Images of child evacuees, gas mask boxes across their bodies, looking lost and afraid are among some of the most iconic photographs of the Second World War. But what was behind every man, woman and child being issued with these respirators and how did it spark a reaction from the fashion industry.
The distribution of gas masks started in 1938 as the government put plans into motion to ready the country for war. By it’s start in September 1939, around 40 million had been issued.
Gas had played a major role in the First World War. The horrors of these attacks lived on in the memories of those that experienced them. It was the fear of such attacks over Britain, and the potential devastation to the civilian population, that prompted the government to prepare for the worst.
Supplied in a cardboard case with a strap made from a length of string, although not compulsory, people were advised to carry their gas masks at all times in preparation for an attack.
For the first seven months of the war the British people on the home front saw neither sight nor sound of a German plane in the skies above their homes. Although there was plenty of fighting in Europe, the anticipated gas attacks never materialised and people soon got bored of something extra to carry.
Although not a legal requirement and no fines were ever issued for not carrying a respirator, the fashion industry hoped the suggestion you really should carry your mask could be turned to its advantage. Between rationing, austerity and lack of resources, fashion, like so many other industries, was hit hard by the ongoing war. The 40 million gas masks in circulation was seen as a way to generate some much needed cash.
It wasn’t long before handbags with special compartments for a respirator and fabric covered cardboard cases became available. These were quickly followed by magazines who ran articles telling women how to make their own stylish carriers.
Sewing patterns began to emerge and women were encouraged to use leftover fabrics from dressmaking projects to “make your gas mask container to match dress, costume or coat”. Many cinemas and dance halls would only allow customers access if they were carrying their gas mask so this became a popular option for women wanting to look their best on a night out.
As the war dragged on these restrictions began to disappear and it became increasingly rare for people to carry their mask. Even those who appeared to be carrying it often had something else inside the container. My favourite story as reported in the Daily Mirror talks of a correspondent’s surprise at discovering one elderly lady to have half a dozen eggs in her carrier.
The designs pictured at the top of the page are based on an original pattern published in 1941 and are available from my British Craft House shop HERE In keeping with wartime restrictions I make my bags from leftover pieces of material which means very little waste leaves my workroom.