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jholl72- Administrator
- Posts : 949
Join date : 2009-11-24
Age : 52
Location : Ontario, Canada
by jholl72 Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:19 am
The mask is an anti-spalling mask. Remember tanks weren't built the same in WWI as they were in later years with heavy armour.
When a bullet struck the outside of the tank it would send metal and paint fragments flying on the inside of the tank. These masks were used to protect against that flying debris.
They were not very popular with the crews as they caused vertigo and are heavy and hot. I have yet to find a period photo of one in wear and only a couple with the masks pictured hanging around a neck or being held in hand.
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Regards,
Jeff