This cabinet showcases a range of artifacts related to military headgear and Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Warfare (NBCW) equipment. From caps and badges representing various branches of the Canadian Armed Forces to chemical detectors, water contamination calculators, and protective suits, these items provide insight into the diverse tools and protective gear used by soldiers. Each artifact tells a story of preparedness and survival in challenging environments, highlighting the evolution of military technology and safety measures.
Cabinet

Artifacts
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Agent, Paper, Chemical Detector (M8)
The M8 chemical detector was a Canadian invention, first standardized in 1963. By 1964 it entered US service as a part of the M15A2 Chemical Agent Detector Kit. About 67,000 of these kits were produced from 1965-1969, with most other NATO nations also purchasing the M8. Chemical Agent Detector Paper is a type of paper used for detecting the presence of chemical agents, including nerve …
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Antidote, Nerve Gas, Auto-Injector
An antidote is a drug that neutralizes the effects of another drug or a poison. Autoinjectors are often used in the military to protect personnel from chemical warfare agents Atropine is the most common drug used to combat nerve gases. The Smithsonian Institution reports both the Egyptians and Greeks used atropine, although it was not until 1901 pure atropine was made …
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Atomic and Chemical Defense Booklets
Radiation, Low-Level (LLR) Some examples include (LLR): radioactively contaminated protective shoe covers and clothing; cleaning rags; mops, filters, and reactor water treatment residues; equipment and tools; medical tubes, swabs, and hypodermic syringes. LOW LEVEL RADIATION (LLR) PROCEDURES for Canadian Forces Personnel on Deployed Operations Drills, Atomic, Biological and Chemical Defence Defence drills procedures and training …
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Calculator, Water Contamination
The Radiac Calculator No. 1 6665-110060 (1952-1956) was produced by Blundell Rules Limited of Luton England. If the radioactivity exposure rate (roentgens/hr.) is known at a given time after a nuclear explosion, the calculator predicts the exposure rate at any other time. It also estimates the dose to personnel who are in the area at …
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Cap Forge, Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps
A forage cap is a small military cap with a visor and a round, flat crown to be worn with undress uniforms (a uniform for use on other than formal occasions). The Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (RCOC) was an administrative corps of the Canadian Army, with roots traced back to 1871 (formerly the Canadian Stores …
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Cap, CWAC
This is a Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC) winter cap with a CWAC hat badge attached, 1955. It has a brown leather adjustable chinstrap attached by two small brown plastic buttons, each with the maple leaf emblem and the title, ‘Canada’ to the uppermost portion. Inside the cap features a drop-down serge panel, intended to …
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Cap, Forage, Provost
A forage cap is a small military cap with a visor and a round flat crown to be worn with undress uniforms (a uniform worn on other than formal occasions). The Canadian Provost Corps School was formed at Camp Borden, Ontario in the late 1940s, and by 1948 there were at least ten Provost Companies, including five Militia Provost Companies, …
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Cap, Forage, RCEME
A forage cap is a small military cap with a visor and a round flat crown to be worn with undress uniforms. The Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) cap badge has changed many times since the Corps’ inception. CF Green service dress forage cap with badge is shown at the left. In May …
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Cap, Forage, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (RCAMC)
A forage cap is a military cap with a visor and a round or flat crown to be worn with undress uniforms (a uniform for use on other than formal occasions). The cap shown has a 45 mm wide maroon or cherry wool band, associated with medical services, with the body of the cap fabricated …
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Cap, Forage, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC)
A forage cap a small military cap with a visor and a round flat crown to be worn with undress uniforms (a uniform for use on other than formal occasions). The RCASC was established by General Order No. 141, as the Canadian Army Service Corps (CASC), on November 1, 1901. The CASC was modelled directly off the British …
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Detector, Chemical Agent, Nerve Vapor
The M8 Detector Paper detects the presence nerve agents and blister agents. They are known by their chemical name, or a two-letter NATO designation, also classified by where or who discovered them. M8 paper is a preliminary detection technique best suited for detection of liquid on non-porous materials. Each sheet of paper has three separate detection dyes. The yellow color …
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Mitt, Decontamination
Decontamination is the process of removing or neutralizing contaminants that have accumulated on personnel and equipment. Decontamination protects workers from hazardous substances that may contaminate and eventually permeate the protective clothing, respiratory equipment, tools, vehicles, and other equipment used on site. It (a) protects all site personnel by minimizing the transfer of harmful materials into …
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Suit, CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological Nuclear)
An NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) suit, also called a chem suit, or chemical suit is a type of military personal protective equipment. NBC suits are designed to provide protection against direct contact with and contamination by radioactive, biological, or chemical substances, and provide protection from contamination with radioactive materials and all types of radiation. They are generally designed to be worn for extended periods to allow …
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Tablets, Water Purification
Wholesome drinking water has become recognized as one of the important elements entering into the conduct of warfare. Water is used for such a variety of purposes that it is absolutely necessary to both man and beast. Without water of any sort, an Army would soon become entirely demoralized and actually perish. Water is as …