Gas Warfare
The stalemate of WW1 left men caught in trenches for months and months. Gas usage had been considered uncivilized, but the French resorted to its usage in August, 1914 in an attempt to rout the Germans. Unfortunately, the Germans were the first to give gas warfare serious development and it became used extensively before the war was over.
The first use of gas warfare by the Germans was January 3, 1915 and was dispersed by an artillery shell. Tear gas was launched on Russian forces on the Rawka River, but the chemical froze instead of vaporizing and had little impact. The Germans tried again on the Western front near Ypres, France; a five mile wide cloud of chlorine gas settled onto the French and Algerian trenches causing panic, death and destroyed moral. It was primarily used as a disruptive tactic prior to an assault. Within seconds of inhaling the vapor the victim's respiratory system was destroyed and the French and Algerians fled in disorder. The Germans were surprised by the success of their attack, and unprepared to take advantage of the break in the lines, and allowed the British and Canadian troops to regroup and fill the gap.
The use of poison gas was widely condemned and hurt German relations with the remaining neutral nations. The British roundly criticized the Germans with an extensive propaganda campaign, but gas usage continued to escalate throughout the war. The British rebutted in September of the same year with a gas assault at the battle of Loos. The shifting winds caused their own troops to suffer, with more British affected than Germans. As a result they switched to the use of artillery shells to disperse the gas assault with more accuracy.
Three primary types of gas were used in WWI:
- Lachrymator - tear gas. This caused temporary blindness and serious irritation to the nose and throat of the victims. It was used more for harassment of troops engaged in close fighting or operating machine guns. A gas mask offered good protection.
- Sternutator gasses - poisonous gas, chlorine, phosgene and diphosgene. Chlorine gas mixes with moisture so it will attack the eyes and lungs. Phosgene was used in lieu of chlorine. It caused much less coughing in the initial assault and more of it was inhaled causing a delayed effect. Often a soldier could be taken down up to 48 hours after the attack. It was later mixed with chlorine to cause the vapor to be spread more widely and more deadly. It was usually delivered in high explosive shells leaving the troops unable to immediately recognize its presence.
- Suffocating gasses - Caused severe edema of the lungs and death from asphyxiation could come within hours. No mask could protect a soldier from mustard gas. It penetrated all clothing and was remarkably persistent on the soil or on foliage over which it had been scattered. These factors tended to increase its effectiveness; in addition to the physical action of the gas on the men themselves, the morale of troops was impaired. It was almost odorless and caused serious blisters both internally and externally.
By 1918 the use of gas warfare was widespread but effective measures used to protect the troops caused it to lose some of its popularity. The element of surprise was gone. An estimated 9% of British troops were affected with 3% of their casualties being from gas poisoning. It caused a huge number to disabilities, leaving many unable to work and suffering long term. The Russian Army suffered 419,340 casualties from gas warfare with 56,000 deaths. The United States suffered 72,807 and 1,462 deaths. The death toll from gas warfare is not accurately reflected in these figures as many more men died in the prematurely after the war due to weakened lungs that left them susceptible to resipiratory problems. (Editors note: my great Uncle, Sgt. John Bush was among these. He remained in the service and was cared for at Arrowhead Springs VA hospital in California. After much suffering and having been reduced to 70 lbs, he died shortly after the war. See letter home)
The following stories are taken from interviews with returning veterans conducted by the Indiana Historic Commission over eighty years ago:
Chemical Warfare Unit Service Patch WW1
Indiana War memorial Archives
Albert S. Bowser, 2nd Lt., Allen County, Indiana, Chemical Warfare Service
Lt. Bowser was gassed at the Long Island City Gas Defense Plant, as were many others, casualties at the plant being numerous and severe, from a chemical accident in the laboratories.
Leland Payne Davis, Corporal, Infantry, Decatur County, Indiana
“On April 4 th, 1918, I and about 200 other Indiana boys, mostly from Central Indiana; Indianapolis, Anderson & vicinity, were transferred from the 334 th Indianapolis, Regiment to the 130 th Reg, 33 rd Div. and sailed for France via Hoboken, NY, May 10 th, arriving Brest, France, May 16 th and within two months was engaged in active work on the front in the Infantry. The Indiana boys in this 33 rd Illinois National Guard showed their mettle as well as the boys from the Sucker State, all that was not noticed was that we were from the wrong state.
The colors and standard from our Regiment received many decorations from the British, French and Americans, many boys received metals.We served with the British Australian & Canadian Forces on the Somme for three months, then went to the American Front and were actively engaged on that front until March 11, serving with all American Armies.
I was attached to the 2nd Bn., Hdqtrs., as soon as we landed in France, serving as liaison Corporal most of the time.
The taking of Marcheville was our biggest job on November 10 th. We lost 48 men and had over 300 wounded. (At least 5 of the 200 Indiana men of the 136th lost their lives and about 50 are wearing one or more wound stripes.”
Corporal Davis suffered mustard gas burns on his lungs and both legs during the Marcheville raid. He participated in the following battles: Class A Major Offensives, Meuse-Argonne (Coteile-Monte Dannevous Qucourt, Sept 25 – October 4 th; Bois-de Chaume, Bois Plat-Cheve October 10 th & 11 th.) 21 st of October with the XVIII French Corps on the East bank of the Meuse River.
Class B, Amiens sector with the Australian Corps July 20 – August 6. Albert Sector with the XXVII British Expeditionary Force, Morlancourt, 10 & 11 th of August. Albert Dennicourt August 11 th – 20 th. Verdun sector; La Morle Homme September 23 – 25. Troyon sector, Connecticut sub sector, October 25 th – November 12. Raiville St. Huc (illegible) also served in the Army of Occupation from December 12 – 19, 1918 & April 1 – 14, 1919.
WW1 Gas Mask, IWM
This is a modified version of the British design, a canvas mask attached to a fiber hose with a charcoal filter attached. The charcoal was make from fruit pits and nut shells, both of which were often aquired from recruiting drives from the home front. The soldier had to breath directly through the tube, as the canvas mask was not airtight like the later rubber masks.
This gas mask was a huge improvement over the first gas masks used. The French style "Duck Bill" masks were nothing more than a canvas mask containing a rag soaked in urine, smelly, but effective.
Howard Elliott, Pvt, U.S. Army, Marion County, Indiana
Trained at Camp Greene, Charlotte, North Carolina. Left the first of May, landed on Southeast coast of England, May 24, 1918. On the fighting line through the month of July 1918, and went over the top Chateau-Thierry, where he lost his hearing and was lightly gassed. He was sent to Base Hospital #68 for treatments for his hearing for six weeks. Not getting much better, he was sent to prison camp as a prisoner of war guard, where he remained until after the close of the war. He returned home and was honorably discharged from service February 15, 1919.
Estal Napolian Rhodes, Sergeant, Co. B, 22 nd Inf., 42 nd Div., Vanderburg County, Indiana
Enlisted in the Army in Bloomington, Indiana. On second enlistment, October 12, 1916, went to Jefferson barracks for two months then Douglas, Arizona was with the 22nd infantry Co. B. Was in battle of the Slaughter Ranch, Arizona.
In New York, April 6, 1917 he helped transfer 27 German vessels and 1700 German prisoners. Sent to France February 3, 1918. Trained for one month and then sent to battle at Chateau-Thierry, for two weeks and then given one week of rest. Sent to Sandman Hieal for two weeks and then M. R. for six weeks. Then to the Argonne Forest for 21 days, there he was wounded and lay on field for 18 hours before being found. He was sent to a US hospital for treatment, then discharged. After arriving home he spent three months at the Marine hospital in Evansville, Indiana.
Wounded, his horse was shot from under while carrying a message. Shot through his arm, he lay in the field for 18 hours and then gassed. Treated in field hospital #113, Argonne, France for broken leg, arm and gas wounds.
Battles: Sandman Heil, March 17, 1918, Chateau-Thierry April 8 through April 28, 1918, Argonne Forest June 17 through July 13, 1918.
Born June 6, 1895 in Boonville, Indiana. Married Lorena Seiphert of Evansville, Indiana.
Professions, Carpenter: Shipping clerk, Advanced Stove Works. Race listed as White & Indian.
"Sag" relieved Poison gas victims
American soldiers in the fighting lines were furnished with tubes of a medicinal paste to cure mustard gas wounds. It was simply smeared over the burned patches, or rubbed on the skin to prevent burning. It was called "SAG" which is the reverse spelling of "gas". America's War for Humanity, p. 488
Melvin A. Rohler, Private, Infantry, Tippecanoe County, Indiana
Entered service September 25, 1918. Stationed at Camp Taylor, Ky., and Camp Shelby, Miss. Saw active service in France and was wounded in shoulder by machine gun fire in the battle of Chateau Thierry. Was gassed while at Verdun and also went “over the top” at St. Mihiel. Born at Stockwell, Ind., Nov. 12,1894; son of John A. and Ada May Robler. Attended LaFayette schools. Home is Stockwell, Ind.
To see actual WW1 training footage on “the Defense of Chemical Warfare http://www.realmilitaryflix.com/public/709.cfm
WW1 Gas Warfare http://www.realmilitaryflix.com/public/807.cfm
WW1 Amazing Gas Mask and Gas Warning Technology for People and Horses http://www.realmilitaryflix.com/public/258.cfm
WW1 Testing footage of Deadly Gas Delivery Systems http://www.realmilitaryflix.com/public/259.cfm
Henry Harold Detweiler, Co. 36, 42nd Army Service Corps, Allen County, Indiana
Born February 19, 1904 in Gladwin County, Michigan
“N. B. thorough investigation establishes beyond a doubt that Henry Harold Detweiler was Allen counties youngest recruit and active soldier.”
Sent to Verdun, with the 42nd Regiment. In the fighting at Coblenz. Hospitalized two or three weeks at Base Hospital #1, and Verneuil. Lungs eaten by gas.
“Young Detweiler enlisted at the age of 13 years, being an overgrown lad, and easily passing for military age. Father did not interfere. (youngest from Allen County). Record excellent, honorably discharged and immediately reenlisted for one-year service in United States.” Enlisted in the Motor Transport Corps, Camp Zachary Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky.
A group of gassed horses being treated by the 302nd Veterinary Mobile Hospital,
Photo Courtesy of Indiana War Memorial Archives
Horses were outfitted with gas masks, but would suffer damages to their eyes during a gas attack if chlorine or vesicatory gases were used. Their eyes were not affected by the phosgene gases. Equine goggles were designed for them but tended to fog up.
See http://www.vlib.us/medical/gaswar/gasmasks.htm
Paul Emmett Morgan, Sergeant Major, 13 th Cavalry, 2nd Div., Grant County, Indiana
The French distinguished the 2nd Div. for saving Paris. Battles: Verdun, Toul, Chateau-Thierry, Argonne
Wounded : “Shot through the hand and through the leg and gassed by mustered in chlorine gas. My hair was burnt and I could not see for three weeks. Hospitalized in Bordeaux, France.
The 2nd Div. went in the trenches March 17, 1918. The 2nd Div. took a more prisoners than any other Division in France and lost more men than any other Division. The 2nd Div. consisted of 9th & 23rd Infantry and 5th & 6th Marines. I went in the trenches March 17 and was wounded July 26, 1918.
Philip George Hague, Silver Star, Marion County, Indiana
Wounded at Aisne-Marne, gunshot wounds to head and shoulder, October 16, 1917. After four weeks of intensive training, we left for the Sommerville sector in Lorraine to get our first trench warfare, under command of the French. On October 22 and 23rd we were placed near Bathelmount Section in the morning of the 23rd, October, 6:05 a.m. the first shot was fired by Sergeant Arch of One Battery. On November 5th and 6th, 1917 we were relieved by Second Battery and went to Ribecourt to start training with the Infantry of the Div. and on January 18, 1918 we left for Ansauville (Toul) Sector. March 1 we had our first real touch of action. We fired a barrage which lasted 55 minutes, and Battery D. fired 14,842 rounds.
March 5th - 10th, all batteries were subjected to vicious gas from enemy. On March 28, we were sent to Chaumet-en-Vexin. The Div. took 225 prisoners, and we counted 275 dead Germans in Cantigny, our losses were light, this was in May. On July 4, we had an attack at Cantigny. From July 12, we got ready for the attack at Soissons in which I was wounded on July 20. Left hospital in September 6, and on September 11, we went to Beaumont on the left in the Battle of St. Mihiel. Our next big drive was at the Meuse-Argonne and after two weeks of fighting we were relieved and started to Coheppy when we got orders to come back and stayed until October 23 and returned again on November 6, 1918 when we were given orders for attacking Sedan. On November 11th, the word came of the signing of the armistice. We then left Bantheville, November 14 and on November 17 we started on the historic march to Germany. On December 1, the Division crossed the Moselle River and on the 13th, just 16th months after our arrival at St. Nazair, we crossed the Rhine. We were with the Army of Occupation until July 25, 1919.
Lawrence Curn Casler, Pfc., Field Artillery, Hamilton County, Indiana
“I was slightly gassed but did not have to go to the hospital until the War was over and they said I could not get a wound stripe. Hospitalized for three months.
St. Die Sector July 28 August 23, 1918, Chappell Offensive August 16 and 17th, 1918, St. Mihiel Offensive September 12 -16, 1918 and Luneville Sector September 16 to November 11, 1918
Carl L. Martin, Private, Marion County, Indiana
Sent to Camp Taylor, October 6, 1918. Sent to Camp Logan, Texas, March 30. Assigned to 131st Regiment, Co. F. Left for overseas, May 15, 1918.“Went into action July 4, was with the Australian string that at the time of this fighting, was in Battalion July 18th. Fought on the Picardy, Flanders and Argonne fronts. Gassed in the Argonne Forest about October 19th. Was sent to hospital at Vichy, Base Hospital #1, convalescent for two months. Was sent back to his Regiment, on December 25, in a boxcar with very meager food supply, received no pay for seven months, was assigned to 272nd Military Police Co.
The dearest thing to his heart now is home, but may be an old man before, or if, he gets back at all.”
Getting Gas Out of the Trenches: Protected by a mask and respirator, the soldiers went into the trenches after a gas attack to beat out the heavy gases
Freedom’s Triumph, Photo courtesy of Indiana War Memorial Archives
Edward James Rimstidt, Infantry, Ripley County, Indiana
“Was slightly gassed at St. Mihiel. Two machine gun bullets passed through canister of gas mask also at St. Mihiel. In this battle the loader of the gun which Rimstidt was gunner was killed, while lying beneath the gun a piece of shrapnel passing entirely through the lower part of his head. Rimstidt has a piece of shell as a souvenir. It is the ‘nose’ of a shell with the groove. The loader was to have been transferred the day before this occurred but at Rimstidt’s request had been retained.
"Captain the Honorable Frederick Shaughnessy, son of the well known Canadian railroad magnate, clearing the bad air from his dugout with the aid of a captured German machine made for this purpose."
America's War for the Humanities
Harry Ellis Wells, Pfc, Troop A, 1st Indiana Cavalry Vanderburg County, Indiana
“Only 12 soldiers of original Troop A left with Camp Shelby June Automatic Replacement (unit). Was split up his replacements at St. Aignan, France. Was sent to headquarters, 1st Army Corps, which was 9 km in the rear of lines at La Ferta, Jourre. Active duty from July 15 to November 11. First Army Corps saw more service in action in any other Corps in France. Had more casualties than in the other Corps and cited more than any other Corps. Was organized February 17, 1918 with first 100,000 American soldiers in France in Advance Zone. Was first commanded by General Hunter Liggett until later the General was given command of the 1st Army. To date of demobilization, was commanded by General Fassett. Corps was disorganized as a unit on May 3.”
Served in France for 15 days before being sent to the front lines. Champagne-Marne Defensive July 15 - 18, 1918; Aisne-Marne Offensive, July18 - August 6; St. Mihiel offensive, September 12-16; Meuse-Argonne offensive, September 26 - November 11, 1918.
“Organization cited as a whole at Champagne (hardest fighting a war), Chateau-Thierry by the French; St. Mihiel by the French; Argonne by General Pershing.
We got citation papers as a unit and only a few individually or permitted to wear French Citation cord of yellow and green, that order was vetoed at American headquarters. Slightly Gassed at Bonne, France on Château. Sector on July 26, 1918. Treated at evacuation hospital, Chateau-Thierry for three weeks.
Sergeant John Bush, 2nd from Left, in France with unidentified soldiers.
Letter home from Sergeant John Bush, hospitalized in a VA hospital from the effects of gas poisoning during the war. He died November 30, 1922, at Arrowhead Springs Hospital.
(Ed note: Sgt. Bush is my great uncle)
Family photo
Knights of Columbus War Activities
Arrowhead Springs, California
December 23, 1921, 10:00 am
Dear Folks all:
I just had an abscess on each arm lanced again this is A. M. and I have been very sick, so don't feel much like writing at present. Don't guess I will be able to drive to Los Angeles even, Harve and I planned on having Christmas dinner together. We have several invitations out for the day, but we have always, so far, had our dinners out someplace by ourselves.
Well,is just 11:20, 10 minutes until dinner will be brought into the room. Have not gone downstairs for a meal now for about five days.
It quit raining today and Sun is shining. Sure had some rainstorms here during the last week, guess you read about it? There's only one highway open from here to Los Angeles today, but others will soon be possible.
Here it is 2:15 pm. I felt so bum after dinner that I didn't feel like writing. The sun is out fine now, and we are having typical California weather, so I guess I will probably drive to Los Angeles tomorrow after all, if it is as nice as it is today. I want to attend the Examiner's big Christmas Festival tomorrow (Saturday) night if possible. Are you still raising rabbits? I wanted to get downtown this week to send some fruit to all of you, but could not make it on account of the rain and the awful condition my arms are in. I am so afraid of catching cold in them and getting blood poisoning, in which case I would soon lose both arms and then I would be the nice fix? And I suffer enough the way it is anyhow. Oh! Yes! I never told you about the present I bought myself November 19. I bought a 19 jewel Elgin (best make) green gold, 25 year case, a Simons gold chain. I had the 2 1/2 gold piece Lee gave me made up with 5 and 10 gold pieces into a fob. Sure is a beauty, the outfit is worth $80.
Well I will close for this time. I just wrote Lee a long letter yesterday for all of you, you can send this one over for them to read too.
Love and best to all,
John
Address me “ Arrowhead Springs, California”