Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-02
CAMP LEE EXPERIENCES
FIRST CONTACT WITH Gas
Men Learn Quickly to Adjust Masks
to Protective Po-
sition.
NONPOISONOUS VAPOR USED
Weekly Inspection Yesterday-Nien
Dislike Design of Overcoats md
Want to Substitute Sweaters.
Appeal to Red Cross.
NoNPOIsoNoUs vAPoR USED
{ From a STAFF correspondent.l

IL
| CAMP LEE. VA, December H.
Troops here suffered a gas attack to-
| day. Their training. however, brought
| them safely through the assault, and
they arc ready to run up against the
fumes again. Some twoscorc OF the
men Of the division were caught in the
attack, which took place near the
trenches bordering the woods surround
ing the camp. and they exhibited great
facility in quickly adjusting their gas
masks. From the experience the men
have had so far in protecting
themselves from gases. and the prog
ress they are making, 1t is safe to pre-
diet that they will be able to make
effective use of their masks when
they get on the other side.
The assault was n part of the in
struction which the men are receiving
here in antigas. 1t was not an attack
in the strictest sense Of the word. be-
cause the mon walked into the gas. but
the rush OF the fumes. which enveloped
the troops, proved right much OF an
assault. The men engaged in the in
struction were noncoms. especially
picked for the training in the antigas
section OF the division school of arms,
which Is under the direction of Cap
tain Mcclure. an antigas expert,
member OF tho British party here. The
new gashouse, recently erected here,
was used.
Before the men were taken into the
gas house they were instructed In the
manner OF quickly adjusting the
masks. These are of the American
type. which combined all the desirable
features of those used by the French
and British. The mask is held from
the neck and is entirely inclosed in n
Khaki canvas container. 1t consists of
rubber mnsk which nearly conceals
the face, especially made glasses for
the eyes, and a mouthpiece which fits
into the mouth. and which is connected
to metal container of chemicals
which will neutral!ze the poisonous
effects Of any sas that may be used
by the enemy. The man brcathes
through the mouthpiece. clamps on the
nose preventing the nostrils being
used for breathing. There are n num-
Der OF holes In the bottom of the
chemical box through which the air,
charged with gas. passes. 1t is freed
Of It's poison by the chemicals. and,
when inhaled, is harmless. The supply
OF chemicals will last eighteen hours
The mask must be put on in six Sec
onds. Every soldier has his mask with
him all the time he is in the trenches.
AT the command of Gas" the man
stops everything he is doing, whatever
II may be, and immediately adjusts
his mask one breath OF some of the
gases being used by The Germans is
In soiuo Instances, sufficient to cause
death. One OF the things impressed
upon the mon by Captain Mcclure WAS
that they must never remove their
masks without first smelling for gas.
which is done by inserting two of the
fingers under tho right side of the
mask, at tho same time releasing tho
nose clamp. IL tho slightest odor OF
gas is detected, tho masks, must not
be removed.
HARMLESS GAS USED
IN PRESENT PRACTICE
At this time the gas being used here
Is known as lachrymatory. and will do
nothing, more to the soldiers than TO |
make tcars flow. This was employed
nrst in tho instruction in order that
the men might be taught tho import
ance of quickly getting their masks !
on. Tho troops ere falling into this
without loss of time, as they do not
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