Home > STEAM Museum of the GWR > People > Railway Workers
GWR station staff member in a gas mask, c. 1939
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from STEAM Museum
GWR station staff member in a gas mask, c. 1939
During an air raid the threat of poison gas bombs being dropped by the German Luftwaffe was extremely high. Mustard gas was the most deadly gas available and could take up to 12 hours to take effect. 38 million gas masks were distributed in Britain to protect against any ill effects should gas bombs be dropped. After an air raid GWR staff would continue their normal duties, but in some instances would continue to wear their gas masks. This image shows a porter at Paddington Station wearing his mask. It must have been difficult to carry out normal tasks with limited visibility and restricted movement
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 19938943
Air Raid Staff Station World War 2 Gas Mask
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> STEAM Museum of the GWR
> People
> Railway Workers
> STEAM Museum of the GWR
> People
> War Workers
> STEAM Museum of the GWR
> The Railway at War
> Second World War
> STEAM Museum of the GWR
> Stations and Halts
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from the STEAM Museum of the GWR transports us back to a time of great uncertainty and fear - the height of World War II. The image depicts a dedicated Great Western Railway (GWR) station staff member, donned in a gas mask, standing stoically at Paddington Station during an air raid. In those tumultuous times, the looming threat of poison gas bombs dropped by the German Luftwaffe was ever-present. To protect against this deadly menace, 38 million gas masks were distributed throughout Britain. This particular porter at Paddington Station exemplifies their unwavering commitment to duty even amidst such perilous circumstances. The photograph offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by these brave individuals as they carried out their everyday tasks while wearing cumbersome gas masks. With limited visibility and restricted movement, one can only imagine how difficult it must have been for them to navigate through bustling crowds and ensure smooth operations at the station. This poignant image serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination exhibited by GWR staff during wartime. Their unwavering dedication to serving their community in spite of grave dangers is truly commendable. It stands as a testament to their courage in defending against potential gas attacks on British soil – an indelible mark left by those who selflessly protected our nation's railways during this dark chapter in history.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
