I AM hoping that your readers may be able to solve a mystery arising from the Second World War.

It was brought to my attention recently by Larry Taylor, a veteran of Bomber Command during the Second World War and now a member of 102 (Ceylon) Squadron Association.

The squadron was based at Pocklington airfield for the latter part of the war flying Halifax bombers. The association recently held its annual reunion in Pocklington.

Larry recalled that the Free French forces based around York had the use of premises near the De Grey rooms in Exhibition Square in York as their social club.

Prominent on these premises was a picture, painted by a member of the Free French forces, of a group of four or five French matelots, possibly the worse for wear and with their backs to the viewer.

Each sailor was pictured in a different pose, yet the viewer was left in no doubt as to the common and pressing purpose of the group.

Larry had been impressed by the skill of the unknown artist in conveying the humour of the group activity and would dearly like a chance to see the picture again.

The premises were used by the Conservative Club after the war and Larry remembers that the picture was still present. What happened to the picture when the Conservative Club vacated the premises?

Was it thrown away or is it now someone's wartime souvenir? I hope a reader can solve the mystery.

Colin Stevens,

Friend of 102 Squadron Association,

St Helen's Avenue, Pocklington.

Updated: 10:26 Monday, August 15, 2005