Q: I’ve just received three old Disney posters featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy in World War II-type clothing, and Red Cross emblems and hats. They are loading sandbags, carrying Red Cross relief boxes, and saluting under a Red Cross Flag. The Walt Disney copyright is at the bottom. Do you know anything about these?
Cindy, Holly Hill, Florida
A: During World War II, the Disney Studio was asked to help contribute to the war effort by designing propaganda and promotional posters for the military, the Red Cross, government agencies, and other entities. There were many of them. In addition to the posters, Disney artists designed more than 1,200 insignias for military units.
Dave Smith