The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1918-05-27
HOW RECRUITS LEARN
TO FIGHT GAS MENACE
BRITISH MAINTAIN SCHOOLS
TO TRAIN AGAINST FA-
TAI ATTACKS.

Behind British Lines III France,
April 24.-(Correspondence of The
Associated Press s)-One Of the most
essential parts of recruits train
ing is that which teaches him 10
protect himself against gas attack.
1t has been proved that practically
complete security can be obtained
against this latest weapon, but that
such security is dependent upon
previous training. This special train
ing is provided for every British
recruit by the special gas schools
established at convenient points be-
hind the front. Every recruit must
complete a course OF Instruction
here before he is allowed to take
his place in the front line.
The objects OF our training"
said the British officer who showed
the Associated Press correspondent
through one OF these schools are
to familiarize the soldier with the
various anti-gas apparatus, and to-
fix firmly in his mind the two chief
aXioms to be learned in the use o.
gas-the first being that careless
ness may mean sudden death, the
second that proper procedure gives
absolute immunity from any ill-et
fect."
The gases employed by the en-
emy are of two kinds, lethal and
non-lethal. The first class will pro-
dnce death if breathed in sufficient
quantities. The second class include
lachrymatory or tear gas, and 4
Of similar gases used to !
produce merely temporary effects.
The gases are employed in two ways.
by release from cylinders when ia
vorable winds are blowing, or by
enclosing them in shells fired from
guns and trench inortars.
Two Forms of Appliances.
AT the gas school the men ar
taught TO protect themselves against
both forms. Two appliances are
used in the British army The "boX
which is the newest and
most important of these, CONSISTS
)f flexible mask that fits over
he face This mask is lifted with
glass windows for the cycs. clip ,
o cover the noStrls to prevent the
vearer breathing through the nose
nd a special mouthpiece fitted with ,
valve. The mouthpiece admits OF /,
rec exhalation. but forces inhala .
ion to take place through tin box, {
onnected to the mouthpiecc by
Iexible tube, and containing the
hemicals that absorb Tie gas, al,
owing only pure air to pass into
he lungs. The whole device is car T.
led by every soldier in a satchel b
ung over the chest. a
The men are trained TO put the
ppliance into use in minimum
me. As soon as they are eXper
| the details CT fitting rhe mask
ley are put through various drills,
lrrying the apparatus. At a word
command, they stop instantly.
hatever they are doing and lit the
TASK INTO position. These drills
e continued until who'll company
an protect itself in few seconds
They are then exercised in carry
x ont more complicated drills, in
uding prolonged double-quick
larchng, with the apparatus in
lace, until they are fu.ly accus-
'med to working under The incon
enience caused thereby. Z
Each man is given 4 respirator
lat fits him perfectly, and which T,
lenceiorth becomes his personal ;,
-operty. The tit is tested bv plac y, ~
G each man for several minutes - y
chamber heavily charged with :
IS. If he exhibits any svmptoms u
discomfort at the end ot the test, u
, must be fitted with a new mask. q
! order to inspire confidence. he el
later put through the most eN- u
ting tests in rooms filled with the 4
ost deadly gases. from which he u
iferS no i'll effects whatever.
How to Clear Dugouts. -
\ later step in the gas school is
aiming in methods of clearing gas
L of dugoutS, and methods OF pre-
nting gas getting into dugouts.
ne gas.,heing heavier than air. col
Is in such places il allowed to