Historical information

The Small Box Respirator (SBC) was a British gas mask of the First World War and a successor to the Large Box Respirator. In late 1916, the respirator was introduced by the British with the aim to provide reliable protection against chlorine and phosgene gases. The respirator offered a first line of defence against these. The use of mustard gas, was begun by the Germans; a vesicant ("blister agent") that burnt the skin of individuals that were exposed to it. Death rates were high with exposure to both the mixed phosgene, chlorine and mustard gas, however with soldiers having readily available access to the small box respirator, death rates lowered significantly. Light and reasonably fitting, the respirator was a key piece of equipment to protect soldiers on the battlefield.

Significance

The Small Box Respirator ('SBR') proved to be the most effective gas mask produced during the First World War, and had a number of advantages over its French and German contemporaries.

Physical description

Canvas bag containing Small Box Respirator consisting of a rubberised fabric face mask, connected by a fabric covered rubber hose to a canister made of tin plate containing a chemical absorbent.