“Mickey Mouse” gas mask

In the earlier period of World War II, people were worried that the Germans would use toxic gas to attack the UK and their allies so more than 40 million gas masks were given to the population. In the United States, Walt Disney helped design a mask for children, that looked like Mickey Mouse. It was lighter and easier to wear by children aged 18 months to 4 years old.

Stripped cow

During World War II, farmers painted their cows in white strips to prevent them from being hit by motorists during the night. Cows would often wander onto the roads and could pose real threats to drivers, especially during blackout conditions but the stripes made them more visible.