LUFORO Bulletin - Vol 4 No 03 - Jul-Aug 1963

Magazine Overview

Title: LUFORO BULLETIN
Issue: Volume No. IV, No. 3
Date: June/July/August 1963
Publisher: London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation
Type: Magazine Issue

LUFORO's Aims and Bulletin Information

The LUFORO Bulletin, published approximately bi-monthly, is dedicated to the unbiased scientific investigation of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) reports and associated claims. Its objectives include collecting first-hand evidence, publicising information, and fostering greater co-operation and understanding among UFO researchers. Single copies are available for 2s 6d (40c.), post free, or a year's supply can be obtained by joining LUFORO with a subscription of 10s ($1.50) per annum, payable to the treasurer. The current issue's cover design is by Basil Nubel, A.R.C.A.

• The editorial team and officers of LUFORO are listed:
• President: G.F.N. Knewstub
• Vice-President: L.G. Cramp
• Chairman: G.N.P. Stephenson
• Vice-Chairman: G.G. Doel
• Honorary Secretary: L. Beer
• Honorary Treasurer: V.V. Smithson
• Bulletin Editor: C.A. Stickland

Editorial

The editor notes that due to the need to provide full coverage of the incident at Charlton, Wiltshire, the original editorial has been replaced by contributions. The editor also appeals for secretarial help, specifically for individuals willing to type stencils approximately every two months, among the organization's 250-odd members.

A Hole in the Ground in Wiltshire

This section, authored by Charles A. Stickland, details an investigation into a mysterious hole found in a field. The story begins with a letter from a LUFORO member, Mr. C.C. Palmer, dated 16-7-63. While travelling home on the A.30 on the night of July 13th, Mr. Palmer and friends stopped near Crewkerne and Shaftesbury. His brother-in-law noticed a light below the moon. Upon investigation, they observed a flashing red light moving in a northerly direction, then changing course to a westerly direction, with no discernible pattern of flight. The object was observed for about five minutes, and they were unable to make out any details even with binoculars.

Mr. Stickland wrote to Mr. Palmer for further details and obtained a report from his brother-in-law, Mr. F.J. Andrews, who was also present. Mr. Andrews described the event occurring around 1:30 a.m. on July 14th. He saw a red light travelling across the sky from the right, initially dismissing it as imagination. Others in the car also saw the light, which moved between the moon and the horizon. They could not discern any shape or hear any sound. Mr. Andrews attempted to focus on the object with binoculars but found it difficult. He described the object's flight as erratic. The light disappeared behind trees and then reappeared, changing direction towards them and then to their left, disappearing behind a clump of trees. The entire observation lasted about 5-10 minutes. Mr. Andrews, who had previously been sceptical of UFO sightings, was convinced this was no ordinary aircraft flight, noting the absence of aircraft sound and the object's unusual movement. He estimated the object's size to be similar to a large star.

Investigation at Charlton, Wiltshire

Following up on Mr. Palmer's letter and an intriguing report in the Daily Express of July 17th, 1963, regarding a hole in a field, the LUFORO chairman and Mr. Stickland decided to investigate. They met on July 18th, and Mr. Stickland made a second visit on July 24th-25th.

Background Activity:
Prior to the Charlton investigation, a report from Mrs. Martin of Pythouse, Tisbury, was noted. On July 7th or 8th, she observed a very white incandescent globe, about 3 degrees above the southern horizon, travelling N.W. low on the horizon near Donhead and disappearing behind trees. This sighting lasted about 1.5 minutes and was not accompanied by noise. It was deemed unlikely to be from car lights as no road was in that direction.

The Facts at Charlton:
The incident occurred in a field at Manor Farm, Charlton, Wiltshire, east of Shaftesbury. The farm is owned by Mr. Roy Blanchard. A bomb disposal unit, led by Captain John Rogers, was already investigating the site upon LUFORO's arrival on July 18th. The exact timing of the hole's creation was uncertain, but the bomb disposal unit was notified on July 10th, suggesting the disturbance might have occurred a fortnight prior. The field was divided into barley and potato crops, with the site located on the boundary between them. The original appearance of the site, as best as could be ascertained, involved a central hole and surrounding disturbed areas. Measurements were taken, but it was noted that numerous visitors had been to the site before LUFORO's arrival, potentially altering the original appearance.

Site Description and Findings:
The central hole was approximately 5 inches across and 3 feet deep, containing loose rocks. It was situated in a shallow depression, about 8 feet in diameter and not more than 3-4 inches below the surrounding ground, from which potato plants had disappeared. In the barley section, three gaps were observed, which did not extend to the field's boundary. When discovered, all the barley in these gaps had disappeared, leaving only loose soil. The cutting in the potato ridges was ill-defined, with an estimated limit of 10 feet from the centre being conjectural. Within a roughly circular area of about 12 feet radius from the centre, very few potato plants remained.

The bomb disposal unit worked on the site until July 25th, eventually finding an object affecting their detectors, which was identified by the British Museum as 'iron pan'. 'Iron pan' is described as a hard cement-like layer of iron hydroxide deposited in the soil. This object, found about 5 feet down, could not have caused the surface hole and markings. The bomb disposal unit's operations effectively ruled out a meteorite as the cause, as it would likely have been detected.

Prior to this, Mr. Randall had reported other markings. LUFORO's second visit on July 24th-25th focused on these findings. One area, near a hedge on the far side of the barley, was found to be a bare patch about 2 feet in diameter surrounded by trampled barley. Its original appearance was unknown due to prior visitor disturbance.

Disturbance in Barley Field:
Another area, located beyond the potato and barley field in a grass field, and then further on in another barley field, showed considerable disturbance. A diagram illustrates this disturbance, showing stalks not lying flat but leaning in a specific direction. Beyond this leaning area, single stalks with bent ears extended for at least 17 feet. This appearance made it difficult to accept explanations of a hoax or wind damage.

Possible Interpretations:
Four main explanations were considered for the phenomena at Charlton:
1. Hoax: While acknowledging that hoaxes are common, the site's remote location and the accidental nature of the discovery made a deliberate hoax seem unlikely.
2. Explosion: This hypothesis was deemed to explain too little. There were no scorch marks, and it did not adequately explain the disappearance of potato and barley plants unless they were completely vaporised.
3. Meteorite: This was considered more plausible than an explosion but did not account for all facts. No meteorite was found, and the depression was described as a shallow one, not a typical crater. The hole's depth and the disturbance pattern required a subsidiary hypothesis, such as the meteorite breaking up.
4. UFO Landing: This hypothesis had supporting evidence, including the belief of local people like Mr. Blanchard. The report emphasizes that such testimony should not be dismissed lightly.

Further Evidence for UFO Landing:
Soil samples were taken to analyze humus content. The results confirmed that the potato plants had been literally removed, with no trace remaining, rendering the meteorite and explosion hypotheses less plausible. The report references a similar phenomenon described in Aimé Michel's "Flying Saucers & the Straight Line Mystery," concerning a sighting in Poncey-sur-l'Ignon, France, on October 4, 1954. A luminous, orange-coloured object, about three yards in diameter, was observed balancing in the air, and the ground in a meadow appeared to have been "sucked up," a phrase similar to Mr. Blanchard's description of the Charlton site.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the detailed investigation of physical evidence related to potential UFO activity, specifically a ground trace event at Charlton. LUFORO adopts a scientific and investigative stance, meticulously documenting observations, witness testimonies, and physical findings. The organization systematically evaluates multiple hypotheses, from conventional explanations like hoaxes and natural phenomena to more extraordinary ones like meteorite impacts and UFO landings. The editorial stance clearly favors a rigorous, evidence-based approach, giving weight to eyewitness accounts while simultaneously seeking objective data, such as soil analysis, to support or refute theories. The bulletin aims to present findings and encourage further research and cooperation within the UFO community.

This issue of "The Bulletin" delves into various aspects of UFO research, focusing on a specific landing incident, methods of investigation, and a comprehensive list of reported sightings. The content suggests a growing interest in the physical reality and potential technological capabilities of UFOs.

The Charlton Incident: Analysis and Hypotheses

The issue begins with a detailed account of an incident at Charlton, where a circular hole was found in the earth, surrounded by scattered clods and disturbed grass. The earth within the hole was described as being pulled out and hanging down, with the hole widening at ground level. The overall appearance suggested the earth had been "sucked out by a gigantic vacuum." The article posits that a machine capable of producing such an effect could also cause disturbances in crops. Three possible explanations are offered for the fate of the affected barley and potato plants:

1. Radiation Effect: The plants were affected by some form of radiation, causing them to rot and disappear. While a biologist colleague noted that barley, a grass family member, is resistant to disturbance, potatoes are sensitive, which could explain the differential impact. However, a low humus count casts doubt on this hypothesis.
2. Harvesting: The plants were 'harvested' by occupants of the craft. Reports from Brazil are cited, where individuals witnessed 'little men' collecting plant specimens and a 'man' uprooting plants. Another report describes a human-shaped figure taking a tobacco plant.
3. Side-effect of Propulsion: The plants were removed as a consequence of the machine's propulsion system. The author, believing these machines create or modify gravitational force, finds this explanation the easiest to accept. When the machine took off, the plants were attracted to it and carried off.

The author tentatively concludes that the Charlton phenomena were caused by a machine capable of creating or modifying gravitational force. The barley might have been removed as a botanical specimen, while the potato plants were carried away as a side-effect of propulsion upon takeoff. The investigation is stated to be ongoing, with a request for further information from members.

How Should We Investigate a Suspected Landing?

This section highlights the need for better preparedness in investigating suspected UFO landings. Several conditions are deemed necessary for effective investigation:

• Prompt Notification: Members are urged to immediately inform the Bulletin editor of any suspected landings.
• Essential Equipment: A checklist of essential equipment for investigating teams needs to be compiled. The author notes the oversight of not bringing a tape measure to the Charlton site.
• Team Composition: A list of people willing to transport investigating teams a reasonable distance is required. Additionally, a list of individuals ready to serve on investigating teams, capable of making plans, photographing, and interviewing, is needed.
• Expert Support: The need for 'back-room boys' who can interpret photographs, conduct chemical analyses, and provide expert opinions on gathered material is emphasized.

Correspondence: The Physical Basis of UFOs?

This section features letters from readers, addressing the physical basis of UFOs. One correspondent, Mr. J.J. Jolliffe, questions the existence of satisfactory evidence for UFOs having a physical basis. In response, Flying Officer Jack Buchanan of the RCAF recounts an incident from June 1961 where a craft landed on a side-hill, leaving two skid-marks and two hemispherical depressions in the ground. This incident is known as the "Galt Saucer" and is linked to the 'Adamski' type of craft.

Another account, the "White Sands Incident," is presented, involving Dr. Daniel W. Fry, who examined the ground where he was picked up and located impressions made by the craft. A third incident, from Michel's "Flying Saucers and the Straight-Line Mystery," describes a French farmer finding five deep impressions in railway sleepers where a craft had landed.

Herbert D. Clark, President of the Vancouver Area Flying Saucer Club, adds that UFOs have been tracked by radar in aircraft and by ground installations, with simultaneous trackings by different stations. He suggests that details of such incidents, proving physical composition and intelligent control, can be found in the "Project Bluebook" report.

Colin F. Mullane comments on the nature of matter, suggesting that the atomic pattern of UFOs might differ. He also raises questions about radar screens, Captain Mantell's F-51, and other unexplained phenomena, suggesting that the human mind may be trying to fit UFOs into an unsuitable framework of thinking.

W. W. Hand proposes that UFOs might be spaceships of various patterns, possibly interested in atomic power. He speculates that their frequent visits over the past 10-12 years might be due to humanity's development of atomic toys, and that direct landings might be avoided due to the current 'trigger-happy' state of the world.

A New Approach?

This section, awarded the 5/- prize, suggests a new approach to UFO research by drawing an analogy with car-spotting. The author argues that UFO research is in an unprecedented position and cannot rely on historical examples. The analogy involves observing cars at the base of a hill and people getting out to sit on the ground. The author proposes three avenues of study:

1. Study Contact Reports: Reconcile the various descriptions of spacecraft.
2. Signalling Program: Initiate a program of radio and/or light-beam signalling, similar to the late Project Ozma.
3. Experimentation: Test hypotheses and attempt to reproduce the effects exhibited by flying saucers.

Future Articles

Future issues of The Bulletin will feature continuations of Eric Smith's articles on UFO research, an article on "The UFO Electromagnetic Frequency" by A.C. Purton, and "Towards a Theory of the Saucer" by Alan Watts.

A File of UFO Shapes

This section details the ongoing project to create an 'identikit' for UFOs. Following a discussion, the committee decided to draw up a range of shapes rather than standard features. The first step involves tackling photographs, which will be enlarged and transferred to file cards. Members willing to help are asked to contact Basil Nubel. The section also includes requests for specific publications.

The Year's Reports

This is a compilation of UFO sightings reported from various locations between late January and mid-March 1963. The reports include:

• Argentina: Two rings, about 10' in diameter, with grass affected by intense heat.
• Ontario, Canada: A large green ball moving through the sky.
• Chile: A cigar-shaped object with a white cabin and flames from the tail, halted over a truck; another object emitting blue sparks.
• New Zealand: A silvery object with portholes and a fin; a cylindrical object glowing blue-white.
• USA: Various sightings including a glaring light, a big "explosion" of unknown origin, five photos of a UFO, an object moving slowly, a ball-like object seen by occupants of two planes, a bright object moving northeast, an extremely bright object disappearing over the ocean, a brilliant blue-white flash, metallic objects maneuvering, a pulsating red-tailed object, a red ball of fire, a round object emitting red beams, a moon-shaped object, a bright red object with a crescent-shaped tail, a ring-like cloud at high altitude, a big orange ball emitting sparks, a golden object with a glowing red centre, a disc or cigar-shaped object, a brilliant object moving at high speed, an explosion of undetermined origin, and an object in rapid, silent flight before descent and explosion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the physical nature of UFOs, the methodology of UFO research, and the cataloging of sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, advocating for systematic investigation and data collection. There is a clear emphasis on gathering evidence that supports the physical reality of UFOs, moving beyond mere speculation. The publication encourages active participation from its readership in reporting sightings and assisting in research efforts.

This issue of the "Bulletin" (Volume 9, Issue 20), dated June 1963, is a compilation of unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings reported from March to August 1963. The publication appears to be a newsletter or journal focused on UFO phenomena, with an emphasis on cataloging sightings and their details.

Catalog of Sightings (March - August 1963)

The core of this issue is a detailed list of individual sightings, presented chronologically. Each entry typically includes the date, time, location, a description of the object and its behavior, and the source of the report (e.g., newspaper name, reporter initials).

March 1963 Sightings:

• March 15: A yellow-orange light rising rapidly was seen in Hilman, California, USA. On the same day, an aerial explosion was reported near Oxnard & Camarillo, California, USA. Later that evening, a large, blazing object fell with an explosion in Monterey, California, USA.
• March 17: Near Los Angeles, California, USA, a fluorescent green object with a long tail, burning red, was observed before disappearing.
• March 21: In Berwick, Penn., USA, a star-like object was seen moving in a zig-zag course.
• March 23: Two miles from Scranton, Penn., USA, a round, white hot object with rays or projections and a smoke trail was sighted.
• March 25: West of Dover, Delaware, USA, a light moved slowly from S.W. to N.N.E. for 15 minutes. On the same date, reports from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, USA, indicated objects that were difficult to disentangle. While some reports were compatible with meteorites, there were indications of another object moving in an opposite direction.
• March 31: In Medford, Oregon, USA, a green flare-like light was observed moving slowly.

April 1963 Sightings:

• April 1: In Chileno Valley, California, USA, a large disc reportedly landed, and small figures emerged to catch a calf and collect samples of turf and plants. The report notes caution about this incident as it occurred on April 1st.
• April 4: A circular bright shining object was seen in Harstad, Norway. In Blackburn, Lancashire, a silver-like object, shaped like an arrowhead, was observed moving fast. In Berwick, Penn., USA, a sighting similar to a previous one (No. 35) occurred. San Luis Obispo, California, USA, reported a brilliant orange tear-shaped glow with no noise. Hollister, California, USA, saw a "Grange ball of flame" emitting smoke while stationary. Near Jackson, California, USA, a mysterious light was seen in the sky.
• April 8: In Copenhagen, Denmark, a round object with no wings but with pulsating light, changing color from red to white & green, was observed.
• April 13: In Blackburn, Lancashire, a silver-like object was seen moving fast. In Copenhagen, Denmark, nine moving star-like objects were reported.
• April 18: From Kansas to Northern California, USA, a dazzling multi-coloured light was seen, suspected to be a meteorite.
• April 24: In the Los Angeles neighborhood, USA, a bright green light with a very long tail was observed. In Copenhagen, Denmark, two red objects, five times the size of a first-degree star, were seen. Later the same night, another dark red object, the same size as the previous one, was reported in Copenhagen. In Copenhagen, Denmark, a rectangular object with windows (except in the middle) was seen moving and stationary, emitting a faint hum. Also in Copenhagen, Denmark, a stationary circular pink object was observed.

May 1963 Sightings:

• May 1/4: In Boskloof, Cape of Good Hope, S.Africa, there were reports of falls of stones, flying lights and objects, and strange noises.
• May 3: In Alveston, Warwick, a dark stationary circular body emitting grey vapour, resembling jets, was observed.
• May 6: In Westlake, Ohio, USA, a round star-like object with occasional falling motion was seen.
• May 7: In Kolding, Denmark, a circular orange-red object with an orange-yellow corona was observed. Later the same evening, three objects similar to the previous one were seen in a triangular formation in Kolding, Denmark.
• May 10: In Randers, Denmark, two yellow-red circular objects were observed moving a few feet above fields.
• May 13: In Belfast, a "ring-like cloud" was reported.
• May 20: Between Glencoe & Mt. Gambier, nr. Victorian, Australia, a light as bright as a welding arc was seen.
• May 24: In Randers, Denmark, three yellow-white saucer-shaped objects were reported.
• May 26: Fifty miles N. of Hamar, Norway, an elliptical, yellow object with strong, constant light and a large corona, moving and stationary, was observed.
• May 29: At Mt. Stromlo observatory, Canberra, Australia, a self-luminous slow-moving orange-red object was seen.

June 1963 Sightings:

• June 4: In Nibe, Denmark, a dull red circular object was seen manoeuvring, with three small dull white objects occasionally observed nearby.
• June 10: At nightfall in General Roca, Rio Negro, Argentina, a small greenish-yellow sphere was observed moving and stationary.
• June/July: In Charlton, Wiltshire, a hole, marks in the ground, and disturbances in crops were reported, with newspapers from July 17-26 mentioning this. It is suggested this was a probable landing of a small machine.

July 1963 Sightings:

• July 7 or 8: In Tisbury, Wiltshire, a white incandescent globe was observed moving low over the horizon, with a report in this issue of the bulletin.
• July 14: Between Crewkerne & East Chinnock, a red light was observed moving erratically, with a report in this issue of the bulletin.
• July 29 & 30: In the Bristol Channel, a glowing object was seen moving at terrific speed upwards. Another object reported at this time was explained as a balloon that caught fire, but this did not account for the glowing object.

August 1963 Sightings:

• August 1: In Kent, Essex, Potters Bar, Middlesex & Elstree, Herts., a triangular object was seen at great height. Dr. Doel suggested this was likely a research balloon released from the Continent during an upper atmosphere investigation, and he was inclined to accept this explanation based on his own observations.

Abbreviations and Member Contributions

The issue includes a section defining abbreviations used for sources: F.S.R. (Flying Saucer Review), N.R. (N.I.C.A.P. Reporter), and NZSSR (New Zealand Scientific Space Research). Members are reminded of their dependence on contributions for reports and newspaper cuttings, which should be sent to the Bulletin Editor.

Upcoming Events

A notice announces the first of the winter meetings, to be held on Saturday, September 28th, at 7 p.m. at Caxton Hall. Members are encouraged to attend, as there may not be another bulletin before then.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the systematic collection and reporting of UFO sightings from around the world. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent documentation and open inquiry, presenting raw data from various sources. While some reports are attributed to known phenomena like meteorites or balloons, the compilation suggests an ongoing interest in unexplained aerial phenomena. The inclusion of a specific incident involving a landing and emerging figures, alongside more conventional light sightings, indicates a broad scope of reported events. The emphasis on member contributions highlights a community-driven approach to UFO research.