The Allies were mindful of the threat, and kept Chemical stockpiles on hand near the frontline for a swift retaliation. Thus the war would have turned chemical in days not weeks.
Others probably have better specialised knowledge here, but my understanding is that the Allied troops did have respirators available but probably underestimated the advances made by the Germans in developing new Chemical weapons. I am not sure how effective the allied equipment would have been.
In terms of delivery mechanisms the Allies had many more options and could use theirs to effectively target not just the frontline, but also the German infrastructure. My own view is that it would not have helped Germany to turn to Chemical weapons largely for this reason.
Others probably have better specialised knowledge here, but my understanding is that the Allied troops did have respirators available but probably underestimated the advances made by the Germans in developing new Chemical weapons. I am not sure how effective the allied equipment would have been.
In terms of delivery mechanisms the Allies had many more options and could use theirs to effectively target not just the frontline, but also the German infrastructure. My own view is that it would not have helped Germany to turn to Chemical weapons largely for this reason.