Why were gas masks used in 1940?

During World War II, Germany pummeled Britain for months on end with heavy bombing raids in a 1940-41 campaign termed the "Blitz" -- meaning lightning in German. Fearing German planes would drop gas bombs, authorities issued millions of gas masks to British men, women and children. read more

Well, simply for the reason gas masks were used in the first place, which is to protect from chemical gas attacks. And in 1940, WWII was still in full swing, therefore both allies and axis had to be prepared for anything. read more

By 1940 the government had issued 38 million gas masks. Adult gas masks were black whereas children had 'Micky Mouse' masks with red rubber pieces and bright eye piece rims. There were also gas helmets for babies into which mothers would have to pump air with a bellows. read more