Description:During WW II civilian men and women were recruited into jobs that would normally be controlled by personnel such as the police, military or fire brigade. Here a group of men are dress are wearing the full set of anti-gas equipment outside a first aid station. Their tin helmets are marked B.C.S.
The canvas bags around their necks contain a respirator, used as a defence against gas attack, but possibly against smoke inhalation as well. They were possibly practicing fire-fighting skills.