British SR6 NBC Respirator Part 2 - 'The Major's Mask'

British SR6 number 2 - 1968 model 'The Majors Mask'

 The MK1 SR6 and 58 Pattern Haversack 

Manufacturer: Leyland & Birmingham Rubber Co, England
Model: SR6 NBC respirator
Country: United Kingdom, Turkey
Production run: 1966 - 1986
Replaced: Light anti-gas respirator
Availability: Hard to find with inscription
Size: N (normal)
Produced: 1968
Condition: used but in excellent condition
Price: £12.00 + £6.00 postage
Source: Private seller on ebay

So here I have my second and most interesting British SR6 respirator.
Much like my second S10 blog post I wont be going into the finer details of the SR6 as I already covered it in Part 1 .
Click HERE to see SR6 part 1

The interesting aspect of this particular SR6 is that fact that it once belonged to a Major in the British army.  And whats more, it's in immaculate condition considering its age.
Happily this SR6 came with the correct haversack rather than an old S10 carrier like the first so that is a bonus.


So who the hell was Major Canning?

Very little is known about the man behind the mask. Without his army number it can be quite difficult to pin down his service history, where he was stationed etc.
However...

Major Canning was the leader of 'C' company, 1st battalion of the Duke of Edinburgh's royal regiment.

From August to December of 1969 his company were posted to Londonderry in Northern Ireland to help keep order during the 'troubles'

Canning is the guy on the right

The photo above is of Canning, (right) the officer commanding 'C' company here talking with lieutenant Colonel H C Millman the commanding officer of 1st Battalion Queen's regiment whilst on service in Londonderry.

The Face piece

Considering this mask is 50 years old this year it looks like it just came out of the factory. The rubber is in fantastic condition and the fabric head harness is still tight with no signs of stretching.
The eye piece glass is free from scratches and abrasions and the tape around the exhale valve is stuck down well and not peeling.

The inside of the mask is also in A1 condition. The inflatable inner mask does not leak and the inflation tap works correctly.
Overall I think it would be difficult to find another SR6 in as good condition as this.

The Filter canister

Here we have an original 1968 MK1 filter canister. Looking like it just came out of the packet.
There doesn't appear to be any dents or paint chips anywhere on this can.
A really good example.


MK1 58 Pattern Haversack

Here we have the original haversack from the 1960's. Those who are paying attention will notice that it is very similar to the old WW2 light anti gas respirator bags. Although this is a 1958 pattern very little had changed since the war. I guess there was no need to change the design if it didn't need changing. 

The haversack is made from thick canvas with a press stud and fast catch system. Like the war time haversacks this haversack feels strong and rugged. Much stronger than the nylon material used on later S10 haversacks.

The haversack features a long shoulder strap and has a string waist tie for securing to the body to prevent it flapping about when he soldier ran. 

The SR6 with the British MKIII NBC smock (and some ugly beggar underneath it!)

Overall this kit is a fine example from the early days of the SR6/S6. There doesn't appear to be any marks, bumps, dents or decay anywhere inside or out which means that I won't be parting with it anytime soon. 
It's an added bonus to know that I was once the property of the major. Something to talk about not just another mask with no story.
It will now sit in my collection and gather some more dust.