This British propaganda poster, above– Learn to adjust your respirator Correct and Quick Don’t breathe while doing it, and this won’t happen to you – was published by the Chemical Warfare Service to instruct soldiers on the importance of using their gas masks correctly.
British Expeditionary Force commander Sir John French called the use of gas “a cynical and barbarous disregard of the well-known usages of civilised war”. However, just four months later British forces used gas to attack the German trenches at the Battle of Loos.
Featuring artwork by Lieutenant WG Thayer, this 1915 design, 2ft 6in x 22in (76 x 56cm), tipped over top estimate to sell for £375 at the November 10 auction held by west London poster specialist Antikbar (20% buyer’s premium).
The sale featured a sizeable selection of propaganda posters from both world wars, including about 60 from the first.
