The gasplane was a troublesome item to carry. Following its introduction in 1939 orders were issued in 1940 and 1942 to try and make carrying it less onerous. In addition to the regulation methods wartime photographs commonly show the prohibited method of carrying the gasplane.

• Introduction
• March 1940
• December 1942
• The prohibited method

Introduction

When introduced, the initial method for carrying the gasplane was for the gas mask canister shoulder strap to be passed through the two loops on the rear of the gasplane pouch.

This would allow the gasplane to positioned diagonally across the chest which would facilitate deployment.

March 1940

Following its introduction it soon became apparent that the initial method of carrying the gasplane was insufficient because the gasplane tended to slide about the gas mask canister shoulder strap.

To alleviate this problem order HM 40, No. 381 dated 18 March 1940 stipulated that the gas mask canister shoulder strap should be passed twice around the top loop of the gasplane pouch.

December 1942

Order HM 42, No.1130 dated 11 December 1942 introduced an improved method of carrying the gasplane.

The gas mask canister shoulder strap was passed through the two loops at the rear of the gasplane pouch and then fastened to bracket on the canister shared with the belt support tab.

The prohibited method

The most commonly seen method of carrying the gasplane was to secure it to the gas mask canister using whatever was available such as equipment straps, inner tubes and any other type of securing device

This method was against regulations because it could damage the gasplane and make it difficult to deploy quickly.