#5: A Child-Sized Gas Mask

WWII was a stressful, traumatic time for many people. Everyone lived with uncertainty and loss during the conflict. Unprecedented mandates and actions were taken to protect European citizens across the continent. This child-sized gas mask is an interesting example of how WWII was an unprecedented time. 

During WWII, the British government gave everyone gas masks to protect them against any potential poison gas attacks. We mean everyone. This mask was intended for a small child. They even distributed gas masks for babies. It’s an extremely eerie item to many of us today, but it’s also a reminder of how difficult WWII was for everyone involved.