Mustard gas testing kit instructions

Cardboard instruction card for testing mustard gas. Instructions for use detailing the colour of the test strips and their corresponding indications are on the obverse.

This instruction card derived from a mustard gas testing kit, sat on the reverse side of the lid. The kit is a rare surviving type example of the mustard gas testing kits produced in Australia. In response to national concerns that Japan would employ gas warfare, measures were taken and a range of defensive anti-gas equipment was produced for the Australian forces and civilians domestically. As there are no painted military markings or arrows on the kit, it is likely to have been used in an Australian Civil Defence or an Air Raid Precaution depot during the Second World War.