British Small Box Respirator
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When the US entered the Great War in April 1917, her troops did not have a standard gas mask to use in combat. Several Masks of the Allies were evaluated and it was decided to adopt the British small box respirator for strong gases, and the French M2 for weaker gases. The first troops of the AEF to arrive in France during 1917 were issued the British mask.

The Small Box Respirator (SBR) entered service in the British Army in late 1916. It was the successor to the earlier PH helmet and offered more protection against stronger gases. It's filter element consisted of layers of charcoal contained in a steel box-like can. Hence the mask's name, Box Respirator. SBR canisters are usually painted red.

In today's world of militaria collecting, the SBR is a scarce mask to encounter. Most masks out there are usually stiff from age. A peculiar feature is the filter cannister which is normally found in various states of deterioration. This was most likely caused by elements in the charcoal filter, and cannister construction. American made masks do not have that problem. Finding a soft SBR with complete filter is a rarity today.

British Small Box Respirator
Small Box Respirator

This mask is a typical example of the SBR. The steel tube attached to the face piece is the key distinguising feature of the SBR. With it's rigid "L" shape, the SBR is easy to identify in period photos of soldiers wearing the mask. A rubber flutter valve protruded from the tube which allowed the soldier to exhale while wearing the mask. This piece was prone to damage and later versions of the SBR used a metal bracket to protect the flutter valve.

This SBR and bag were issued to a soldier named Corporal Lester Marshall. I have yet to research this fellow, thus I do not know if he was British or American. His mask record card indicates that he was issued the mask on October 18, 1918. This leads me to assume Corp. Marshall may have been British. The chances of an SBR being issued to an American soldier that late in the war in pretty slim. However there is the chance that Corp Marshall may have been in an AEF unit seving in the British sector, attached to the British Army. The 27th Division is a good example.

SBR Bag SBR Bag
SBR Bag, dated 1917
The bag is divided into two compartments; one side for the mask, the other side for the filter. The filter side of the bag had a small spring on which the filter would rest upon allowing air to flow into the bottom of the canister. When worn in a non combat environment, the bag was sometimes slung over the shoulder and carried on the left hip in the "carry" position. When on the front lines the bag was usually worn around the neck in the "ready" position. A brass stud on the carrying strap would attach to a leather tab on the side of the bag, shortening the strap to be worn in the ready position. When the bag was worn in the "ready" position, the side with the snaps were worn against the chest which would prevent mud or dirt from getting inside the bag if the soldier happened to lay on his stomach. The gas masks and bags were marked with their size;2-small, 3-medium, 4-large.

SBR Bag Snap
SBR Bag Snap

SBR Hardware
SBR Strap Buckle

SBR Leather Tab
SBR Bag Leather Tab


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