BUFORA Journal - Volume 04 No 01 - Winter 1973

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 4, No. 1
Date: Winter 1973
Publisher: The British U.F.O. Research Association

This issue of the BUFORA Journal is presented as a 'bumper' issue of 40 pages, with future issues expected to be 32 or 36 pages due to printing and postal costs. The cover features the BUFORA logo and a stylized illustration of a planet with a UFO. The journal is published quarterly and is available to members only.

Editorial

In his editorial, Norman Oliver reflects on the themes of his previous editorials from 1970, COS-MOS 9 and COS-MOS 10. He addresses the tendency for some researchers to dismiss sightings and photographs as 'hoaxes' or 'Space Hoaxes.' Oliver suggests that blaming 'evil space entities' is an easy way out, but he does not entirely dismiss the possibility of 'psychic hoaxes.' However, he emphasizes that in many cases, the hoaxing is human in nature, and crying 'Space Hoax' can damage the study's credibility. He urges researchers to look inward and examine their own methods and criticisms of others before invoking intangible explanations. Oliver also stresses that there are no 'experts' in ufology, only those with more knowledge and experience, and that criticism of others should be tempered with self-awareness, as truth can come from any source.

Organization Details

The journal lists the officers of The British UFO Research Association, including honorary officers like President Dr. G. G. DOEL and Vice-Presidents L. G. CRAMP, R. H. B. WINDER, G. F. N. KNEWSTUB, and HON. BRINSLEY LE POER TRENCH. The National Executive Committee includes Chairman R. STANWAY, Vice-Chairman and P.R.O. L. E. BEER, Honorary Secretary Miss B. WOOD, Honorary Treasurer A. WEST, and Journal Editor N. T. OLIVER. Other officers include Librarian Capt. E. I. A. MACKAY and Publicity Secretary Miss C. HENNING. The association's aims are to encourage unbiased scientific investigation, collect and disseminate UFO evidence, and co-ordinate research. Annual membership is £2.40 or $6 USD/Canada. The journal is published quarterly and sent direct to the Editor.

Contents

The table of contents lists several articles and sections:

• Editorial (Page 2)
• Let's Look Around (Page 3)
• UFO Symposium (Page 10)
• Letters to the Editor (Page 12)
• Round & About (Page 18)
• Book Reviews (Page 25)
• Obituary (Page 27)
• The Eternal Subject (Page 28)
• Investigations Section (Page 29)
• Skylab & Merioneth (Page 36)
• BUFORA Personalities. No. 3 (Page 37)
• U.S. "Flap" (Page 39)

Let's Look Around...

This section presents two distinct cases:

SUNKEN UFO

Kolbjorn Odegard, Chairman of the Norwegian UFO Centre (NUFOC), and other members are searching for a UFO in Lake Djupsjoen, Norway. The search is prompted by a local farmer, Bernhard Sollie, who claims a UFO sank in the lake in 1947. Sollie reported hearing a rolling roar, then seeing a shining steel-blue, egg-shaped object land on the water. The object, about one meter long, bobbed on the surface before disappearing. Sollie did not report the incident for ten years, fearing ridicule. Richard Farrow, who translated the account from Dagbladet, suggests that the object likely made a controlled landing and did not sink, as it was heard to make noise on arrival but not departure.

UFO NEAR NORWEGIAN ROCKET RANGE

This report, received from Mr. R. J. D'Arcy of the Department of Space Research at Birmingham University, details an observation on October 26, 1972, near Andenes, Norway. Four observers, including Mr. P. Burgess, Dr. G. Jenkins, and Mr. M. Jarvis, witnessed a large yellow-bluish object in the northern sky, resembling a comet. The object moved slowly, and its tail emanated from a cloud. Later, a bright yellow-blue spot of light appeared in the cloud, growing to the size and brightness of the sun. Mr. Jarvis took photographs. The observers considered explanations like comets or meteors (too slow/fast respectively), chemical releases from rockets (unlikely due to timing and location), and NATO exercises (ruled out by the local airforce base). A chemical release or explosion from a satellite is considered a possible explanation, especially given recent military interest in non-peaceful satellite uses.

INDIANA UFO OCCUPANT SIGHTING

This report is reprinted from THE OHIO UFO REPORTER and details a sighting between November 5th and 17th, 1966, near Arlington, Indiana. The witness, 'Mrs. Jones,' a 33-year-old housewife, reported seeing a hovering object about 50 feet from her house. She described it as having a hump on top and bottom, with a round section in the middle containing windows. She perceived three occupants: one male and two females, described as muscular and effeminate, respectively. The figures appeared as silhouettes against a bright white light emanating from the windows, giving a negative-like appearance. The male occupant seemed to be steering. Mrs. Jones felt the man's deep-set eyes were trying to hypnotize her. The object was described as tall and long, like a house, with a circular ring and large windows, almost white or silver in color. It moved west along electric lines, then took off at a steep angle with colored lights and vapor exhaust. The witness compared its speed to that of a jet.

Visitation Case from Tenterden, Kent

The journal also includes a letter from Margaret Wilton that prompts a comparison with a 'visitation' experienced by Mrs. Maureen Garner in 1954 in Tenterden, Kent. Mrs. Garner described encountering a man standing in her landing, blocking her path to the kitchen. She was not frightened but surprised by his height, estimated at over seven feet tall. The figure wore a metallic blue, glimmering suit. The description of the face was noted for comparison with Margaret's theory. The account also mentions the object's appearance as a ball with a circular ring of large windows, and its departure with colored lights and vapor exhaust.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges of distinguishing genuine sightings from hoaxes, and the importance of rigorous, unbiased research. The editorial stance, as articulated by Norman Oliver, emphasizes critical self-examination within the ufology community, advocating for a cautious approach to criticism and a commitment to seeking truth from all sources. The journal aims to be a platform for disseminating evidence and coordinating research efforts, as reflected in its stated aims and the detailed reporting of various cases.

This issue of the magazine, dated 3rd November, 1973, focuses on a UFO Symposium held in Sunderland as part of the 'Beyond This Horizon' festival. The content includes a detailed report by Lionel Beer on the symposium, personal accounts, letters to the editor, and discussions on various UFO-related theories.

UFO Symposium Report by Lionel Beer

The report details the 'Beyond This Horizon' (BTH) festival at the Sunderland Arts Centre, which ran from October 23rd to November 25th, 1973. The festival included displays of paintings by David Hardy FRAS and works by other artists, as well as a display of plastic model spacecraft. The UFO symposium itself attracted 100-150 people.

• Speakers at the symposium included:
• Rex Dutta: Described as a West End vendor of live tropical fish, he also authored two theosophically-oriented flying saucer books and published a bulletin called AQUARIUS VIEWPOINT. His lecture style was found to be 'embarrassing' and 'hard-sell,' presenting general facts without substantiation and implying closed-mindedness to those who didn't believe him.
• Ray Nielsen: Representing the Aetherius Society, he spoke about his leader George King's alleged telepathic contact with superior planetary beings, achieved through yogic techniques and samadic trance. The society's 'prayer-power machine' is mentioned, which is 'charged' by chanting.
• Raymond Drake: Author of five published books on 'gods and spacemen' themes, he postulated theories that major historical events might have been influenced by 'Spacemen.' He also reminded the audience that much written history has been lost due to war and vandalism.
• Trevor Whitaker: BUFORA regional co-ordinator, he gave a talk on practical field investigation, highlighting how careful analysis can reveal mistaken identity cases, such as the Low Moor case involving a supposed bright red object later identified as an Army flare.
• Professor John Taylor, Dr. Christopher Evans, Duncan Lunan, and Colin Ronan: These individuals formed a supporting panel.

Lionel Beer concluded his report by summarizing the Lakenheath Air Force Base case of 1956 as an example of a potentially interesting report for BUFORA.

Eyewitness Account: Mrs. Garner's Encounter

On page 1, an account is presented, introduced as a 'Presentation by Norman Oliver,' detailing an encounter Mrs. Garner had. She describes a strange-looking man who materialized in front of her. She focused on his eyes and face, noting his high broad forehead, high cheekbones, large deep blue eyes with pupils, and a jaw of a different shape, with the skin appearing immobile. He wore a tight-fitting helmet, possibly Perspex, and a seamless suit. His skin was pink, and he had no eyebrows or wrinkles. The man simply stood and looked, then vanished as suddenly as he appeared, without any visible means of departure. Mrs. Garner stated she was observant and felt the man was 'present in the flesh,' not a projection. She reported no emotional upset prior to the incident, feeling perfectly awake and that it had been a normal day up to that point.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters discuss various aspects of UFO research and theory:

• James Wilkins suggests that BUFORA's journal could educate members on UFO technology and safety precautions, proposing the printing of collected information on aspects of UFO technology for a fee.
• A. Brindley agrees with theories about UFO origins and suggests that UFOs emit an 'electrosonic' wave that can affect mechanical devices and the human brain, proposing a jamming device as a solution.
• Dennis Rodway from New Zealand expresses interest in sharing UFO news from his region and learning about developments in the UK.
• J. Hedger agrees with the usefulness of UFO detectors but finds the dismissal of parapsychology as an alternative explanation to the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) unscientific. He argues that too little is known about parapsychology to rule it out and that the evidence for ETH is not conclusive enough to be universally accepted.
• Margaret Wilton proposes that humanoids described in cases like AVB (1958) and Betty & Barney Hill (1961) might be 'Modified Humans,' attributing facial features to diet and environment. She speculates that future evolution, with a refined diet, could lead to reduced facial muscles and altered facial shapes, potentially influencing speech and leading to telepathy.
• R. Moore discusses Professor John Taylor's theories on Black Holes and interdimensional travel, suggesting that if other universes/dimensions exist, they might be present on Earth. He personally believes UFOs are not extraterrestrial but are phenomena pertaining to Earth or nearby space, possibly controlled by an intelligent force.

Association News

Association News (reported by Betty Wood) provides an update on BUFORA's activities. The committee meetings are described as involving tedious administrative tasks rather than cosy chats. Plans are underway for research projects, including a Motor Vehicle Interference Research Project, and publicizing BUFORA. They request that calls be made after 6:30 p.m. or on weekends, and not before 9 a.m.

Betty Wood also mentions a school debate on 'Are UFOs attacking Earth' and reports on recent events in the U.S. involving alleged attacks on police and fishermen by creatures with crab-like hands, and a directive for police to stop and frisk individuals seen disembarking from UFOs.

Scientific and Geological Observations

Dr. Raymond Wilson, Assistant Professor of Geology at Utah University, suggests that Mars is geologically active, with evidence of large volcanic mountains, dried-up river beds, and a huge canyon, contradicting earlier beliefs that it was a dead planet. Russian scientists have recorded radio signals from space, the origin of which is yet to be determined.

Other Articles and Themes

• Festival Anthology: An A4-sized book titled "BEYOND THIS HORIZON, An Anthology of Science Fiction and Science Fact" was published as an adjunct to the BTH festival, featuring contributions from various writers and including a section on Flying Saucers with articles by Raymond Drake, Rex Dutta, and Lionel Beer.
• John a. Keel contributes a piece arguing that paranormal manifestations are interrelated and that the core issue is the manipulation of human beings, suggesting that UFOs do not come from other planets or dimensions but from 'another whole universe' or 'whole bunch of universes' interlocked with ours, and that their appearance is adapted to the observer's cultural context.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in UFO phenomena, particularly humanoid encounters and the exploration of alternative theories beyond the traditional Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). There is a clear emphasis on ufological research, investigation, and the dissemination of information through BUFORA. The magazine appears to encourage critical thinking and the consideration of various explanations, including parapsychology and interdimensional concepts, while also acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge. The editorial stance seems open to diverse viewpoints, as evidenced by the publication of differing opinions in the 'Letters to the Editor' section, though there's a clear leaning towards rigorous investigation and fact-finding, as exemplified by Lionel Beer's report and John a. Keel's perspective.

This document is an issue of the "BUFORA Journal", Volume 3, Number 11, from Summer 1973. BUFORA stands for the British UFO Research Association. The journal covers a range of topics related to UFOs, including personal reflections, reports of sightings, discussions of theories, book reviews, and announcements of upcoming meetings and research projects.

Content Breakdown

Personal Reflections and Commentary

The issue opens with a personal reflection on Arthur C. Clarke and his views on extraterrestrial civilizations, contrasting his earlier statements with his later contentions. The author expresses bafflement at Clarke's "hangup on UFOs" despite his scientific background and collaboration with Stanley Kubrick on the film "2001".

Forthcoming Meetings

Detailed schedules are provided for meetings at Kensington Central Library in London and for the Staffordshire Branch. These lectures, taking place from February to May 1974, cover a variety of UFO-related subjects, including "Guidelines in the Search to Solve the UFO Mystery," "Where Are the Documents?", "Widening Vistas in UFO Research," "UFO Mechanics," "Categories of Events," "UFO's in Perspective," "UFO Research," and "Radar."

Announcements and Notices

An announcement regarding "COPY DATES" for the Spring 1974 Journal advises that submissions should be sent by February 14th, with subsequent deadlines at three-monthly intervals. There is also a proposal to recommence printing lists of BUFORA members' names and addresses to facilitate contact, with an option for members to opt out.

Round & About: Notes and Quotes

This section features several short reports and observations:

• LUTON LIGHTS: A report from October 18th, 1973, describes six brilliant white lights seen over Luton, which descended, formed a V-formation, turned orange, and then disappeared.
• SO THAT'S WHERE THE OIL'S GOING!: A sighting in Motueka, New Zealand, during late summer '73, where a woman observed a large silvery disc over a hill and reported seeing splashes of oil and/or mud.
• RATIONALISM, SUPERSTITION AND SCIENCE: A commentary on a booklet by Christopher Evans that examines superstitions, including Flying Saucers. The author questions why people are so eager to believe in them.
• THE DEVIL!: A humorous piece where the author jokes about being "taken over by the INVADERS" and being the "earthly personification of his Satanic Majesty."
• CRYPTIC: A brief note about addressing "Commoners" in the crypt of St. Mary-le-Bow church.

Wessex UFO Record

This section introduces a quarterly newsletter edited by John Cleary-Baker, focusing on UFO manifestations in Southern England known as Wessex. It provides contact details for submissions and subscriptions.

Other Short Reports

• ALIEN BEACONS ?: A rumour about "space beacons" being planted on Earth to guide alien craft, with a request for interested individuals to share information.
• TELLY-WATCH?: An account of Uri Geller's TV appearance where he claimed his abilities were externally controlled, and two inactive wristwatches recommenced working during his demonstration. It also mentions a "Magic Circle" claim that members could produce similar results and upcoming demonstrations by Geller.
• UFO URI?: An addendum referencing Andrija Puharich's book about Uri Geller, which describes an incident where Geller allegedly entered a UFO, though the film cartridge dematerialised.
• "SPACE BALLS": A report from Mr. Munro in New Zealand about finding a mystery cylinder, linked to similar "space balls" found in Canterbury, which were suspected to be from a disintegrating Russian space vehicle.

Vice-Chairman's Notes: Interest in UFOs

Lionel Beer, the Vice-Chairman, discusses the level of interest in UFOs, noting a significant increase in enquiries for BUFORA in 1973, estimated at over 350 through his mail alone, with additional enquiries from press advertising. He thanks members and local groups for their efforts and mentions the reprinting of the BUFORA information leaflet.

Local Groups

Information is provided about BUFORA's branches and newly formed local groups:

• The Edinburgh University UFO Research Society has been established, primarily as a student group.
• The Scottish UFO Research Society is reported as defunct, with its files offered to the University group.
• The Wessex Association for the Study of Unexplained Phenomena (WATSUP) has been formed.
• Philip Grant is running ufology lectures in Bournemouth with support from the Bournemouth Unexplained Phenomena Research Group.

Research Project

A resolution accepted at the AGM in Kensington Library on October 6th, 1973, proposes prioritizing the investigation of the "Lakenheath Case" of 1956, noting that BUFORA lacks a fully documented report of this case.

Press Cuttings

A request for volunteers in the London area to help sort press cuttings, primarily related to UFOs but also other "strange fact topics."

ATTENTION AREA INVESTIGATORS! . . .THE FUEL CRISIS

An advisory for area investigators regarding the fuel crisis, suggesting they contact their R.I.Cs. if they are unable to travel to visit witnesses or landing sites, so that alternative actions can be taken.

Book Reviews

• THE EARTH WATCHERS by Brian J. Ford: Reviewed by Colin Bord. The book discusses space travel and UFOs, with the author's stance being that contactees are liars, but extraterrestrials are likely watching us. The review criticizes Ford for omitting certain evidence related to George Adamski and for his selective criticism of other authors like Von Daniken. The section on photographic evidence is noted as potentially useful.
• A Source Book of ROCKETS, SPACECRAFT AND SPACEMEN by Tim Furniss: Reviewed by Norman Oliver. This book is described as an excellent, comprehensive reference work on rocketry and astronautics, covering from early rockets to the Apollo missions, with a chronology and astronaut biographies.

Obituary: Philip Rodgers

An obituary for Philip Rodgers, who died on October 8th, 1973. He was known to ufologists for his 'space-voice' recordings and 'time-check' experiments. He wrote an article for FLYING SAUCER REVIEW in the late 1950s. Rodgers was also a talented musician and author. The obituary extends sympathy to his wife, Joan.

THE ETERNAL SUBJECT: Lecture Review

A review of a lecture given by Brinsley Le Poer Trench at Kensington Library. The lecture, titled "Islanders in Space," was attended by a near-capacity audience. Trench, speaking privately, discussed the universality of sightings, mentioning a Russian sighting and recent reports from the U.S. He also touched upon Men in Black (MIB) reports and theories about UFOs, suggesting that current UFOs might be Earth-based craft or involve representatives from other spheres. The review notes that the meeting addressed hostile UFO encounters and cited various cases involving earthly artifacts dropped from UFOs, such as the Maury Island case, and incidents involving chemical traces.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes the investigation and recording of UFO phenomena through BUFORA's activities. There is a clear interest in scientific inquiry, as evidenced by the research projects and the discussions around interpreting evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the UFO phenomenon, while also being critical of unsubstantiated claims and selective scientific criticism, as seen in the book reviews. The journal also emphasizes the importance of community and information sharing among UFO enthusiasts, highlighted by the sections on local groups and forthcoming meetings.

This issue of the BUFORA Journal, identified as No. 3 and likely Volume 4, features a prominent article on 'BUFORA Personalities,' focusing on Roger Stanway. The journal contains numerous 'Sighting Reports' investigated by BUFORA, spanning from 1965 to 1973, alongside sections on the 'Investigations Section' and a report on 'Skylab and the Merioneth Sighting.' The overall tone suggests a dedicated effort to scientifically document and analyze UFO phenomena.

Investigations Section

Ken Phillips, the present National Investigations Co-ordinator (NIC), has adopted the previous editor's method of identifying reports for ease of reference. A new numbering system, such as Report 4/1/1 (Volume 4, Issue 1, Report 1), is introduced to help readers pinpoint the original report's location. The section acknowledges the retiring NIC, Richard Colborne, and thanks him for his contributions. The past twelve months have yielded few reports, with a high percentage being of 'LITS' (Lights In The Sky) quality. The summaries presented are from investigated sightings only, compiled by David G. Guyatt, Michael Eden, Peter S. Wilson, and Christopher Randles.

Sighting Reports

The journal details ten specific investigated UFO sightings:

• Report 4/1/1 (Early September, 1965, Gillkicker Point, Gosport): Mr. Ken Williams and companions observed a fluorescent green, bell-shaped object with portholes and three protruding balls, which hovered for two minutes before ascending vertically.
• Report 4/1/2 (January 14th, 1969, Southsea, Hants): Mr. and Mrs. M. Handley witnessed a red, conical object that hovered motionlessly for fifteen minutes, humming and changing color, before moving towards a beam of light and disappearing.
• Report 4/1/3 (October 23rd, 1971, Cornwall): Two witnesses saw a golden/pink ball that changed shape telepathically, eventually appearing as a cigar and altering its shape six times over thirty minutes.
• Report 4/1/4 (October 15th, 1972, Harting, Hants): Helen Sturm observed a bright 'star' that changed shape from a star to an elongated object with a tail, moving rapidly and then assuming a saucer shape.
• Report 4/1/5 (November 4th, 1972, Banbury, Oxon): Mr. B. J. Rudge, a former RAF pilot, saw a bright circular object with a white and yellow center that vanished suddenly with a flash, leaving a grey cloud.
• Report 4/1/6 (November 13th, 1972, Brown Edge, Staffs): Mrs. M. Buxton saw a disc-shaped object, as big as a full moon, travelling at high speed and 'wobbling' without a vapour trail.
• Report 4/1/7 (December 18th, 1972, Northumberland): Staff at a specialist school observed a dull grey or black cylindrical object, shaped like a domestic dustbin, emitting smoke and flying steadily westwards.
• Report 4/1/8 (February 2nd, 1973, Umberleigh, N. Devon): Three people witnessed a large, red and fiery, round object pass rapidly and disappear with a muffled explosion.
• Report 4/1/9 (February 10th, 1973, Gunnersbury Park, London): John Williams and two companions observed a cigar-shaped object with three lights, estimated 60-70 feet long, which rocketed forward at extreme speed.
• Report 4/1/10 (February 22nd, 1973, Copnor, Hants): John Enderby and his sister Ann saw a large, fluorescent orange disc-shaped object with flashing lights, described as looking like flying saucers.
• Report 4/1/11 (March 22nd, 1973, Keyingham, Yorks): Mr. and Mrs. C. Mark observed a bright orange sphere that passed silently and disappeared like a light going out.
• Report 4/1/12 (March 31st, 1973, Fareham, Hants): Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas and Mrs. Windsor observed silvery objects; rods hanging vertically and a silvery cigar-shaped object, respectively, which descended and disappeared.

National Investigations Co-ordinator's Report

Ken Phillips introduces himself in his new role as NIC. He is 33 years old, employed as a technician at London University, and has been interested in Ufology since 1966. He joined BUFORA in 1968 and has conducted investigations, including the 'Waltham Forest flap.' Phillips emphasizes the need for BUFORA to statistically compile UFO characteristics (color, sound, shape, etc.) to identify parameters. He believes this data-driven approach is the only viable one for the organization. He also stresses the importance of investigators knowing how to handle cases involving alleged landings and indentations to avoid contamination by 'indigenous elements.' The proposed investigation process involves an area investigator liaising with the Regional Investigations Co-ordinator, with data then fed to Phillips and subsequently to Research.

Skylab and the Merioneth Sighting

Tony Pace, Research Director, evaluates a report concerning the Merioneth sighting, concluding it likely refers to Skylab debris. He notes that Skylab would have risen and set within a specific timeframe, consistent with the reported observation. Pace suggests that similar lights reported previously were also likely Skylab debris and that investigators should place more emphasis on human error and misidentification, such as mistaking low-altitude objects through thin cloud.

BUFORA Personalities: Roger Stanway

This section profiles Roger Stanway, born in 1944, educated in sciences, and qualified as a solicitor in 1969. He holds a Master's degree in Business Administration and works as a Legal Adviser in the City of London. Stanway's interests include Astronomy and UFOs, athletics, hockey, and amateur operatics. He is a member of several professional and scientific societies. His publications include 'UFO'S UNIDENTIFIED, UNDENIABLE,' which covers the 1967 UFO wave in Central England. The profile highlights his active involvement in BUFORA and his belief in the organization's aims and the changing public and scientific climate regarding UFO research.

Roger Stanway's Ufological Involvements

Roger Stanway writes about his keen interest in Astronomy and UFOs since age 11. His passive interest in UFOs became active in 1967 when he interviewed his first witness. He met Anthony and Michael Pace, with whom he has studied the UFO phenomenon. He joined the Stoke-on-Trent Astronomical Society and became associated with Newchapel Observatory. Stanway expresses admiration for BUFORA's work and members, acknowledging the challenges of seeking scientific respectability in the field. He believes BUFORA's aims are correct and sees a favorable shift in public and scientific opinion. He advocates for BUFORA to grow, attract scientifically trained minds, and collaborate with other organizations.

Attention Member Societies!

This notice encourages member societies to submit details of their forthcoming meetings for publication in the Journal. It also considers a feature on member societies, similar to 'Bufora Personalities.'

Warminster Skywatch Caravan

Information is provided for the Warminster Skywatch Caravan, available from Easter until the end of October, with contact details for Mrs. M. Carey and Mr. A. West.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the analysis of object characteristics, and the professionalization of UFO research through organizations like BUFORA. The editorial stance, as expressed by Ken Phillips and Roger Stanway, emphasizes a scientific, data-driven approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon, while acknowledging the challenges and the need for collaboration and public acceptance. There is a clear effort to distinguish between 'LITS' type reports and more substantial cases, and to consider potential explanations such as Skylab debris and human error, alongside the possibility of genuine anomalous phenomena.

This document, identified as issue number 40, focuses on a 'U.S. FLAP,' detailing numerous UFO sighting reports from across the United States during early 1973. The content is primarily a compilation of these reports, presented by BUFORA officials, with acknowledgments to various UFO research publications.

U.S. 'FLAP' Reports

The article begins by addressing inquiries from news media about a current 'Flap' in the U.S. It clarifies that while sightings continue in the UK, the 'Flap' situation seems to pertain to different countries in different years. The following are selected U.S. reports:

Cherokee County, January 19, 1973 A young man reported encountering a domed, saucer-shaped object with colored lights in the middle of a road. The object, supported by three legs, glowed dark yellow. Around the object were about a dozen 'men' wearing white coveralls who appeared to 'waver' as if seen through a heat haze. The witness noted it would have been impossible for any vehicle to pass or travel underneath the object.

South Carolina, January 23, 1973 Gerald Sumney, a truck driver, claimed that for the previous three months, an oval-shaped object with a phosphorescent glow and a black base with holes had been following his semi-trailer truck. Several friends had also witnessed it, describing it as 'oval, with a black base, having holes all round the base area' and 'like a white and orange-coloured light.' It was also photographed by a reporter from the Charlotte News.

Aurora, Texas Investigation The ongoing investigation into the 1897 newspaper report of a crashed airship and the burial of its pilot in Aurora cemetery is mentioned. Metal samples have been collected from the alleged crash site, and one sample has undergone extensive lab tests. A discovered grave, marked only by an apparent drawing of a UFO, is of particular interest. MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) hopes to obtain sufficient evidence to justify an exhumation order.

Piedmont, Missouri, February-March 1973 Numerous UFO reports were received from Piedmont, Missouri. On February 21, five members of a basketball team and their coach observed an object hovering silently about 200 yards away, flashing red, green, white, and amber lights from 'portholes.' On February 22, Mrs. Kathy Keith and relatives pursued a greenish-red object at 70 mph before it disappeared.

Further Piedmont Sightings On March 14, Mrs. Maude Jefferies photographed a UFO that appeared as a star-like spot on the film. On March 15, Wesley Howard and his family witnessed a 'weird amber coloured object 'beaming rays' over the treetops.' On March 19, two scouts saw a glowing UFO skim across a lake and disappear. On March 21, Mrs. Jean Coleman and Miss Cathy Leach reported a 'disc-shaped object with a reddish glow' surfacing from Clearwater Lake and soaring over a mountain top. On March 29, a 57-year-old engineer observed an oval object 25 feet in diameter with red pulsating lights hovering over a transformer yard. The Piedmont Chief of Police confirmed hundreds of reports and stated he had personally seen lights.

Ellsinore, April 6, 1973 Twenty miles from Piedmont, a landing was reported. Three holes were found in the ground in a triangular formation, approximately 6 inches deep and 2-3 feet across. Several trees were damaged, with bark stripped off. A resident claimed she saw a craft that day with what appeared to be three landing feet.

Bristol, Connecticut, August 23, 1973 Robert Pease and his father observed a brilliant white object moving on an even course, stopping every 5 minutes. Later, a smaller red object dropped from the white one. Another white object appeared, passed under the first, hesitated, and then followed the red object before disappearing west.

Unspecified Date (August 13) Two witnesses described an object 50 feet in front of their car as 'like a flying oil derrick' with four legs made of girders and crossbars. Lights covered the legs, but the 'cylinder' was dark. The object followed a straight course, but its legs seemed to gyrate.

Garland, Texas, April 6, 1973 The Western Mail reported mysterious foamy, pulsating blobs of matter, reddish with thick bubbles and blackish mucous inside, oozing from a garden. Lab tests indicated the samples were 'growing'.

Organization Information

The document also includes details about an organization, likely BUFORA or a related entity, with honorary officers including Dr. G. G. Doel (President) and several Vice-Presidents. The National Executive Committee is listed with R. Stanway as Chairman. The organization's aims are:

1. To encourage and promote unbiased scientific investigation and research into Unidentified Flying Object phenomena.
2. To collect and disseminate evidence and data relating to Unidentified Flying Objects.
3. To co-ordinate UFO Research on a nation-wide scale and co-operate with similar research efforts globally.

Membership is available for an annual subscription of £2.40 or $6 (U.S.A. and Canada). The organization publishes a Journal Quarterly, available to members or by exchange. Contact details for the Editor are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting and investigation of UFO/UAP sightings and related phenomena across the United States. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these events and promoting scientific investigation, as evidenced by the stated aims of the organization and the compilation of detailed reports. The inclusion of specific dates, locations, witness descriptions, and ongoing investigations suggests a commitment to presenting factual accounts and encouraging further research.