Awareness - 1977 - Vol 06 No 4 - Winter

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, published by Contact (UK), Winter 1977 issue, Volume 6, no:4. This issue features a range of articles on UFO phenomena, historical sightings, and ongoing investigations.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by the returning editor, reflects on the ufological landscape of 1977. Key developments highlighted include the establishment of official UFO study units in France and the United States, and the United Nations considering international study of the UFO problem. The editor expresses hope that these new units will conduct thorough investigations, contrasting them with the perceived 'whitewash' of the Condon Committee. The editorial also touches upon the hypothesis that UFOs might originate from other dimensions or space-time continua, acknowledging that such an interpretation might face less public acceptance than the extraterrestrial spacecraft theory. The editor calls for caution in expectations but applauds the official recognition of the UFO problem.

Articles

THE 1897 AIRSHIP: SOME NEW PERSPECTIVES

By Brian Burden, M.A. (Oxon.). This article delves into the numerous airship reports from April 1897, investigating whether they influenced H.G. Wells's 'War of the Worlds' or were provoked by it. Burden examines a specific report from Aurora, Texas, which he acknowledges as a hoax, but then focuses on a more detailed account from Stephenville, Texas, involving a 'prominent farmer' named C.L. McUhany. McUhany described a 60-foot, cigar-shaped airship with two large aeroplanes, powered by an electric engine, with two crew members, S.E. Tilman and A.E. Dolbear. Burden traces Dolbear's academic background as a Professor of Physics at Tufts University and his research interests in electrical propulsion and storage batteries. He also investigates Samuel Escue Tillman, an Army officer and professor. Burden finds it difficult to dismiss the coincidences and suggests a 'Trojan Horse' thesis, where Dolbear and Tillman were either used or impersonated.

HIGH STRANGENESS ACTIVITY DURING THE U.K. WAVE OF 1977: UFOIN Progress Report no:2

By Jenny Randles. This article provides an update on UFOIN (a specialized investigative team focusing on high strangeness cases) and its progress during the first six months of operation. UFOIN is based at the Nottingham UFO Society headquarters. The report details several cases investigated during the UK UFO wave of June, July, and August 1977:

• June 1st, 1977 (Barnard Castle, Co. Durham): A motor-cyclist and car driver experienced a purple light causing power drain and their vehicles being dragged uphill, accompanied by intense heat.
• June 6th, 1977 (Waltham Abbey, Essex): A woman's TV was disrupted, and a spherical object was observed at low altitude.
• June 25th, 1977 (Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire): Two photographers captured four daylight snaps of a fuzzy domed disc, which were provisionally concluded to be genuine.
• August 3rd, 1977 (Thaxted, Essex): A car's speed was reduced by purple lights, possibly due to magnetic effects on the vehicle.

The article also mentions earlier cases investigated by UFOIN, including a figure in a silvery suit in Bovingdon, Hertfordshire (June 1967), a tall figure in a silvery suit in Ewloe, Clwyd (July 1975), and a spinning-top object in Newbridge, Eire (July 1976), which was later deemed a hoax or experiment. Two cases from early 1977, one in Wrexham, Clwyd (January 5th), involving fuzzy discs in photographs, and another in New Elgin, Morayshire (May 18th), featuring a disc-shaped object and a tall entity, are also detailed. The report notes that UFO activity in 1977 has been exceptionally high, with a significant increase in high strangeness incidents. It also references predictions by Dr. David Saunders and Bernard Delair regarding a major UFO wave.

SOME SKY MYSTERIES

By Edwin Spiller. This article is a brief mention, likely a short piece or a note.

AN IMPORTANT EVENT IN FRANCE: 1947-1977 FOR THE THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF UFO RESEARCH THE STUDY OF UFOS MADE OFFICIAL

By Jean L. Brochard. This article commemorates the 30th anniversary of official UFO research in France, marking the date when the study of UFOs was officially recognized.

THE CAMOUFLAGE SYNDROME: PART 2

By J.B. Delair. This is the second part of an article by J.B. Delair on the 'Camouflage Syndrome' in relation to UFO phenomena.

ANOTHER PIECE OF THE UFO PUZZLE?

By Roland Watson. This article presents another contribution to the ongoing discussion and investigation of UFOs.

Book Reviews and Book News

By Brinsley Le Poer Trench & J.B. Delair. This section provides reviews and news related to books concerning UFOs and related topics.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND LECTURES FOR 1977

By F.W. Passey. This article details the events and proceedings of the annual general meeting and lectures held in 1977.

SOME SELECTED BRITISH UFO REPORTS

By D.N. Mansell & P. Flatman. This section presents a selection of UFO reports from Britain.

ODDS AND ENDS

By J.B. Delair. A collection of miscellaneous items and short notes related to UFO research.

Advertisements and Book Lists

This section contains advertisements and lists of books available, likely related to UFO literature.

The Contact (UK) Directory

This section provides contact information for the key personnel of Contact (UK), including the National Chairman (F.W. Passey), General Secretary (J. Loveridge), Treasurer (D.N. Mansell), Membership Secretary (Mrs S. Robb), Public Relations Officer (J.B. Longhorn), Research Enquiries (J. Sears and P. Flatman), Senior Research Officer (D.N. Mansell), Research Programme Co-ordinator & Librarian (J.B. Delair), and Archivist (T. Cox).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the increasing official recognition of UFO phenomena, the detailed investigation of specific sightings (particularly those categorized as 'high strangeness'), and the historical context of UFO research. The editorial stance is one of cautious optimism regarding official investigations, emphasizing the need for thorough and unbiased study. There is a clear interest in exploring alternative hypotheses beyond simple extraterrestrial visitation, such as the space-time continuum theory. The magazine also highlights the importance of meticulous research, as demonstrated by Brian Burden's investigation into the 1897 airship case, and the ongoing work of investigative groups like UFOIN. The publication aims to inform its readers about the latest developments and historical cases in the field of UFOlogy.

This issue of the BUDC Bulletin, dated March 1977, focuses on a variety of unusual aerial and celestial phenomena, with a particular emphasis on historical sightings and the burgeoning field of UFO research. The content includes compiled notes from the late Edwin Spiller, an article on the official establishment of a UFO study group in France, a detailed examination of historical 'cloud' phenomena, book reviews, and reports of recent British UFO sightings.

"SOME SKY MYSTERIES" by the late Edwin Spiller

This section presents a collection of historical accounts of unexplained aerial events, compiled by Edwin Spiller before his death in 1975. The notes are presented as bearing comparison with other documented cases and suggest a continuity of unusual events.

Shower of Mud On March 27th, 1803, a shower of mud fell from a clear sky near Udina, Italy. The event is cited from the Philosophical Magazine.

Remarkable Hailstones On August 26th, 1834, hailstones with precise rectilinear shapes fell at Padua. Their configuration suggested they had broken off a larger, regularly shaped object. This account is referenced from Italian scientific journals and the New Edinburgh Philosophical Journal.

Giant Hailstones On July 4th, 1915, enormous hailstones, some up to 6.5 inches in diameter, fell over northern Wiltshire, UK, causing significant damage to crops and glass-houses. The source cited is the Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Magazine.

Rain from Clear Sky On September 5th, 1799, Alexander von Humboldt observed large drops of rain falling from a cloudless blue sky over Cumana, Peru. This is reported from the Edinburgh Journal of Science.

Coloured Snows On March 5th and 6th, 1803, a shower of red snow or dust fell at Pezzo, Italy, following a violent wind. Similar showers of rose-coloured snow were reported in Carniola and other areas. Analysis of samples indicated the red matter consisted of silex, alumina, and iron oxide. This event is noted as occurring around the same time as other unexplained falls of gelatinous matter in Europe and shortly before the mud shower at Udine. Sources include Journ.de Physique and Giornali di Fisica.

"AN IMPORTANT EVENT IN FRANCE: THE STUDY OF U.F.O.'S MADE OFFICIAL" by Jean L.Brochard

This article reports on the establishment of a dedicated section for the study of UFOs within the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) in Toulouse, France, effective September 1st, 1977. This group, named GEPAN (Group for the Study of Unidentified Spatial Phenomena), will be directed by Claude Poher. GEPAN's mandate includes studying the UFO phenomenon, visiting alleged landing sites, and analyzing data. The author highlights this as a significant step forward for ufology, being the first time an official public body, funded by state resources, has incorporated UFO study into its approved activities. The article notes that CNES is dependent on the Ministry of Industry and Research, indicating the seriousness of the government's decision. It calls for similar concerted demands to be made to British authorities by organizations like Contact (UK), emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in UFO research.

"THE CAMOUFLAGE SYNDROME: Part 2" by J.B.Delair

Following up on a previous article, J.B.Delair presents further historical instances of strange 'clouds' and their unusual behavior, suggesting they might be deliberate camouflage devices used by UFOs. The article aims to compile these reports chronologically up to 1899, with later reports to follow. The author invites theories to explain these phenomena.

• The article lists numerous historical cases, including:
• A fiery red cloud over Byzantium (ca. A.D. 842).
• 'Purple' clouds over Yamoto Province, Japan (A.D. 852), linked to a cigar-shaped object sighting in the Dakotas.
• A cloud jettisoning 'blood'-like fluid over Derbyshire, UK (1387).
• 'Very strange clouds' observed over Italy (1450).
• Fire and smoke issuing from a black cloud over Northamptonshire, UK (1574).
• A fast, luminous cloud over Switzerland (1704).
• A black cloud with an arc of light and a cylindrical object over several UK counties (1707).
• A strange cloud emitting rays of light over the Spanish coast (1716).
• A strange cloud emitting rays of light over London (1716).
• Large fiery clouds and luminous rings over Belgium (1726).
• Deep red clouds with fiery streamers seen across Europe (1737).
• A revolving cloud that broke trees in Ireland (1751).
• A stationary cloud projecting rays of light upwards over the UK (1764).
• A bouncing fiery ball associated with a 'skyblast' over Derby, UK (1795).
• A fiery cloud with a bluish edge over France (1801).
• A red cloud stationary over Italy (1808).
• A black cloud with small lights dancing around it over London (1809).
• An undulating 'meteor' entering a cloud over London (1811).
• Stationary brown and bluish clouds emitting 'skyblasts' and discharging ash over Barbados (1812), noted as occurring shortly after the fall of stones over L'Aigle, France.
• A cloud hovering oddly and showering hexagonal metallic objects near Orenburg, USSR (1842).
• An orange cloud or 'mist' with four 'stars' over London (1845).
• A revolving 'cloud' sucking up water over Oxfordshire, UK (1875).
• A black cloud bursting into a ball of fire over Freemantle, Australia (1879).
• A bright, round, cloud-like object over Norway (1886).
• A luminous cloud over Madrid, Spain, followed by falling stones (1896).
• An airship-shaped cloud over Michigan, USA, and similar 'dirrible-shaped' clouds in other Michigan locations (1897), linked to the 'airship wave' of 1897.
• A cloud-like body moving in space observed by Dr Espin against the stars (1898).

The author concedes that some incidents may have meteorological origins but finds it difficult to provide a satisfactory explanation within current knowledge.

"ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & LECTURES FOR 1977" by F.W.Passey

This report covers the Annual General Meeting and lectures held at Caxton Hall, London, on October 22nd, 1977. The event was well attended. The lectures included:

• "UFOs in Ancient Times" by Raymond Drake, who presented a case for extraterrestrial visitation based on records from various ancient civilizations.
• "Ghosts and Haunted Places" by Peter Underwood, President of the Ghost Club of Great Britain. The lecture explored potential similarities between UFOs and psychic phenomena, noting that both are supported by witness reports but lack definitive proof.

The report also details the Annual General Meeting proceedings, including the reading of Secretary's and Treasurer's reports, the re-election of the committee, and discussions on membership participation in research. Suggestions were made to encourage local investigations and to liaise with authorities like the police and military, and to utilize local libraries and press offices for UFO reports.

"SOME SELECTED BRITISH U.F.O. REPORTS" by D.N.Mansell & P.Flatman

This section presents a selection of UFO reports investigated by field agents of Contact (UK), covering June, July, August, and September of 1977. These are described as typical and of high interest.

• June 9th, 1977: Long Melford, Suffolk. A Jaguar car experienced engine trouble after a woman reported seeing a bright light traverse the sky, suggesting it may have caused the malfunction. The engine later started normally.
• June 1st, 1977: Kennington, nr. Oxford. A young man and his girlfriend saw a bright silver object with a glowing red haze pass silently over their house. It was not recognizable as a conventional aircraft.
• June 6th, 1977: Egglestone, Durham. A motorcyclist in heavy rain observed two bright objects. Shortly after, a car overtook him, and both the car and witness were enveloped in a light, causing loss of power and heat. The motorcycle regained normal power after the light extinguished.
• June 30th, 1977: Market Harborough, Leicestershire. A married couple saw a cigar-shaped silvery object with three bright lights disappear into thin air near Gartree Prison.

"BOOK REVIEWS AND BOOK NEWS"

This section reviews several books related to UFOs and paranormal subjects.

UFOS: WHAT ON EARTH IS HAPPENING? by John Weldon and Zola Levitt

Reviewed by Brinsley Le Poer Trench. The book is praised for its well-researched information, particularly a contact case from Maine, USA, investigated by government officials. However, the reviewer criticizes the authors' dogmatic religious views, which assert that ufonauts are demons and that no intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe. The book is recommended for its content despite these views.

ACCORDING TO THE EVIDENCE: My proof of Man's Extraterrestrial Origins by Erich von Daniken

Reviewed by J.B.D. The reviewer, initially not a strong supporter of von Daniken, finds this latest volume to be a more controlled and reasoned approach. The book covers a wide range of topics, linking them coherently, and is described as exciting with numerous photographs. It discusses topics such as the Dogon tribe's astronomical knowledge, Daedalus, space stations, ancient Indian and Sumerian astronautics, and the "Chronicle of Akakor." The reviewer notes the book's extensive documentation but laments the lack of an index. It is considered well worth the asking price.

NO EARTHLY EXPLANATION by John Wallace Spencer

Reviewed by B.Le P.T. This book argues that humans are a combination of earthly and alien beings, part of a gigantic galactic experiment. The author explores the origin of aliens and suggests that the universe is replete with intelligent life. While the book presents a strong case for some frightening UFO events, particularly in the Bermuda Triangle area, it lacks a bibliography or index. It is recommended for ufologists and those interested in the UFO enigma.

Other Recent Books A list of other recently available books is provided, including "Celestial Passengers: UFOs and Space Travel," "Cosmic Trigger," "UFOs and Anti-Gravity," "Paradox: The Case for the Extraterrestrial Origin of Man," and "Interstellar Travel: Past, Present, and Future."

"ANOTHER PIECE OF THE UFO PUZZLE?" by Roland Watson

This short item presents a quote from the "Journal of George Fox" (1690) describing an experience with a "great cloud" that brought temptation but was overcome by a "living hope" and the realization of a "Living God." The author questions the nature of this cloud.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent nature of unexplained aerial phenomena throughout history, the growing scientific interest in UFOs (exemplified by the French initiative), and the ongoing debate about the origins and nature of these events. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages serious investigation and open-mindedness towards UFO reports, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous research and the potential for meteorological or other conventional explanations in some cases. There is a clear emphasis on documenting historical cases and promoting international cooperation in the field of ufology.

This issue of 'Awareness' journal, identified as the Spring 1978 issue, focuses on UFO reports from the British Isles during the latter part of 1977, alongside discussions on related phenomena and publications. The content is primarily a compilation of dated UFO sighting reports investigated by various individuals.

UFO Sightings Review (July - September 1977)

The journal meticulously documents numerous UFO sightings, providing dates, times, locations, and brief descriptions of the observed phenomena. These reports are often attributed to specific investigators.

July 1977:

• July 3rd, 1977 (2:15 p.m.): In Hamstead village, Great Barr (West Midlands), two witnesses (mother and son) observed a silver and grey, tapered half-Moon shaped object. It was sharply outlined, hovering, and appeared to be rotating. After several minutes, it moved off quickly and disappeared from view within six minutes. Investigated by Ted Horton.
• July 4th, 1977 (3:00 a.m.): At Canvey Island (Essex), several witnesses reported a large yellow light, the size of a sixpence at arm's length. Through a telescope, observers noted the light changing shape to a square, then a diamond, and finally two interwoven rings. The object remained stationary, flickering or pulsating, before ascending slowly and disappearing high in the sky. Investigated by Roy Fisher.
• July 16th, 1977 (3:10 a.m.): In Warrington (Cheshire), two individuals watched a saucer-shaped object described as "glorious orange colour" from their bedroom window. It emitted a humming sound and was seen rotating as it travelled swiftly across the sky.
• July 31st, 1977 (9:55 p.m.): A married couple near Market Harborough (Leicestershire) saw a large, mushroom-shaped object in the sky. It was silvery-grey, shrouded in mist, and exhibited three lights before dematerializing. Investigated by Brian Panter.

August 1977:

• August 1st, 1977 (4:00 a.m.): In Plumstead (London), a lone witness observed a large, star-shaped object, white in colour, the size of a penny at arm's length. The object pulsated, changed shape, and moved towards the horizon. It then stopped, appeared to grow larger and brighter, dazzling the witness, before shrinking and disappearing. Investigated by Roy Fisher.
• August 5th, 1977 (10:25 p.m.): In Washington (Tyne & Wear), a witness saw a glowing red, round object hovering in the sky, the size of a pea at arm's length, which disappeared quickly. Another witness in Sunderland reported a similar round object with red, orange, whitish-grey, and gold colours around a dark centre, approximately half an inch in diameter at arm's length. This object hovered soundlessly and its departure was not observed. Investigated by Bill Smurthwaite.
• August 11th, 1977 (11:15 p.m.): In Warley (West Midlands), a married couple saw a flying-wing shaped object at a very high altitude and of immense size. It glowed a dim red colour and travelled fast on a straight, soundless course. Investigated by Ted Horton.
• August 25th, 1977 (11:00-11:15 p.m.): In Houghton (Tyre & Wear), several people waiting at a bus stop saw a star-shaped object dropping like a shooting-star but gliding gracefully. It was bright orange and soundless, and described as "very big for a shooting-star." This object's characteristics were deemed not to be those of a meteor or fireball. Investigated by Anne West.
• August 26th, 1977 (approx. 9:00 p.m.): In High Barnet (Hertfordshire), a mother and daughter observed an unusual round, grey object with five white lights and a larger central red light. It was sharply outlined and the size of a football at arm's length. Initially moving slowly, it stopped and hovered, changing brightness, then reappeared with all lights on and suddenly dived, appearing to land behind houses. A search of the area yielded nothing. Investigated by Roy Fisher.

September 1977:

• September 4th, 1977 (7:30 p.m.): In Kenley (Surrey), two friends saw a saucer-shaped object, the size of a sixpence at arm's length. It was silvery with several orange-yellow lights, hovering and changing brightness. Its departure was not observed. Investigated by Roy Fisher.
• September 7th, 1977 (10:25 p.m.): In Warrington (Cheshire), a young man noticed a round, silver object, the size of a cricket-ball at arm's length, through his window. It ascended vertically, remained stationary for about 12 minutes, then moved off slowly and disappeared behind houses. Investigated by Kathleen Waldron.
• September 11th, 1977 (12:32 p.m.): In Northwich (Cheshire), a man saw a round white object sharply outlined in the sky, travelling very quickly and in view for only 30 seconds. Checks confirmed no meteorological balloons were present. Communicated by Michael Lenz.
• September 19th, 1977 (1:30 a.m.): In Margate (Kent), an amateur astronomer heard a squealing tyre-like noise and observed a peculiar cloud. Through binoculars, it appeared to consist of 8 to 10 dull white or grey objects moving quickly from North to South, visible for only four to five seconds. The report notes that no known astronomical phenomenon could account for this sighting and links the peculiar cloud to similar phenomena discussed in previous issues.

Peripheral Ufology and Other Phenomena

Astonishing French Claim

The journal presents a sensational claim from a farmer in Tout, France, who alleged that shortly before September 25th, 1977, a UFO landed in his field in broad daylight. He claimed a naked man and woman emerged, engaged in sexual intercourse three times, and then re-entered the object, which then zoomed off. The farmer reported being hurled backward by the object's "blast" when he tried to approach it. The report notes the skepticism of local gendarmes but suggests, on the assumption of controlled alien bio-medical programs, that this event might have been an experiment to determine if aliens could reproduce in an Earth environment, referencing similar alleged contact and abduction claims, including the Antonio Villas Boas incident.

Sky Falls and Selectivity

Under the heading "ODDS and ENDS" by J.B.Delair, the issue discusses "Peripheral Ufology." An example cited is the phenomenon of frogs falling from the sky at Perpignan, France, early in September, following a violent storm. While the official explanation was that the storm whipped the frogs up from nearby marshlands, the author questions the selectivity of this phenomenon. He points out that marshes contain numerous other light items like water snails, small birds, and plant debris, which were not observed to fall. The author emphasizes that this unnatural selectivity is a recurring feature in historical sky falls, which have sometimes occurred in association with UFOs.

Publications and Organizations

UFO and Space Age Publications (1977)

A comprehensive list of books and magazines related to UFOs and space age topics available from a supplier is provided. Titles range from "The Humanoids" and "The Cosmic Connection" to "UFOs: The American Scene" and "Project Bluebook (Official UFO Photographs)." Prices are listed, and information on obtaining stock lists and illustrated literature is included.

For Sale or Trade

An individual, Lionel Beer, offers 2,000 different UFO newspaper clippings dating from 1950-1974 and is seeking photography from 1840-1910, original photographs, books, magazines, albums, stereo-views, and daguerreotypes. Another individual, Albert Onori, based in Clifton, New Jersey, USA, is seeking similar items and offers three international coupons for guaranteed air reply and samples.

UFO Sightings by Air Pilots

Dr. Richard F. Haines, a scientific consultant to the Centre for UFO Studies in Illinois, is conducting research into UFO sightings by commercial, private, military, or research pilots. He requests communications from anyone with relevant information and provides his contact address in Los Altos, California, USA.

Addresses You Should Know

• Contact information is provided for several UFO-related organizations and publications:
• Flying Saucer Review (FSR Publications Ltd.)
• BUFORA Ltd.
• GEPA (Paris, France)
• Center For UFO Studies (Evanston, Illinois, USA)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation of UFO sightings, the exploration of unusual or unexplained phenomena (like sky falls), and the promotion of UFO literature and research organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging and exploring more sensational or fringe aspects of the subject, such as the French claim and the selectivity of sky falls. The journal aims to connect researchers and enthusiasts, fostering a community around UFO studies.