20 Mind-Blowing Facts About Adolf Hitler

By Chris Waugh /

1. He Shaved His Moustache Because It Nearly Killed Him

Wikimedia Commons

While his trench was experiencing a mustard-gas attack during the First World War, Hitler tried to pull his respirator mask over his face. However, due to his - then full - moustache, an air lock could not be created to keep out the gas and Hitler almost died due to the presence of the gas.

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As a result, Hitler was ordered by his superiors to remove his moustache - instead, he trimmed it to the distinctive, toothbrush-shaped style that he became associated with due to his love of all things Charlie Chaplin.