In the build-up to World War II the British government feared that the Germans would attack Britain with poison gas. During World War I both the Germans and Allies had used poison gas in the trenches. Harmful gases can make the skin blister, cause blindness and breathing problems, and can even kill.

The British government took precautions against poison gas attacks and by 1938 they had issued 'civilian type respirators' to every man, woman and child in the nation. There were versions for animals, too. Over 40 million gas masks were issued. There was an American gas mask for children that looked like Mickey Mouse, with the character's nose and ears and even a picture of him on the gas filter. Walt Disney helped in its design. The British 'Mickey Mouse' mask did not resemble the character but it used the red and blue, like the American version, and kept the name.

People collected their gas masks from their local town halls or other distribution points organised by the borough councils. Officials made sure that the masks fitted properly and showed people how to put them on. Schools and workplaces also ran training courses from time to time in how to use the masks. The Government waged a publicity campaign. People were told to keep their gas masks with them day and night. Posters about the dangers of gas attacks were everywhere by the outbreak of war. For example: 'Hitler will send no warning - so always carry your gas mask'; 'It is your duty to yourself, your family and your country to be prepared.'; Don't be caught without your gas mask when the wardens sound their rattles'; 'Don't be a gas casualty.' Short films and radio adverts also kept people informed. There were events like 'Gas Mask Week' when talks on anti-gas measures were given in local town halls, and people could get their masks tested.

The Ministry of Home Security issued instructions on what to do in the event of a gas attack. When the ARP wardens sounded rattles to alert people to a gas attack, the directions were to 'Hold your breath, put on your mask, cover your skin and take shelter in the nearest building.' If you had inhaled some vapour gas you were advised to 'keep your mask on even if you feel discomfort, and seek help at a first aid post.'

The gas mask had nicknames from 'nosebag' after the feedbags that horse wore round their noses, to 'dickey-bird'. Many children called the gas mask a 'Hitler.' The gas mask was not popular and most people found it uncomfortable. It was tight fitting to prevent any fumes leaking into the mask. People sometimes felt claustrophobic and the wearer's breath tended to steam up the goggles after a few minutes. The sensation of clammy breathlessness and the smell of rubber disinfectant made people unwilling to practise wearing their masks. They also disliked carrying the masks everywhere. As the war progressed, it seemed less likely that there would be a gas attack and people tended to leave their cumbersome brown boxes and heavy gas masks at home. In fact, there never was a gas attack in Britain during World War II.

As asbestos ages it breaks down. In recent years the link between asbestos and lung disease has become known. It is very important that all asbestos is professionally removed from old gas masks.

This red and blue mask was for a two to five year old child. It dates from World War II when the British government gave everyone in Britain a gas mask as protection against possible poison gas attacks by the Germans. This mask was known as the 'Mickey Mouse' mask even though it doesn't look anything like the cartoon mouse! Because many small children were frightened of gas masks, bright colours and the friendly name were used.

The mask is made of red rubber with round plastic eyepieces. There are straps to hold the mask on the head and the rubber fits snugly round the child's face. Children were taught to hold the mask in front of their face, with thumbs inside the straps, then put their chin well into the mask and pull the straps over their head. The Government advised parents:

Toddlers soon learn to put on their own masks. Let them make a game of it and they will wear their gas masks happily.

The lower part of the gas mask is the filter. This is a blue tin can with perforated holes. The can holds a block of asbestos, a chemical substance that absorbs poisonous gases. Children would breathe the clean air into their mouths, and then breathe out through the rubber flap. Children learned to annoy their parents by making a 'raspberry' noise every time they breathed out.

As asbestos ages it breaks down. We now know that there is a link between asbestos and lung disease so it is very important that all asbestos is professionally removed from old gas masks.