Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-10-05

NJ Guenther Of Ottumwa, now station
ed in France with Co. D 18th Engineers
(railway) gives an interesting explana-
ton Of the gas masks and the different
gases and the effect they have upon
those who encounter them: The lette,
follows:
France, Sept. 1, 1917
Camp Rest"
(By candle lightly
I promised an article on our gas in
structions and censor permitting, will
do my best. am going to use only one
side Of sheet hereafter. as am afraid
one cut-out will spoil two when using
both sides.
We arrived at the English camp
Sunday night and Monday we began
the sergeants from A and B. pre-
viously instructed. teaching Us. We
first learned that the gas mask was far
the most important part Of our equip
ment and demanded a minute inspec-
ton for flaws and leaks, daily. They
are OF two kinds Cat present writing) a
first and second line Of defense.
Protects Face.
The first line mask fits only the
mouth and chin and part Of forehead,
held in place by straps over tho head.
It Is elastic at edges and fits tightly
to your face. Possibly it would be best
not to describe its method Of working.
as that part may be regarded as secre-
tive >by the government. The idea
though Is to purify the poisonous air
and this Is easily accomplished. They
are verv hideous looking when in place
but not as much SO as the second line
ones. Their life Is Is hours and many
times have been worn at one stretch
for 10 to IL hours. After the 18th hour
they gradually diminish In strength "a
chemical is used to purify the air) but
are good for 8 or hours longer. The
second line masks are good for s hours
and resemble a Kentucky night riders
hood and are 4 terrible looking con-
trivance.
Both masks are always carried in
certain places on your person and
there is only ono correct way to take
them out Of their bags and put them
the heads Of the recruits until they can
be put on in the least possible tine
which should not exceed six seconds.
When troops are marching in danger
Gus territory, the masks are carried at
gas alert which is over the breast,
just below, the chin. where they are
easily accessible. In the trenches they
are always carried at gas alert. The
cases are then unbuttoned and then
the time to put them on. from remov-
Ing them from their cases to unfolding
them and putting them In place, must
not exceed six seconds.
Sentries Give Alarm.
The gas alarms are sounded by SEN
tries who do nothing but watch for gas.
These alarms may be whistles, bells,
sirens or pounding on an iron tri-
angle accompanied by the cry gas"
When the alarm Is heard there is only
one thing to do first. and that is, shut
your eyes and hold your breath. Do
not take long one first but simply
stop breathing and at the same time
dive into your mask. Speed and cool
ness are the main factors and two 9TH
err necessary requirements are: first.
absolute confidence in your mask and
second. the same confidence in your
self. Once the masks are on and the
mouthpieces are adjusted, you are per-
fectly safe.
Gas is discharged by tanks from the
enemy trenches and by shells fired
from cannons. The first can only be
used when the wind is toward us. but
the second any time, and the shells are