World War I Gas Warfare Tactics and Equipment

Osprey Elite #150

by Simon Jones

Battlefield Gas was first employed in April 1915 at the village of Langemarck near Ypres. At 1700 hours the Germans released a five mile-wide cloud of 168 tons of chlorine gas from 520 cylinders, causing panic and death in the French and Algerian trenches. Despite initial widespread condemnation and disgust, its use rapidly spread with all the armies entering into the race to produce gases, new ways to use them, and protective measures including masks and warning systems.

For the first time in detail, this book charts the development of gas as a battlefield weapon and the steps taken to counter it. Delivery methods, including the use of artillery, the consequences of changing wind direction, and infantry advancing into an area just gassed, are all covered alongside key milestones in its introduction and usage.

With an abundant array of artwork and photographs illustrating the gas masks, insignia, and protective clothing of the protagonists, this book conveys the horror of the gas attack and reveals the practical challenges for soldiers struggling to cope with this new form of warfare.

Conveying the reality behind the iconic Sargent painting of a column of blindfolded gas casualties, it is a fascinating survey of one of the darkest facets of 20th century warfare.

Genres: World War I, History, Military History

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2007

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Simon Jones is a former curator at the Royal Engineers Museum who studied gas warfare in World War I for his BA and has specialised in the for 20 years. He has written a number of excellent articles on the subject. The author lives in Liverpool, UK.

Reviews

[Krisley Freitas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Livro pequeno, mas muito informativo, descrevendo o desenvolvimento e a utilização de gás durante toda a Primeira Guerra Mundial.

O foco é na corrida armamentista entre britânicos, alemães e franceses, que buscavam desenvolver gases e máscaras cada vez mais eficazes. São analisados os diversos tipos de gases, as táticas de uso e as respostas dos inimigos tentando desenvolver uma máscara capaz de neutralizar o último gás utilizado contra eles.

Livro ricamente ilustrado com fotografias das máscaras e do uso do gás nas batalhas e esquemas de bombas, cilindros e cartuchos para o lançamento de gás.

[Graham Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough and detailed explanation of how gas was used for the first time in modern warfare. The book is profusely illustrated with photos and plates, showing how protection equipment evolved quickly to meet the threat of this new weapon.