The box respirator wasn't issued until 1917(Thanks Chris).
But still a cracking bust, really enjoyed painting it. That's why it didn't take too long.
thanks,
Carl.
Carl, this is the information that i have.
As far back as 1915, with the realisation that the PH-Helmet was only efficient at quite low concentrations of the gas (particularly phosgene), and only physically tolerable to wear for strictly limited periods, the British decided to take another look at the original proposal for a box respirator. The result was the British Large Box Respirator. The box contained granules of pumice soaked in sodium sulphate, bone charcoal and lime permanganate (the British could not obtain sufficient quantities of the more active wood charcoal as widely used by the Germans). The respirator was carried in a canvas haversack worn over the shoulder. The filter box was connected to the wearer's mouthpiece in the fabric facemask by a flexible rubber tube. The facemask was secured by elastic tapes. The eye-spaces in the mask were covered by sponge rubber goggles, The fabric of the facemask was steeped in a zinc-hexamine solution for additional protection. To facilitate the optimal use of the mouthpiece, a nose clip was also provided.
As the Large Box Respirator was considered too cumbersome for general trench use, its issue was confined to special units such as the Special Gas Companies. However, its successful adoption led to the introduction of the British (Small) Box Respirator, a version especially designed for the infantryman. The rubberised facemask had integral goggle-type eyepieces. After a short evaluation in the field, large orders were placed, and all the British Armies in the field were fully equipped by the beginning of 1917. The PH Helmet was retained as a reserve, or back up.
So as they where fully equipped at the beginning of 1917 the box respirator was introduced in 1916.
We have it both right......
And yes it's a awesome bust, but i gonna paint the respirator box in khaki
Marc