Clearing up (3): Mechanical diggers could be used, as here in Marseille after the raid of 27 May 1944, once there was no hope of bringing anyone out alive. But such machinery was rare, and so was fuel. In Toulon after the attack of 23 November 1943, there were complaints that delays to clearing-up operations meant that bodies were left under rubble for a month.
Courtesy Archives Municipales de Marseille, 29/II/4.