K01854 SOLDBUCH POISONOUS GAS INSTRUCTION INSERT. (Gasschutz Merkblatt) BACKGROUND: With the reintroduction of conscription in 1935, the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, (High Command of the Armed Forces), activated the Wehrersatzdienststelle, (Recruiting Offices), throughout Germany to process and administer the call up procedure. When individuals received their registration notice they were to report to the appropriate recruitment center where they would be issued a Wehrpass, until they were inducted into active duty. Starting in the autumn of 1939, when an individual was inducted into active military service the Wehrpass was exchanged at the recruitment office for the Soldbuch which remained in the recipients possession as his official military identification. With the development of poisonous gasses used as offensive weapons in WWI appropriate defensive gasmasks also had to be developed. The German WWI M1915 and M1917 gasmasks evolved into the Reichswehr era M24 gasmask and eventually into the M30 and M38 gasmasks used in WWII. All German Army personnel were issued with a gasmask, carrying canister and accessories and were required to have it readily available at all times. Although the use of chemical warfare agents was considered by the German OKW, Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, (High Command of the Armed Forces), fear of the Allies retribution forced them to reconsider and shelf the idea. Fear of the potential use of chemical warfare agents made the gasmask and canister a constant companion of the German soldier through-out the war. As with any equipment the appropriate training was provided including training manuals and pamphlets. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 5 3/8" x 3 7/8", light weight natural paper stock with black printed Gothic script to both sides. The document was produced by the, "Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine, (High Command of the Navy), and was issued from Berlin on, "1. 8. 1941". The printed script includes, "In die Tasche des Soldbuches einlegen", (To be inserted in the pocket of the Soldbuch), followed by the heading, "Merkblatt über Selbshilfe bei Kampfstoffeinwirkung", (Instruction sheet for self defence from Chemical Warfare agents). The script is divided into two vertical columns with the headings, "Betroffene Körperteile und Art der Beschwerde", (Regarding particles and kind of the infirmity), and, "Selbshilfe", (Self Defence), followed by the headings, "Augen", (Eyes), "Nase und Rachen, Atemwege", (Nose and Mouth, Breathing Manner), "Lungen", (Lungs), "Haut", (Skin), and "Vergiftung der uniform", (Contamination of the Uniform). Each of the two vertical columns has instructions regarding the appropriate headings. The sheet is in overall good condition with light to moderate age yellowing.

To Order this item, please use one of the two e-mail addresses below to contact us. Please make sure to quote the item number in your e-mail

-E-Mail Address pawmac@nbnet.nb.ca  Or  guild@nb.aibn.com

To return to the main page please CLICK below