Mustard gas

Posted by Word Camel on January 22, 2002

In Reply to: Mustard gas posted by CRT on January 22, 2002

: Why did they call this horrible stuff Mustard Gas?(WWI)
: It was not because of the colour, it was not visible. Any ideas?

I have come across two possible explanations. The first is that the gas had a mustard-like odour - from the American Heritage dictionary.

I also found a quote from a nurse describing how victims of the gas suffered with "Great mustard-coloured blisters, blind eyes, all sticky and stuck together, always fighting for breath, with voices a mere whisper, saying that their throats are closing and they know they will choke."

• Mustard gas Bruce Kahl 01/23/02
  • Mustard gas argh 01/23/02