Poison gas and gas masks in the First World War 

Just discovered this channel today. Your first video I saw was the Henry V arrow removal. It was incredible.

My Great Uncle was at the Battle of Loos, he went over the top wearing the primitive gas/smoke hood that Kevin showed. His battalion, 10th Gloucesters, captured the first three lines of enemy trenches but so many were killed by mg fire or put out of action by their own gas that the battion of 1000 men was all but destroyed. The battalion's commanding officer witnessed hundreds of his men dead in no man's land and suffered a nervous breakdown. My Great Uncle was killed there near Lone Tree. He has no known grave. You can, today, visit the replanted Lone Tree, memorial and poignant cemeteries on the old battlefield. Also a small museum in the town of Loos. The local people gather and remember the battles fought there on or near September 25th every year. Visitors from UK are always very welcome.

My father was a nurse in a veterans home in England in the 1950s treating patients who had gas casualties in WW1 and had been in hospital ever since.

My maternal grandfather was among the first American troops to enter combat during WWI. He saw over 4 months of almost constant fighting under horrible conditions before being hospitalized with injuries. Was first gassed with a cloud of German methane, but consequences were minor and he was off the front lines only two days. During an attack in mid-October 1918, a mustard round exploded right behind him, the chemical and shrapnel hit his back, and he inhaled some chem as well. He was hospitalized for several months, ended up with 2 Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, and a disability award, but never fully recovered all the way to his passing in 1964.

My maternal grandfather crossed over to Canada, from North Dakota in the US, at the age of 16 and joined the Canadian Army in 1915. A bit over a year later, he became a mustard gas casualty, spending the next three years in hospital in England and ultimately losing his right eye and one lung. In 1919, while still in convalescence, he met my grandmother, WInifred Alden. They got married that year and he returned with her to Canada. He carried those wounds for more than 60 years. We have a picture of him, in uniform after having been released from the hospital. Sadly, I never got to meet him.

The evolution of the gas mask was very interesting. I have read that the “vomit” gas/mustard gas combo was particularly effective on the rookie American soldiers. Thank you.

My grandmother's older sister's husband was gassed in the war, and even drank poisoned water, but didn't did. After the war, the Army did a barrage of tests on him every year of his remaining life. And he lived to be 85 years old. And he was never sick either. They couldn't figure out why he lived when so many had died. He had no clue either, he would just simple tell them...." God didn't want me yet." and that was it. And like I said, he had the occasional cold, but nothing else, no cancer nothing from the Poisoned gas or water that he drank. Even after he died, the Army insisted on an autopsy to be done. But they found no answers....like he always said...."God didn't want him yet."......lol.

My great grandfather was a veteran of the Great War, used the old 'wee on the sock' tactic when his unit was gassed. He survived but the experience gave him such trauma that my father recalls being dragged under the table more than once, his grandfather brandishing a broom and yelling about THE HUN ARE COMING! Anyway, fantastic video, very informative!

Part of me says, especially when talking about the use of nuclear bombs in WWII, is, dead is dead, no matter how you get there. Gas is so horrible, indiscriminate, and really unpredictable. I wonder how many men were just completely undone when the war was over, even without any physical wounds.

My father joined up ahead of draft when war broke out in 1939. Assigned to South Wales Borderers and trained in Brecon Beacons then posted to Aberystwyth in case Germany used Ireland as a launchpad. As junior lieutenant, he was made responsible for gas response in the town. That required him to experience the various types of gas - not pleasant, he said. His arrangements so impressed higher ups that they were rolled out on a much wider scale. My last job was in local government and he would ask about what arrangements were in place for a variety of scenarios

I must confess that I have seen most of your videos and absolutely love them. Specially your epic rendition of battles. You remind me of a History teacher who, when I was 6 (long time ago 😅) taught us is only 3 months the road building and other architecural marvels of ancient Rome, including the special quality of their concrete. But I digress and will henceforth watch this video and leave more well-earned comments on your great and, me thinks, generous work.

my maternal grandfather , BEF, was gassed just after Loos. he lost a lung, but after recovering, he returned to the front as an Ambulance driver, and won the MMdriving an ambulance at St. Julien, 1917.

This is the first time that I hear the word "mica" used in English I did it research and I was amazed by what I found. It turns out that in my country we call anything which has or made of plastic as "mica" and I never knew why. Today was a revelation I will share this with people. Thank you for your great content 👏

I never ceases to amaze me, the ingenuity of the human race to find new ways for us to kill each other! On the other hand, there are many discoveries made in war time that have helped save lives, especially in medicine and surgery, but can't we make these discoveries without so much suffering? Like you, the fact that poison gas is still being made, still being used, does my head in! Thanks for another very interesting film Kevin.

You’re basically the best history teacher I’ve never had. All of my history teachers but maybe one were this interesting and passionate about the subject. Going to binge your videos and learn!

I buy , collect and sell antique tools , few years back I bought a piano tuner’s kit in leather case. Inside with the tools were two metal buttons that said “ I am a Blind Vet” I was curious about this and in my research I found out one of the trades that Blind Vets were often trained on was Piano Tuning since they could do it with out sight

My grandfather was gassed at Ypres, he was in the Argylls. Unfortunately he didn’t talk much about his experiences and he was there for whole 4 years. I never knew him because surprisingly he died of lung cancer before I was born Love you channel and learning loads of new things and I’m a history buff x fee

Really great stuff. I wish everyone could have a history teacher like you.

Thank you for reminding us of the horrors of war. One day there will be no more wars. Love your neighbor as yourself 👍

Hi Kev, great insight again. I think WW1 was the most horrific war to be involved in. If you think 15 years prior in the Boer War it was still muskets and cavalry. You could have been a Boer War veteran potentially then seeing action in WW1, the use of poison gas and machine guns mowing men down is frightening. Please keep up the great content. Cheers!

In World War One my 2x Great Grandfather created a charity for Blind Veterans who where gassed during the war. It was called The Blinded Soldiers and Sailors Hostel now today called Blind Veterans UK. This video was great to watch and made me think about what my Great Grandfather was doing to help those in need. Thank you

Great video again, I was only aware of the later versions of the Gas masks so it was really interesting to see how it developed throughout the war.

I absolutely love your videos! You speak with such impact and art and eloquence, so much better than just rattling off facts as fast as possible. Not to mention the humor. Definitely subscribed! Also i have accidentally inhaled a form of chlorine gas before, you can feel every bronchiole in your lungs, it feels like fire or burning acid and you can't stop coughing. Acid is a great way to describe it, since Chlorine forms Hydrochloric Acid in the water coating your respiratory system and eyes, and that's what burns so much.

"Or your gonna do that thing called dieing" bro said that with the most blank smile 😂

My great uncle died before I was born. His name was John Houston. He played football for Everton in 1915. His brother my great grandfather was killed in October 1914. He died from wounds received at Battle of Mons

I’ve listened to these videos at least a dozen times. Really enjoy listening to Kevin. From one soldier to another, thank u Kevin.

I must still be a child because I was endlessly delighted by you talking with the gas mask on! Lol, I loved the muffled talking and the "war bugle!"

My grandfather was gassed with mustard gas all the time I knew him half of his forehead was a weeping blister where it burnt him right up to his death in the early 80s he would never talk about ww1 just recently I found the field where he was gassed great videos keep them coming

Amazing channel thank you 👍

Great to see your channel growing, your content is excellent and the manner in which you deliver it easy to listen to. Well done

I'm greatful I've found your channel! I've recommended you to my history teacher for his younger students as they're studying the Great War!

My great-grandfather Abel Watetch #907650 had suffered gas poisoning at Hill 70 on August 16, 1917 in the trenches near Lens France. He served with the 102nd battalion there, transferring from the CEF 195th Battalion out of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. He was admitted & treated at the General Hospital in Camiers France, and after his recovery he then later returned back to his unit the 102nd Bat. in Roclincourt Northern France on July 17, 1918

Always interesting,thank you.

So good Kevin!

This is an amazing channel! Your knowledge is amazing, and enthusiasm just blows me out of the water. This is the kind of delivery that will get the next generation into history.

I’m so glad that I found this channel! Awesome, and well researched information, and Mr. Hicks is a fantastic actor and narrator!

Thanks for all you do Kevin! God bless.

Absolutely fascinating thanks again Kev

This man is truly a marvel. His incredibly vast knowledge is a blessing to this world and I can only hope that there will be those who can fill his shoes with as much passion, eloquence, wit, and diversity of information as him. This account deserves so many more subscribers than it has. Amazing work as always

Your presentations always make me smile no matter how depressed I am. Thank you.

Great vid sir

I've been told one of my great grandfather's was a dispatch messenger/runner in the British Army on the Western Front. He was caught up in a mustard gas attack and had no mask. He was pretty messed up but was sent back to England to a hospital and survived the war. His daughter, my grandmother, was a teenager living in London during the Blitz many years later and was a volunteer air raid warden. She used to tell me stories about running through the streets while houses exploded around her. Apparently some days there were so many planes overhead that they would black out the sun and cast a shadow over everything. She immigrated here to Australia as a nurse after the war. Towards the end of her life she started to lose much of her memory, and would occasionally have panic attacks thinking the Germans were about to attack. She passed away back in 2012 after slipping into a short coma. She was a super sweet lady and made the best sticky gingerbread I've ever had. I miss her.

Very interesting Kevin! There are many things I enjoy about your videos but that you actually put on the gear is one of the best.

Stumbled on this today, I subscribed love the content. Love learning about the topics that were merely covered in details during lecture.

I've always loved history, and this channel teaches it with passion. Would have loved to have you as my history tutor Great work!

Another fab video! Keep up the great work :)

Glad I found you, your videos are great!

Absolutely love your videos!! Thank you for making these films :)

Amazing just found your channel and the way you teach history is amazing!!

Fantastic channel, interesting and fun. Thanks!

This is awesome thank you

Been a fan of yours Kevin ever since I saw your musket drills video! Amazing channel

This channel is amazing, i just can't get enough of it..

Absolutely subscribed !

Keep the videos coming. Love them as always.

Awesome work! Please keep up the good work!

Great content and charisma! It's not easy turning such a horrid and complicated affair into something interestingly digestible for the masses. Keep up the goodwork, I can see your gem of channel blowing up soon! Cheers!

I could literally listen to you all day!!! Amazing! Keep it up!

Thank you Kevin,....

To me: thist is fast becoming my favourite history channel. Thanks for the content!

My Great Uncle fought during WW1 and was a Sergeant in the Royal Irish Rifles. He didn't actually get to see action until September 1916. He fought in Ginchy then he was awarded a MM in Passchendaele and by the end of the war he was awarded a to the MM. He stayed in the military and transferred to the Royal Tank Corps in 1936. He went on to serve during WW2.

very interesting thanks.

Brilliant, just discovered your channel the other day and love the content!

very interesting - well told. Thanks Kev.

Amazing content and well made.

Mate, I've honestly been looking for a channel like this. You make things so intresting. As if we were down the pub for a chat as opposed to a lecture. If ever we met id happily buy you a pint. Cheers to you Kevin

Subscribed from Arkansas, USA. Love your videos. Keep up the fabulous work!

Interesting video! As a gas mask collector it’s amazing to see how far gas masks have come!

Thankyou Kevin please dont stop makeing videos I cant stop listening to you speak I love your videos

Good video Kevin, keep it up.

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, I did indeed find this video very interesting, gives a tiny, almost insignificant glimpse of what it must have been like, over there. Thank you once again, for all the hard work, the effort you put into your video. Thank you also, for your service,and all you carry with you, wanted or not. Best regards, Arthur post script, please do not think that I am demeaning your efforts bringing this video to air, just the impossible limitations of RU-vid's rules, and the reality of portraying the horrors of war in short form.

Really liking your content, particularly like the authentic costumes 👍🏻, adds a degree of reality to the subject.

Thank you Kevin for such a great explanation on this subject, and yes...in Vietnam, anything and everything was game.... thanks!

We really do enjoy the quality videos "yeah" thank You !

Another excellent film, thank you.

Excellent overview of all these masks!! Well done!

What a legend you are Kevin, I worked for G4S for nearly 10 years and a urine soaked sock was often how I got threw each day! Brilliant channel

Thank you again, another great job. Your passion for history makes you number 1. Another great history lesson. God bless.

I was highly engaged through this fascinating topic of gas attack protocols. Thanks again sir 👋🏼

My grandfather was in WWI. He died in the early 60s of lung cancer. It was often wondered if it was an affect from the war.

I love your sense of humor! Your wealth of knowledge is astounding! What great conversations you must have with your wife and friends!

WW1 out of every war has always scared the crap out of me. The trenches, close quarter combat, gas, artillery, it must have been insane, literal hell on earth. All the previous wars never had the impact on me as the first, not even nuclear war which is second on my list.

All your videos are so good keep it up

My Great Grandfather was gassed by mustard in 1918 while serving in the AEF and he survived only to died in 1932 of due to the lung damage from the gas decades later. It's the long term effects that were worse than dying directly from gas.

Great video it was very educational, please make more.

My grandad witnessed one of the first mustard gas attacks in France, he never said how bad it was but he was so impressed by a group of nuns who helped the men he had his daughters moved to be educated in UK by the same Nuns

Just found your channel, its fantastic you are a great host.

Another job well done sir

I didnt know vomit gas was a thing. Cant think of how terrible it must be pukin all inside your mask and fearing you will die either by getting shot or inhaling the bad stuff. Keep up the nice work, Kevin. Some great history lessons you put up. If only we had this kind of stuff back in my school days

Great channel, I'd love to see more stuff about WW1

Good work, sir. I learned something new today.

Very informative video. We will never know, thank goodness, what those guys had to endure in the trenches. A different breed indeed. Heroes all.

Greetings from Turkey , I really admire your content with all that great story telling and historic gear and uniforms, your channel is a gem, thanks for all your videos,please make more videos

Well done, interesting and entertaining 👍

Going backwards through content I missed before I subscribed. I'm always up for good WWII information. Thanks for saying that about the asbestos, I've got an old US WWII or interwar mask I've been known to put on very rarely. Knew that was a bad idea anyhow.

11:15 This old asbestos filter warning also goes for Soviet Bloc Cold War era masks all the way thru to the 80's as well.

Great channel 😃

What an amazing channel i've stumbled upon.

I feel fortunate to have found this excellent channel. A great history teacher and story teller with a nice touch of humour. I understand Kevin that you are an ex military man, can you tell me anything of your service history ? Definitely subscribed !

I love your content sir. I have learned a lot from your videos. This is good information for my future and the future of all humans. Thank you.