Canada, CEF. A First War British Small Box Respirator to Pte. Jukes, Renowned First War Artist, 1917

A complete British small box respirator, comprising a rubberized fabric face mask with two eye pieces, and multiple straps to go around the head, connected to a rubber fabric hose to a tinplate canister which would hold a chemical absorbent. The canister measures 120mm (w) x 145 mm (h) x 60 mm (d), and is notably scratched, quite heavy with residue coming from the bottom ventilation disc. The face mask and hose material has seized and cannot unfold. The set is in fine condition.

The mask and canister are contained in a khaki canvas case in the style of a messenger bag, with two internal compartments, stamped with a broad arrow, maker mark of Waring & Gillow Ltd, and date of 1917. A thick strap is connected to each side and secured by brass fittings. The back has been inked Pte. R. A. Jukes 57432, the Canadian First War Artist. In very fine condition. 

Accompanied by the original anti-dimming composite with cloth and original packaging. Also accompanied by a record booklet for recording hours the mask is worn in cloud gas (no entries), in the original envelope with string attachment. 
 
Footnote: Introduced in 1916, the Small Box Respirator was the standard British gas mask of the First World War, developed in response to the growing threat of chemical warfare. It consisted of a facepiece connected by a hose to a filter canister (“small box”) worn on the chest, which contained charcoal and chemical absorbents to neutralize poison gases. The SBR offered effective protection against chlorine, phosgene, and later gas agents, and became an essential piece of personal equipment for British and Commonwealth troops on the Western Front.

The first use of phosgene and chlorine gas in combination had been on 19 December 1915, when it was used against French and Canadian units in the Second Battle of Ypres. It was used in six attacks up to August 1916. Canadian troops began to receive small box respirators in late November 1916.

Reuben Jukes (Jucksch) was a Canadian soldier and artist who served in the First War, and is known for his unique watercolours, presenting soldiers, buildings, and sights from the first hand experience of an individual at war and on the front lines. 

Jukes was born July 5, 1887 in Hanover, Ontario.  Prior to enlisting at the age of 27, he listed his trade as an artist. He joined the 20th Battalion in Toronto on November 10, 1914, with previous service experience in the 31st Regiment. 

He was hospitalized in March 1916 for shell shock and was not discharged until October 16, 1916. He was struck off strength to the 5th Reserve Battalion at Bramshott on January 31, 1917. He returned to the 20th battalion, and active service in May 1917. 

While serving with the 20th battalion overseas, relieving the 20th battalion, he was wounded by shell gas. He was admitted to the No. 56 General Hospital at Etapes on April 25, 1918. The records state he “vomits occasionally, particularly on bending, some headache, stitches in R. breast, some loss of appetite and weakness.” He was evacuated to England and remained hospitalized until July 26th. 

Jukes returned to the 20th battalion in October, 1918, at Thun-Levesque. When the war ended on November 11th, he was in Saint-Symphorien. The advance from La Bouverie resulted in the loss of 1 officer, 11 other ranks killed and 30 wounded. About 10 soldiers were taken prisoner, just before the cease-fire. 

The battalion rested in Mons, France for roughly a week following the Armistice. They then continued the March to the Rhine. 

Jukes was demobilized in May 1919, ultimately returning to Canada. After the war, he worked in Vaudeville both as a set painter and in various acts. In 1924, he married Amelia Louisa Hagen. In 1940, he opened his own business painting signs in Kitchener, Ontario. Jukes died in May 1959, at the age of 71, in Kitchener.