The commanders did not want the local French civilians to witness the proceedings.
He also cited the danger to countless French civilians.
According to some reports, four French civilians were aboard the Italian plane in addition to its crew.
It was hoped that German troops would be caught by the bombing but only French civilians were present.
Then he saw German soldiers and French civilians running frantically about.
During the year 1943 alone, 7,458 French civilians died under allied bombs.
Several casualties among the British soldiers, including officers and also French civilians, occurred during the fight.
In a radio address broadcast yesterday, he also said the exodus of French civilians was only temporary.
An open house was held once a year, with great numbers of French civilians in attendance.
Sixteen French civilians were killed and around thirty wounded.