During World War I soldiers relied on horses for transportation on the battlefield. The introduction of chemical warfare at this time meant horses had to be just as protected as their human counterparts so they were  fitted  with gas masks over their muzzles to prevent them from inhaling poison gases such as chlorine and phosgene.

Link – Via Archie McPhee

It’s important to keep kids feeling comfortable and happy, even when they need to watch out for poisonous gas clouds -or at least, that must be the theory behind this Mickey Mouse gas mask sold in WWII. Paranoia and consumerism sure make for an interesting combination.

Link Via Consumerist