Poem ~ Designer Gas Mask - Saturday, 29 May 1915

The Danger of Gas Bombs -advert. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 29 May. P.7. Col.6-7. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11633886/Daily-Telegraph-May-29-1915.html [Accessed: 29 May 2015].

Yet another variation to combat deadly fumes,

Comes in the ‘life saving Cavendish Anti-

Gas inhaler – stated as a ‘mask that is really

Efficient’ – so stated the latest adverts.

Something of a conical device with three

Straps, under each ear and over the head -

Displays an uncomfortable fitting - worn

In an instant, the complete item for 5/6.

Pads are seen as only partly and briefly

Effective in slowly moving vapours -

Amid explosions of gas seeping into every

cranny ff the home - As are respirators -

Unless of course they have active solution.

All is in anticipation of gas bomb attacks

On homes - as fear is built up with small

Italics, how doors and windows don’t protect.

To prove by science, the Cavendish device

Has been made by Royal Naval Surgeon -

Who has had rescue work in coal mines -

Not only for friends in trenches but at home.

For a bit more at 7/6,one can order this

With refills – each one allowing half hour -

Long enough to get to safety - unless

Of course you are trapped or on front line.

To complete the look for extra 2/- are

Unbreakable goggles - with reminder 

That gas inflicts pain to the eyes -

To give weakness or total blindness.

Therefore sells the dangers of gas bombs

Advertised freely aimed at both soldiers

And civilians alike - don’t procrastinate,

For trivial cost get your mask and goggles.

Faith is in the title Surgical Manufacturing

Company of a London address, open day

And night - how popular then was the life

Saver, Cavendish anti-gas inhaler?

by Jamie Mann.

Anon.,1915. The Danger of Gas Bombs - advert. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 29 May. P.7. Col.6-7. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11633886/Daily-Telegraph-May-29-1915.html [Accessed: 29 May 2015].

Mann, J., 2015. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 29 May 2015). 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11633886/Daily-Telegraph-May-29-1915.html

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