I AM writing with an appeal for information from readers concerning a possible mutiny by Czech soldiers in York during the Second World War.

As I understand it, a contingent of Czech soldiers - captured by the Russians in Poland (presumably under the terms of Stalin-Ribbentrop pact) and subsequently released (when said pact broke down) - made their way to France in order to fight for the allies.

Here they were badly mauled and evacuated by sea to Hull. From Hull they were brought to York by train, but were, by now, being very roughly treated by their own officers, whom they described as "fascist" and "anti-Semitic".

Following a riot outside York Railway Station, they were rounded up by Military Police and interned in Knavesmire POW camp.

Later, they were sent, under armed guard, to Leamington Spa and then (on an infuriated Churchill's personal orders!) to the most dangerous sector of the North African Front under Soviet-trained officers.

At least one of them survived this ordeal: Private Jan Hoch, better known today as the late Robert Maxwell.

My source believes these events to have occurred in August 1940 or 1941. Interestingly, the Evening Press of August 1, 1940, does carry a short, very general account of exiled Czechs arriving in Britain; no mention of any mutinies, though!

There is some suggestion that at this very early stage in the war, Churchill privately doubted the will of the British and their allies to fight at all, and was keen to make an example of any "backsliders".

Jeremy Muldowney, 17 Second Avenue, Heworth, York, YO31 ORS.