I was born and bred in York (Hollybank Rd/St Paul's primary/Nunthorpe Grammar) and I would like to settle a family argument before I get much older.

As a schoolboy in the 50s I have a recollection of the Ouse being drained of almost all its water (a mere trickle remained in the centre) but can not find a reference anywhere.

I think it would have to be post-'49 and pre-'57 as that is the most likely period in which I would have seen the event from Ouse Bridge (I would then be between 10 and 17 yrs).

What I would like to find out is....did this event happen and for what purpose? And how was it done?

I imagine it happened by blocking Linton Lock and that it was done to help looking for possibly bombs or bodies; but I do recall seeing old prams and bikes in the mud.

So, was I right or not? And can you offer any suggestions where I am going to get the answer?

I was born in Hollybank Rd in '39 and went to school at St Pauls Primary, followed in '51 by Nunthorpe Grammar, before joining the RAF in '57. I served until early '83 before coming out and settling near Dereham, Norfolk.

My brother and sister still live in York, and both my parents always lived in York. Incidentally, my father was a member of York Harriers for quite some years and in '37 was English Cross-Country Champion.

Your comments:

The Ouse was drained in 1947 to allow surveying to take place for a new sewage pipe to be laid across the Ouse into Fulford Pumping Station at the bottom of St Oswalds Road, Fulford.

Peter Jackson, York

Updated: 12:45 Wednesday, October 26, 2005