Demolition and Clearance Crews

Identifying device

Pick, handle upward. Letters Patent: D-129804.

A logo with a dark blue circle border, a white triangle inside, and a red pick symbol inside the triangle.

Duties

  • clear streets of rubble and debris after air raids

  • shore up or demolish damaged buildings

  • fill in bomb craters

A guide on demolition and clearance crews, including personnel, duties, training, insignia, and restrictions for wear, with an illustration of a demolition crew member.
Cover of a handbook titled 'A Handbook for Demolition and Clearance Crews' published by the Office of Civilian Defense in Washington, D.C. The cover features an anchor symbol inside a triangle.

Demolition & Clearance Crew Photos

Period photographs of Civilian Defense demolition and clearance crews