British, WWII - 1940 Dated, Anti-Gas Ointment No.2 Tin – B.D.H. (British Drug Houses) – Service Respirator Haversack Issue - 259

*British, WWII - 1940 Dated, Anti-Gas Ointment No.2 Tin – B.D.H. (British Drug Houses) – Service Respirator Haversack Issue*

Original British World War II Anti-Gas Ointment No.2 tin retaining its wartime printed instructions and internally stamped by B.D.H. (British Drug Houses) with a 1940 date. These compact tins formed part of British anti-gas precautions and were designed to fit inside a dedicated compartment of the standard Service Respirator haversack.

Anti-Gas Ointment No.2 was issued for emergency treatment of skin exposed to chemical warfare agents, particularly blister agents such as mustard gas. Soldiers were instructed to apply the ointment immediately to affected areas and rub vigorously for no less than one minute. The reverse side retains the original printed instructions for removing the tube contents.

The interior carries a boxed B.D.H. / 1940 stamp identifying wartime production by British Drug Houses Ltd., one of the principal Ministry of Supply contractors for chemical and medical materials. Edge code MB 13 is present together with later handwritten stores or ownership markings.

Approx. Measurements – Length: 11 cm. Width: 7.8 cm. Depth: 1.5 cm.

History Note:
During the early years of WWII Britain expected poison gas warfare on a scale similar to, or greater than, that seen in the First World War. Anti-gas equipment was therefore issued extensively to military personnel and civilians. Although gas attacks never materialised in Britain, these emergency medical items became standard issue equipment and remain an iconic reminder of wartime defensive preparations.

*Condition*
Original used condition with age wear, scratches, oxidation and rubbing throughout. Interior displays surface oxidation and staining but retains a readable B.D.H. 1940 stamp. Printed instructions remain visible externally despite wear. Handwritten period markings present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQ