Anti-gas precautions in Glasgow (clip) - World War II training film

Widespread gas attacks were feared at the start of the War, so procedures were practiced to deal with them. In this chilling film emergency services are seen in action as the alarm is raised for a ‘gas raid’. This training film for Air Raid Precaution wardens shows how they should prepare for the possibility of the Germans dropping chemical bombs on British cities by neutralising the chemicals and directions on treating contaminated victims.

This clip includes air raid wardens in protective clothing and gas masks raising the alarm and putting up signs. Gas Identification and Decontamination Squad arrives at the scene of the attack. They identify the type of gas by laboratory tests as Mustard Gas and treat the streets and surroundings with a chemical (possibly soda ash or lime) to neutralise the deposits. The squad moves off and the all-clear is sounded.

Black and white, Silent

Length of clip: 5:31
Length of original film: 10:00

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Questions:

What type of threats are they preparing for?
Why are they dressed as they are?
What is mustard gas and when was it first used?
What is the white powder and why are they using it?
Why are they paying particular attention to their shoes?
How real was the threat of gas attack?

Activities:

Modern Studies: Compare these preparations to the types of exercises done today to prepare for terrorist attacks. Does a gas attack still pose a threat today?

History: In the history of warfare when did civil populations become targets. Research the history of this phenomenon.

Science: Research the different types of gas and why some gases are harmful. How can these gases be neutralized?

Art and Design: Relate the fears expressed in this footage to the painting 'Gas Attack' by John Singer Sergeant and 'Guernica' by Pablo Picasso.

Art and Design / History: Make your own gas mask box (see web link for PDF instructions).

Record details

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Record ID:	007-000-000-029-C
Resource Rights Holder:	National Library of Scotland
Related Records:	ARP Schools Tenement Warden (clip) ARP A Reminder for Peacetime
Project Ref:	0157
Date:	1942
Genre:	Documentary, drama doc, training film
Subject:	Standard Grade and Intermediate History, WWII, Social Studies, Community Involvement, History, Social History, Citizenship (Curriculum for Excellence)
Who:	B.H. Humble (filmmaker) Glasgow Civil Defence Emergency Committee (sponsor)
Where:	Glasgow (City streets)
Event:	World War II (Home Front)
References:	http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/war/gasmasks.htm

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