Porton Down 75 years of chemical and biological researchPorton Down was established in 1916 in retaliation for the Germans using chemical warfare against the United Kingdom armed forces. Porton is located near Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, on 7,000 acres. Porton Down consists of research facilities which conduct research into chemical and biological warfare. On April 23, 1915, British troops were attacked with chlorine gas and Sir John French, the British Commander-in-Chief, wanted retaliation with the same effects as those inflicted on his troops. , and he also wanted the means to defend his troops against these attacks, which led to the creation of Porton Down. On July 10, 1915, the British used chlorine gas against the Germans. After the attacks, the British realized that the method of administering chlorine was inconsistent, that the gas had a small coverage radius, that chlorine had an odor and therefore could be detected quickly without inhaling any. large quantity. quantity, and the gas also did not stay on the ground for very long, which is why more research was carried out on the development of chemical weapons. The first experiment was carried out with hydrogen sulfide; the British tested the gas by placing rats in cages in trenches and had miners equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus collect clouds of gas in jars as the gas passed over them. Tests on hydrogen sulfide were conclusive and showed that the gas had a lethal concentration 300 meters from the release point. Hydrogen sulfide had a short lifespan, was found to be too dangerously flammable, and corroded the cylinders in which it was stored. It was also too light to remain near the ground after release and possessed a distinctive odor at very low concentration that is an early warning to the enemy. At 05:50 2...... middle of newspaper ......n population of the United Kingdom in the face of covert attacks and the dangers which would have arisen from them, it is certain that Porton Down will continue to be regarded as PORTON DOWN 5 an essential part of the national defense program, and whatever levels of arms control emerge in the future. “Currently, Porton Down is a world leader in high-quality microbiological research and testing, which has played a vital role in preparing, coordinating and manufacturing responses to health emergencies. It is at the forefront of infectious disease research in the UK, which has four international culture collections and has an international reputation as a center of excellence. (John Glen, 2013) Works Cited GB Carter (1992). Porton Down 75 years of chemical and biological research GB Carter (1975). Porton Story as told to John Glen (2013). The future of Porton Down