LUFORO Bulletin - Vol 1 No 11-12 - Decemeber 1960

Magazine Overview

This is the combined "SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ISSUE" (Nos. 11 & 12) of the L.U.F.O.R.C. BULLETIN, dated 11th December, 1960. Edited by Roy Stemman and published by the LONDON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT RESEARCH ORGANISATION, the bulletin covers a range of UFO sightings and related news from late 1960. The publication aims to provide information and analysis on unidentified flying objects, often questioning official explanations and encouraging further investigation.

Numerous Reports of Dazzling Object Over Bristol

On the evening of November 11th, 1960, numerous reports of a brilliant object were received by local newspapers and police in the vicinity of Bristol. Information available to LUFORO at the time did not provide enough detail for a definitive verdict. Most reports came in around 8:15 p.m., with the possibility of multiple objects being seen. The Western Daily Press reported that the object passed clean over Bristol, moving from north to south or vice versa, with opinions varying on its direction. Reports were received over a 65-mile area.

• Eyewitness accounts included:
• Mr. Leonard Payne (ambulance controller) described it as "a ball of fire against the black sky – the brightest thing I have ever seen. It had a long blue tail, and looked enormous."
• An eyewitness on Backwell Hill described it as "just like a flash of lightning. It was travelling very fast."
• Mr. Gordon Dewey described it as "shaped like a long silver cigar. The trail was white, ending in red sparks and it went with a 'wooshing sound.'"
• A Filton Meteorological Office spokesman stated the flash "illuminated the whole building like a sudden shaft of moonlight," suggesting it might be a meteor but admitting "You can't be too sure."
• R.A.F. Lyneham reported that their radar screens were "not 'on the air at the time" but they were amazed by the flash's strength.
• Captain J.Masey Beresford reported a "brilliant white flash" that temporarily blinded him, after which the object remained stationary for a few seconds before moving north, leaving a wake of white sparks.

Authorities' comments included the Air Ministry suggesting it could be a meteorite or a satellite, or a large jet aircraft with a condensation trail. However, they could not account for a "blue flash" and stated they had no knowledge of any satellite entering the atmosphere.

Could UFOs Start a Nuclear War? --by the editor

The editor addresses public concern about accidental nuclear war, referencing a past incident where a formation of objects over the Pole was initially thought to be meteors. The current concern stems from a story in the Daily Express (November 23rd, 1960) about a false alarm at Thule, Greenland, where a ballistic missile early warning system detected a "mass formation of rockets." This was later discovered to be reflections from the moon, with communications cut off by an iceberg. The editor uses this to highlight the danger of misinterpreting phenomena and considers the potential extra-terrestrial origin of UFOs and the danger they pose.

The editor poses two questions: (1) Can authorities recognize a "true" UFO as opposed to another country's rockets or missiles? (2) Are UFOs becoming less visible because they realize the potential danger their presence causes?

Letters to the Editor

• Rev. Norman Cruttwell (Menapi, Papua, New Guinea) has compiled a 12-page report on "Flying Saucers Over Papua," which LUFORO recommends as an excellent source of reference. It includes diagrams, graphs, and charts, detailing sightings of human-type figures and other authenticated phenomena not previously published. Copies are available from Mrs. F.G. Knowles for 6/-

Are We Being Watched From Outer Space?

This section discusses an article by Derek Dempster in "Today" (John Bull) titled "There's a small, red-coloured satellite hurtling the wrong way round the earth." The article notes that neither the Americans nor the Russians claim ownership, raising the question of who it belongs to. The article also discusses the possibility of life on other planets, mentioning Project Osma, Phobos, and Deimos, and stars Tau Ceti and Epsilon Eridani. It concludes that with many experts believing in celestial life, the reported UFO might be a space-ship from another planet.

L.U.F.O.R.O. Spotlight on British UFO Sightings during 1960

This section details several sightings from 1960:

• Thousands of Football Fans See U.F.O. Over Preston: On November 12th, 1960, during a match at Preston North End, a gleaming mystery object was seen hovering above Deepdale. The R.A.F. and Meteorological Office could not explain it. A spectator described it as round, hovering at a great height, then swinging right and disappearing.
• Radar Confirms Manchester Sighting: Mr. & Mrs. Cooke and Mr. Hobday reported a large golden sausage-shaped object on October 28th, 1960, seen for five minutes at midnight. It was mainly gold with a blue secondary color, estimated at 5,000 feet, and moved at high speed. Mr. H. Bunting investigated and confirmed the sighting.
• Glowing Object Over Coventry: On December 2nd, 1960, a long cylindrical object, glowing white and about four times the size of a large airliner, was reported at Coventry. It was watched for five minutes, moving southwesterly. While some suggested it was a Sputnik, astronomer H.C. Miles noted its course was inconsistent with Sputnik orbits.
• Coventry Sighting (continued): A Coventry weather expert suggested unusual things can be seen when the setting sun shines on an aircraft, but the timing of the sighting was at night.
• Sighting at Walton-on-Naze: On September 4th, 1960, Mr. Michael Rockett and friends saw a "flying saucer" shaped like a light bulb. It followed them, emitted a beam of light, then turned south and disappeared at great speed towards the northwest, with a distinct engine throb. The night before, two oval objects were seen flying rapidly over the sea.
• Further Details of Boreham Wood "Spinning Top Sighting": This section corrects a previous newspaper report about a Boreham Wood sighting. Mrs. Aaron reported a "terrible" high-pitched vibrating noise at 4:30 a.m. on August 28th, 1960. She saw a glowing green object, like a child's spinning top, rotating and emitting sparks. It was seen for two minutes at an estimated height of 1,400 feet. Mrs. Aaron, familiar with aircraft, stated it was "definitely 'unworldly'."

News, Views and Comments on UFOs and odd events the world over

• The Evenlode Incident and Others: Following the publication of the Evenlode Incident (strange circles in a field), similar occurrences have been reported. Roger G. Wyld described a similar perfectly circular depression near the Ivinghoe Hills, with grass radiating outwards like spokes.
• Saucer News reported on a UFO landing in Tennessee, where a perfect circle appeared with a black greasy substance circumference. Two other similar circles appeared in the vicinity.
• Circles of Fire? A curator of a Witchcraft Museum suggested the Evenlode circles might be from a "witchcraft" ceremony.
• Burning Object Landed on Roof: A strange burning object landed on a rooftop in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on May 24th. It emitted intense heat and was largely destroyed before investigation. A similar incident occurred previously.

World Spotlight on UFO events the world over

• Large Yellow Disc Filmed Over Sault, Canada: A report from Saucers, Space & Science magazine details an incident in late June 1960 where six jets were flying in formation when a large bright yellow disc-shaped craft appeared. Mrs. Arthur Kunkel filmed the object, which was verified by the Sawcer Observation Club as existing.
• False A.F. Answer in Red Bluff Case: This section details a sighting on August 13th over Hollywood involving a large oval-shaped object seen by State policemen. The object performed unbelievable feats, and a second UFO joined it. The Air Force's explanation of refraction of planet Mars and stars was refuted by NICAP's astronomical advisor, who stated the celestial bodies were below the horizon at the time. NICAP suggests the AF explanation was to kill the report and avert speculation about the object originating from an orbiting "mystery object."

Odd Spot

• Japan UFO Intelligence reported that a contactee claimed to have visited a planet "Ireland."

News Summary (N-E-W-S S-U-M-M-A-R-Y)

This section provides brief updates on various UFO-related news:

• Mr. H. Bunting resigned as Editor and Vice-President of Manchester U.F.O. Research Society; Mr. R. Miller-Lawson will edit their publication.
• Gray Barker did not go up in a flying saucer.
• Dr. Donald H. Menzel, a UFO skeptic, admitted failing to get all factual evidence before explaining away sightings.
• Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, former chief of the U.S. Air Force investigation project, reversed his former beliefs, suggesting space-craft, though his book remained inconclusive.
• The Canadian National Research Council is investigating a radar sighting of a 10-mile long object.
• A LUFORO Meeting at Caxton Hall revealed most members were "anti-contactees."
• George Adamski was invited to the U.S. Senate and United Nations.
• Gabriel Greene was an unsuccessful candidate in the American Presidential election.
• Chief Frank Buckshot Standing Horse claims to have visited planets like Orion, Mars, Venus, and Clarion.
• Hon. Brinsley Le Poer Trench spoke about his book "The Sky People."
• George Adamski appealed for global unity in space exploration, hinting at extraterrestrial threats.
• Sir Edmund Hillary reported seeing a "phenomenon" in Tibet, possibly a Chinese rocket or UFO.
• Lauro Mundo proposed a theory of reincarnation with identical fingerprints.
• The Little Listening Post reported on an FBI "REINCARNATION FILE."
• Ray Palmer questioned why a ship disappearing below the horizon can still be seen with a telescope.

Exchange Publications

The retiring editor, Mr. Roy Stemman, and the LUFORO Committee thank various organizations for exchanging publications and invite others to contact the Chairman, Mr. G.N.P. Stephenson. Listed publications include:

• ORBIT (Tyneside U.F.O. Society)
• OUTER SPACE REVIEW (Manchester U.F.O. Research Society)
• SAUCER FORUM (David Jones)
• LE COURRIER INTERPLANETAIRE (Prof. Alfred Nahon)
• DISC DIGEST (Dutch Interplanetary Study Centre)
• UFO-NYT (Scandinavian UFO-investigation)
• UFO-NACHRICHTEN (Deutsche U.F.O. Studiengemeinschaft)
• SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE (Gene Duplantier)
• WORLD REPORT (Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America)
• SAUCER NEWS (James Moseley)
• UFOLOGY BULLETIN (John Weigle)
• SAUCERIAN BULLETIN (Gray Barker)
• U.F.O. INVESTIGATOR (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena)
• C.D.S.C. REPORTS (Capitel District (N.Y.) Saucer Council)
• AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD (Australian Flying Saucer Research Society)
• AUSTRALIAN FLYING SAUCER REVIEW (Victoria Flying Saucer Research Society)
• JAPAN UFO INTELLIGENCE (Modern Space Flight Association)
• INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN (Netherlands Studygroup for Ufology)
• Newsletters from: THE PLANETARY CENTER, BRITISH FLYING SAUCER BUREAU, VANCOUVER AREA FLYING SAUCER CLUB.

New Editor: Mr. Lawrence G. Moore. New address for investigator communications: G.N.P. Stephenson, 12, Dorset Road, Cheam, Sutton, Surrey, England.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The LUFORO Bulletin consistently questions official explanations for UFO sightings, often highlighting discrepancies and suggesting cover-ups or inadequate investigations. There is a strong emphasis on eyewitness testimony and the need for further research. The publication also explores the potential implications of UFOs, including the possibility of extraterrestrial contact and the risks of misidentification leading to international incidents, such as the potential for accidental nuclear war. The bulletin promotes a skeptical yet open-minded approach, encouraging readers to share their own observations and contributing to a growing body of evidence for unexplained aerial phenomena. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained aerial objects and the inadequacy of conventional explanations provided by authorities.

Title: WEST COUNTRY SIGHTINGS
Issue Date: November 11th (raw), January 14th, 1959 (report date)
Content: This document presents a collection of witness reports detailing unusual aerial phenomena observed in the West Country of England, primarily from late 1958 and early 1959. The reports are compiled from local newspapers and direct submissions.

"Seen in the Night Sky"

This section compiles reports from railwaymen and a signalman in the Mid-Cornwall area. On a Monday morning at 4:30 a.m., railwaymen reported a brilliant flash. Mr. Bob Harris of Wheal Busy signal box described it as unlike anything he had experienced. Mr. Kenneth Magar, a signalman at Probus, reported hearing an explosion and then seeing a rocket-like streak moving south, leaving a trail of smoke.

Another report describes a "ball of fire" seen over Mid-Cornwall on a Friday night, which bathed a van in a bluish-white light for about twenty seconds. Mr. D.J. Hick, a Chacewater butcher, stated it looked like a huge rocket but was much too big for a firework. When it extinguished, it left a glowing trail. Simultaneously, television viewers reported a bright white band across their screens. In Troon and Redruth, the phenomenon was perceived by many as a powerful flash of lightning. On the following Saturday night, the intense light of the aurora borealis was visible across most of Cornwall.

"Sphere Seen in Sky a Meteorite"

This section presents a report from Mr. P.W. Matthews, taken from the "Western Evening Herald" (Plymouth) on January 14th, 1959. It details sightings of a brightly-lit sphere in the sky, observed by people in three different areas of Devon and Cornwall early the previous morning. Service authorities considered the object to be "more than likely a meteorite".

Mr. Albert Edward Jaccbs of Plymouth reported seeing a large, very bright sphere over The Sound as he was leaving for work at 4:50 a.m. He noted that it lit up the clouds. While he watched, a rocket-like object was projected from the sphere, travelling a couple of miles before disappearing. The light from the sphere also went out.

"Falling to Earth"

This part includes two further accounts. Mr. Norman Hendy, a signalman at Probus signal-box, reported seeing what he initially thought was lightning, but as the flashing continued, he looked skyward and observed a "ball of flame with a blue tail" that appeared to be falling to earth. Flashes were seen coming from the tail, and the spectacle lasted about thirty seconds.

Another similar object was observed travelling slowly and silently, approximately 150 feet over Callington early the same morning. This sighting was made by Mr. and Mrs. John Higman, caretakers of the County Primary School. They described the object as tadpole-shaped, with the main body lit up like a ball of fire and the tail glowing with rainbow colours. They stated that the sight startled them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena in the West Country. The publication appears to be a compilation of factual accounts, presenting witness testimonies without overt speculation, though the inclusion of the "meteorite" explanation suggests an openness to conventional, albeit sometimes extraordinary, explanations. The focus is on detailed descriptions of visual and auditory aspects of the sightings.