This respirator was introduced by Army Council Instruction 520 on 27 March 1943 as the "Respirator, anti gas, light". However, examples were made as early as August 1942. Overseas troops were issued the respirator first in accordance with a system of priorities.
To ensure a gas-tight fit not only the black rubber facepiece came in various sizes, but also six elasticated straps passed around the wearers head. A replacable filter was placed on the left side; later also a respirator was made that had the filter on the right side.
To prevent dimming of the glasses an anti dimming outfit was kept in a small compartment at the bottom of the carrying bag. This bag was made from green canvas, measuring 9 3/4" high, 5 1/4" across and 5" deep; it had a soft khaki adjustable belt and a box type lid closed by a quick release fastener. At the back three brass hooks were fitted to attach it to the web belt. It had another pocket at the inside back to hold the eye shields in their cardboard wallet. Two pockets were placed on the outside; one for the gas detection brassard and one for the tin ointment No5. An identification disk was attached to the bag, to identify its proper owner easily.
Wartime manufacturers: H&S Limited, M.H.&Co, I.M.&Co.
Wartime variations: An early type of anti dimming outfit is also found. Later carrying bags did not have the internal pocket to hold the anti-dimming outfit.
Postwar modifications: The shape of the filter was slightly altered.
Note for the collector: on the market you will often see a combination of a WW2 dated facepiece and a postwar filter.