Gas would would be the last thing you would taste before dying a slow and painful death.
Gas
The Germans first used gas in the Battle of Neuve Chapelle in late 1914. Tear gas and chlorine gas were introduced to the battlefront during 1915. Chlorine gas was the first gas used effectively and by the German’s. It was a yellow coloured gas which would hinder and scare the enemy leaving a gap in the enemy front line. Although there was this gap, the German’s were unable to take advantage of these as the gas would settle in the trenches and they would poison themselves.
Mustard gas was the most lethal gas used in the war as it affected the throat and lungs and could be made to be colourless and odourless. Later on in the war, they were beginning to be delivered by artillery and mortars but they relied on the strength and direction of the wind.
The allies developed a way of preventing the effects of gas by using cotton mouth and nose masks which had to be soaked in urine. In 1918, full rubber facemasks were introduced which contained charcoal. They were effective but restricted breathing and sight. With these devices being introduced, Gas were not being used as much for their effects but instead to pose a hindrance for the enemy.