSE RESPIRATOR


46/77

46

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

VL STANDING ORDERS AND DUTIE

GAS OFFICER.

The division commander will be responsible

proper training and instruction of his command

defensive measures. Thepresence or absence

casualties under

a

gas attack will form

a

basis

f

mating the efficiency of his command.

The Chemical Warfare Service will provide th

sion and corps gas officers with suitable samples

various kindsof gases, especially thoseofmost fr

use, for instructing the personnel

in

the identifica


47/77

TYPICAL STANDING ORDERS

their men

are

maintained

in

perfect cond ition,

an

all ranks under their command arethoroughly tr

in the useofthese applian ces, andin allm easures

may affect their safety against gas, including indent

tion of thepresence of gases and the identificatio

gas attacks.

101. Battalion, regimental, division gas o

and assistants areappointed to aid in seeing tha

anti-gas measures are efficiently carr ie d out. It

be their duty tob rin g an y efficiency in gas discipli

protection

to the

notice

of the

prop er comm a


48/77

48

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

engineers and field signal men operating within

areas,

but will also be responsible for the gas t

of these troops, and will see that they receive t

in gas defense equivalent to the training given

own units.

105.

Gas non-com missioned officers in su

tached troops will be reported to the gas officer

unit to which they are attached (battalion or re

t a l ) .

In case of detachments which are smalle

a platoon, and which have no gas non-commis

officer of their own, one of the gas non-commis

officers of the unit with which they are being ra


49/77


devices apparently protecting against gas will be

tained in dugouts

which are reported not to be ade

gas-proof.

Gas Zones.

108.

There will

be

denned

in the

area

armies, two zones

to be

known

as the

"A lert

"Danger" zones.

109.

The approximate extent

of

these zon

be

as

follow s:

Alert Zone The area within three kilome


50/77

50

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

112.

Sentinels

and

military police will

structed to allow no person connected with the Am

Military Service

to

pass w ithout complying w

the rules relating to the wearing of resp irators .

will report all cases

of

infringement

of

the above

and copies

of

these reports will be furnished to t

mental

or

divisional gas officers.

113.

The above-named zones will be conspi

marked by each regiment insucha manner asto

the attention

of

persons entering them.

114.

When not carried

in

the "A lert" posit


51/77


Special Gas Sentries will have definite areas to a

the event of a gas attack. Two sentinels w ill be po

nigh t. When deemed necessary oneofthem wi

the resp irator completely adjusted. They will

each other of wearing the respirator very half hou

working parties of ten or more men will haveag

try posted. All sentries, traffic con trol men, milit

lice,

etc., when on duty will act as gas sentries, a

he provided with suitable alarm devices when nec

Sentries will be posted over all men sleeping and a

in dugouts or shelters, and each sentry will be de

responsible for the group assigned to him . The


52/77

52

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

Inte l l igence .

119. All intelligence indicating that an en

attack is imminent should be comm unicated im

lyto theD ivision andCorps GasOfficers for t

mationof the Divisionor Corps Gas Officers, thr

of the Division or Corps, who should cause to

mitted to the Division or Corps GasOfficer, fo

and recommendation, such copies of airplane

graphs and intelligence reports bearing on the

as may be available. Airplane photographs o

lines available at various headquarters should b

ined

for

possible projector emplacements

and

c


53/77


Action During and After

a

Gas Attack.

121.

At the instant that any gas alarm is giv

ranks will immediately

put on

respirators

an

them until the order toremove masks isgiven

officer acting upon the advice of a Gas Officer

N.C.O.

In the case of isolated groups and in the a

of

a

Gas Officer, the order to rem ove masks will be

by the non-commissioned officer incharge, who w

port this action promptly to the nearest officer. In ca

gas attackisfollowed byanassault ofenemy in

not wearing masks, respirators may be removed w

form al orde r. Any officer

or

man who fails

to


54/77

54

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

talking must cease.

In case

of a

cloud gas attack,

ies of troops or transport on the move will halt, an

ing parties will cease work until the gas cloud has

If arelief is in p rogress, units should stand stead

as possible un til the gas cloud has passed. Supp

parties bringing up ammunition and grenades w

be moved up

if

the tactical situation demands.

125. Assoon as possible after or during

attack, gas officers and gas N.C.O.'s will determine

er a "persistent" or a "non-persistent" gas is be

ployed. When tactical situation perm its a posi

tensively bombarded by the most persistent gas,


55/77

DIV ISION DISINFECTING SERV ICE

be noted that the odor of mustard gas in slight con

trations is not unpleasant, and that the gas produce

irritation for several hou rs. During a mustard ga

tack, precautions must be taken to avoid contamina

of dugouts from the clothing and especially from

shoes of men who enter.

128.

Men who have been even sligh tly gassed wi

treated as casualties, and withdrawn promptly from

gassed area with the least possible exertion on the pa

the man gassed. Especially in the case of a mustard

attack, it is important that fresh clothing be available


56/77

56

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

with "mustard gas" special disinfection squads

designated and trained by each Regimental or B

Gas Officer for this purpo se. These squads sha

ganized in the various units according to the

employment of these units as below; each squa

under the immediate direction of the gas non-

sioned officer of that un it. Except in case of "

gas" shelling, the men composing this squad shal

to perform their regu lar duties. This does not

the gas non-commissioned officers, who shall be

no duties which might interfere with their dutie

non-commissioned officers. These men shall, h


57/77

DIVISION DISINFECTING SERV ICE

attached to a regiment will be taken care of by the

talion disinfecting squad in whose area it is located

(3) A rtillery Regiment:

(a) Regimental H eadquarters: Regim

gas N.C.O. and 4 men.

(b) Each Battalion H eadquarters: Batt

gas N.C.O. and 4 men.

(c) Each Battery : Battery gas N.C.O. a

men.

(4) Engineer Regiment:

(a) Regimental Headquarters: Regim


58/77

58

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

be made

to

expedite the arriv al

of a

disinfectin

at

a

shelled area.

By COMMAND OF GENERAL

(Signed)

O fficial:

(Signed)

Chief of S

Acting Adjutant.


59/77

DUTIES

O F GAS

OFFICERS

9. Question and instruct a ll Gas N.C.O.'s freq

ly, reporting those (by name, rank and organization

consider incapable, those who neglect their work

those who have too many other duties to perform.

10.

Make sure that when a man loses his resp

or when he turns one in for replacement that has

rendered unserviceable through carelessness or by i

tion, the new one issued is charged against his pa

count$4.44and see that further disciplinary acti

taken.

11. Make sure that you know all units in

trea.


60/77


pany Gas N.C.O.'s should accompany the advanc

and take over trench stores (by daylight

if

poss

They will make wind observations

as

dire

the Division Commander on recommendation

o

vision Gas Officer, and will report any change

to the Company Commander. (See Pars. 142-145.

138.

During

or

after the attack the N.C.

note down in writing as much information regard

attack as possible. (See Par. 147.)

139. After a gas shell bombardment,if th

a new gas is suspected, the Gas N.C.O. should ta

ples

of

earth contam inated with the suspected ga


61/77

DUTIES OF GAS OFFICERS

obtained by getting N by the N Star and S by t

at midday (Greenwich time).

Direct ion of Wind.

144. Before reading the direction of the win

the vane the observer should gauge the approxim

rection by noting the course taken by smoke, etc.

tion of wind must be stated in points of the co

The points of the compass to be used are sho

Fig. 5.


62/77


Strength of Wind.

145.

This may be judged from Beaufort's

Beau-

fort's

No.

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Speed

in

m.p.h.

0

2

5

10

15

20

30

Observations

of

Natural Objects

Smoke straight up

Smoke slants

Felt on face

Paper, etc., moved

Bushes sway-

Tree tops sway, wavelets

water

Trees sway and whistle

Behavi

Flag on

Va

No move

No mov

Slight

Three-qu

Up and

often

on Up. Fal

often

Up and


63/77

DUTIES OF GAS OFFICERS

(f) The position

of

dud shell and fragmen

shell, etc.

148.

The following form will be used

for

ma

reports

on

gas attacks:

Form No. 1.

AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES

DEFENSE DIVISION, CHEMICAL WARFARE SERVICE

REPORT ON GASATTACK.

Serial No

(Date of Report)

Corps ,

Division

Unit Location


64/77


F o r w a r d i n g of S a m p l e s , S p e c i m e n s and R

149. After

an

attack

gas

shell bases

and

f

shell

gas

samples, unexploded

gas

shells,

and

the attack will

be

handed

to the

Company Co

for transmission

to the

Division

Gas

Officer,

forward them

to the

Corps

Gas

Officer. Corps

cers

are

responsible

for

their examination,

if

po

for forwarding themto the proper place for suc

nation.

150. Ea rth samples should be taken when

of a new gas is suspected. It must be rememb

gas are


65/77

IMPORT NTGENER L ORDERS

regiments

or

com panies. Issues within

the

division

be made

to

authorized regimental officers

by

the Div

Gas Officer.

In the

case

of

detachments, issues wi

made

to the

senio r officer present with

the

detachm

Issues will

be

made direct

to

detached officers.

In

case

of

troops

not

attached

to a

division,

but

attache

an army corps, issues willbemadein the same ma

by theCorps GasOfficer, and in thecase of troops

attached

to an

army corps,

but

attached

to an

army

sues will

be

made

in the

same m anner

by the

Army

Officer.

In all

other cases issues will be made direct

of No


66/77

66

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

com manding officers. It w ill be the ir du ty to mak

sion for the fullest protection against gas attacks

m ain tain the efficiency of gas di sc ipl ine. To th

they must provide for all officers and men und

command adequate instruction and drill in met

protection against gas, arrange for the thoroug

ing of officers and non-commissioned officers es

assigned to the work of gas defense, and at all ti

operate with authorized officers of the Gas Corps.

2.

Chief Gas Officers of arm ies an d of arm

Division Gas Officers and assistants to these offic


67/77

IMPORT NT GENER L ORDERS

occur

in his

division, together with reasons

for

casualties, and theaction taken, and the action r

mended for their further preven tion. Acopy of

such report, together with action taken to correct

ciencies, will be forwarded by the division comman

the Chief of the Gas Corps through the proper cha

5.

A

gas officer will be appo inted

by

the unit

mander

for

every regiment,

for

every battalion

an

separate units;

a gas

non-com missioned officer w

assigned

as

assistant

to

each

of

these

gas

officers

two

gas

non-commissioned officers w ill

be

appo


68/77

68

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

fare employed by the enemy and regarding mat

enemy origin. They will also make systematic

tion of and reports upon conditions of weather,

and any other conditions that might aid in pr

the time and the nature of enemy gas attacks.

II .

An A.E.F . Gas Defense School is est

at the experim enta l field of the Gas Corps. It

under the commandant of the experimental field

as concerns supply, discipline, quarters for offic

men, and administration of grounds, buildings and

ment. A director and instructors will be appo i


69/77

IMPORT NTGENER L ORDERS

G.H.Q., A.E.F.,

May 27, 1918,

will

be

consulted

advantage taken of their technical knowledge anda

in the preparat ion of all plans involving the exte

useof gas,whether by artillery or by other means.

Extract from General Orders No. 144, G.H

A.E.F., 1918.

156.

VII I . 1. Because of the great impor

which the use of poisonous gases has acquired in

fare,

the following measures looking to a prompt

of gas are


70/77

70

DEFENSE AGAINST GAS

OTHER MASKS.

157. Untila sufficient numberof Americ

Respirators areava ilable to supply all theA

forces, certain troops will continue

to

make us

following masks.

SMALL BOX RESPIRATORS*

158.- This maskissimilar tothe Am erica

Respirator

in

general form.

It

differs

in

the f

respects (see Paragraphs 75 ami 761:

The incoming air

is

led

to

the lungs throug


71/77

O THER M ASKS

compar tmen t g ra sp ing

the

face-piece

in the

pa

the hand, the fingers gra sp ing the eyepieces.

Bring the face-piece sm artly out of the satchel

height of the chin, holding it tightiy with thefinge

tended outside, tlie thumbs inside at thebind ing

the tapes

are

attached. Pu ll

the

hands ap art unt

tapes (harness) are taut. Throw chin well fo

Stick out thechin.

THREE.

Br ing the face-piec

ward, digging thechin into it. With thesame m

guide thetapes over thehead, knocking off theh

backwards . F O U R . Grasp themetal elbow tube o


72/77

72

D E F E N S E G i K S T

G A S

split, loose or at wrong angle, and thai metal

in position 1-16 in, from open ing. See Liiat no

effective and firmly attached to mask fab ric . M

rhat there are no pin holes or tears in fabric,

eye-pieces are securely fastened in the face-piec

mands FIVE and SIX same as for Am erican Ti

pirator.

ADDITIONAL DRILLS,

1 6 6 Drill **G," To clear gas from the ja

Tli Resp irator being adjusted (11 Clear (2) Fa

Press the face-piece close to the face with th


73/77

DEFENSE SUPPLY

larger canister, whk-h is carried on the back of the

dier, the flexible breathing tube passing over the

shoulder and then to the face-piece. The fabric of

face-piece of the French apparatus is in some cases m

of gum rubber, or

}

bi many of die later issues, is m

of a rubberized fabric somewhat lighter than that

tlie Am erican type. The French Ti^sol is too com

cated and fragile lo trust in the hands of die ave

soldier and the canister is heavy and not easiJy carr

Directions for its use are in each box.


74/77


Gas Officer, who will be stationed in the area

plete allowance of Group A on hand, in ad

the arrival of the division. He will then a

his division to the Mae on com pletion of the

training . A lillery units will receive G roup A

from the C.W.S. officer permanently in charg

training at their camp or train ing center. Rep

will receive their equipment in depot divisio

special replacement depots of the various arms

174.

Corps and Army troops may be eq

(ai In base po rts, in ra se they are

direct Lo the Z. of A,


75/77

G IS DEFEN SE SI / ' / / . V

hi the ^ " U p hi qut^ i ton . T he

regimental,

butluli

oilier unit *as officer makes requisition on the D

Corps or

Army Gas

Qflker,

who lilJs th e req uis itio n

-locks

011

ham ) in

\\\u Division

or Corps Gas

Dump

sion Gas Officers replenish their stocks from ihe

gas park- , where credits for them will he main

These credits will bt; ihe supplie*

allotted

lu

divisi

thtf Ga* Defense Issue

Scbedtale.

When

a division

oul of a sector, il will not carry MJpplie^* bul. will

m lit for the su pp lie s lefi. Th e kilter w ill he tur

iiluT

to

Lhe

local

atnu gets

park

ur

to

the re

;

SUMMARY OF MARKINGS FOR CHEMICAL SHELL AND PROPERTIES


76/77

OF COMMONEST GASES

French

Cumber

Shell Filling

American

and

British

Code

Symbols

French

Designation

4B

1

21

Chlorine {Used only

in

cloud gas)

Arsenic Trichloride30%

Stannic Chloride 15 %

J.Hydrogen Cyanide

50%

Chloroform

5%

> Cyanogen Chloride

70 %

Arsenic Trichloride30%

Diphenyl Chlorarsine

Diphenyl Cyanarsine

Phosgene

Red Star

Not used

byA.E.F.

orB.E.F/

Bertholite

Yincennite

D.

A.

D. C.

C.

G.

Diphosgene

Phenyl Carbylamine

Chloride

Phosgene, Diphosgene

and Diphenyl Chlorarsine

Vi rite

Sternite

Sternite

Collongite

German

Designation

and

Marking

Blue Cross

Blue Cross

Three White

bands. White

D.

Not used ' Superpalite

S.F.

Green Cross

Green

os^

Chlorpicrin

Phosgene

rr

25%

and

Chlor-

P.

G.

I A d >>] l

Odor

Persistency

In Open

In Woods

Physiological Effect

Remarks

'A

1

on-Persistent class.

Chloride

of Lime

Slight

10

min.

10min.

10

min.

10min.

3hrs.

3hrs.

3

hrs.

3hrs.

Is interchangeable with

D.A.

Musty Hay,

Green Corn

10

min. 3

hrs.

Lung Irritant, Deadly.

Action Immediate.

Lachrymator and Respiratory

Irritant. Considered quite

toxic, but in high concentra-

tions only.

A Lachrymator, Respiratory

Irritant andLethal Agent

Sneezing Gas. Nerve Depres-

sant. Respiratory Irritant.

Effects somewhat greater.

Respiratory Irritant . Very

deadly. Action usually

slightly delayed.

These gases are very volatile; theyare

vaporized entirely at themomentof

explosion, formingacloud capableof

giving deadly effects, but which loses

more or less rapidly its effectiveness

by dilution

and

dispersion into

the

atmosphere.

These gases form non-persistant

clouds

of

solid particles.

Semi-Persistent C ass,

Disagree-

able, suffo-

cating.

Musty Hay .

Green Cross

\

Resembles

Diphosgene

a little

pungent

"Pungent,

Suffocat-

ing.

Green Cross

Chlorpicrin S0%

Stannic Chloride 20%

E hyl Dichlorarsine

and

Dichlormethylether

J d n ' i i t a , , , . 1 *

N.

C.

T

Yellow Cross

lor

Green Cross

3

3hrs.

3

hrs.

3hrs.

Pungent,

Suffocat-

ing.

3hrs.

3hrs.

-3hrs.

Pungent

Ehereal,

Pleasant.

Bromacetone

Brom Ketones

Brombenzylcyanide

Mustard Gas(Dichlor-

B.A.

Martonite

C.

A.

H.

S.

Camite

Yperite

Green Cross

Yellov

Cross

12hrs.

12

hrs.

12hrs.

12hrs.

12hrs.

19

hro

3 hrs. 12 hrs

3hrs.

12 hrs.

Sameasphosgene.

Eye, Nose and Throat I rritant .

Not very poisonous.

Respiratory* Irritant. Slightly

delayed action. Very deadly.

Causes vomiting and a little

lacbrymation.

Causes vomiting, Respiratory

Irritant,

a

little lachrymation.

Slightly delayed action, very

deadly, respiratory irritant,

causes vomit ing ar>d

a

little

lachrymation.

Persistent Cass.

Pungent

No Odor

Slight

Mustardor

irritant, tear producer.

Respiratory irritant, causes

vomiting, tear producer.

Nerve poison similar

to

diphenylchlorarsine, easily

destroyed by wa:er.

T

Lachrymator, Tear Producer,

Tear Producers, Slight Respira-

tory Irritant s. Action imme-

diate.

Not toxicbut most powerful

lachrymator known.

Respiratory Irritant. Eyt and

Skin Irritant . Blistering Agent.

These gases, having moderately high

boiling points,

are

only partial ly

vaporized

at the

moment

of

explo-

sion.

Tbe

cloud formed upon ex plo-

sion

is

generally

not

deadly,

but it

immediately gives penetrative lacry-

matory

or

irritant effects.

The ma-

jority

of the "gas"

contents

of the

shell is pulverized and projected

in the

form

of a

spray

or fog

which slowly

settles on the ground and continues

to

give

off

vapors which prolong

the

action

of the

initial cloud.

Phosgene

in

these mixtures

has

same

effect

as

used above,

if

concentration

is sufficiently high.

These gases having very high boiling

pointsare but little vaporizeda t the

momentof explosion. A small port ion

of the contentsofthe shellisatomized

and gives immediate effect,but by far

tbe greater part isprojected on the

groundin theformof droplets which

slowly vaporize and continue the

actionof the initial cloud.

8l /VMT WHEN ROLLED UPM&YBE

HEPT /A/ RLflCE BY

ff

STR/WQ ffAD LOO/*

ro fl HOOH Off 8Y/?5tfLF O/V

CffJ

BLffNKET


77/77

t

THE 5f?ME F>/?/fiJC/PLE /?$Trtf?r SHOWA/

TWO

/vor

CLOSB/?

roF-

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THE. LT*A//?TE TOC

CS /A7/OSS/0d.EL.

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-

SEE ru&r

JOWTS fff?E

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