BUFORA Journal - Volume 04 No 02 - Spring 1974

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 4 No.2
Date: Spring 1974
Publisher: The British U.F.O. Research Association

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, published by The British U.F.O. Research Association, presents a diverse range of UFO-related reports and discussions. The editorial, penned by Norman Oliver, boldly states an intention to include a wider scope of phenomena, including 'blobs,' 'monsters,' and parapsychology, arguing that the investigation methods often overlap with traditional UFO reporting. Oliver specifically addresses the claims surrounding Uri Geller, questioning the mechanism behind his purported telekinetic abilities and suggesting a potential connection to extraterrestrial manipulation.

Key Articles and Reports

The Flintshire UFOs

This section, written by Norman Oliver, details a series of UFO sightings that occurred in October 1970 in the Berthengam area of Flintshire, United Kingdom. The primary witness was Mr. Hughes, with corroboration from Mrs. Stella Dickson and their neighbours. The sightings primarily focused around the BBC TV mast at Afon-wen. Objects were described as 'saucer-shaped' and 'reddish,' resembling tangerines, with 'string-like' appendages and glowing lights. Some objects appeared to 'shoot away' rapidly. A notable detail is that one object's appendage reportedly remained glowing in mid-air after the main object disappeared. The report also includes a timeline of events, including TV interference and sightings of objects 'coming up from the ground.' On October 18th, during a close sighting, a mysterious 'pick-up' van with a large aerial was observed, and the occupant was heard broadcasting in what sounded like Japanese. A police investigation followed, with a mention of a 'military exercise' in the area.

UFO Incident at Kera Village, Kochi

This report is a precis of an incident originally published in a Japanese magazine and re-checked by a JUFORA investigator. It details encounters by local boys in Kera Village, Kochi, Japan, in August and September 1972. The first witness, a 13-year-old boy, found a disc-like object resembling a bat. Later, the object landed, and when approached, it became brighter. Subsequent sightings involved objects described as 'rotating slowly' with 'small different coloured lights' flying low over a rice field. Another report describes an object 'growing brighter' in a rice field, of which a picture was taken, appearing bottle-like. The characteristics of the captured disc are detailed, including its size (18.5cm diameter, 10cm height), weight (1.3kg), lustreless metal construction, wavy patterns, and a square with small holes on the underside. The disc reportedly disappeared after being caught, sometimes reappearing later. It could not be cracked or damaged by stones or hammers. The JUFORA investigator expresses belief in the boys' testimony.

UFO Fireball Temporarily Blinds Truck Driver

This article recounts an incident involving Eddie Webb, a truck driver from Greenville, Missouri, on October 3rd, 1973. While driving on Interstate 55, Webb encountered a bright object approaching rapidly from behind. He described it as 'turnip-shaped' with three sections, the top and bottom made of aluminium and spinning, while the centre section had glittering red and yellow lights. The object covered both lanes of the road. Webb woke his wife, who did not see the object. He then stuck his head out the window and was blinded by a flash, described as a 'large ball of fire,' which struck his head and face. His glasses fell off, and he was temporarily unable to see. The incident caused his glasses' plastic frame to warp. The case was investigated by Sgt. Ed. Wright of the Highway Patrol, who sent the glasses to Dr. Harley Rutledge, a physics professor, who concluded they appeared to have been 'heated internally.'

Organizational Information

The issue provides a comprehensive list of the officers and the National Executive Committee of BUFORA, including honorary presidents and vice-presidents, the chairman, secretary, treasurer, research director, and journal editor, among others. It also outlines the association's aims: to promote unbiased scientific investigation, collect and disseminate UFO data, and co-ordinate research. Membership is open to those supporting these aims, with an annual subscription of £2.40 (or $6 USD/Canada). The journal is published quarterly and is available only to members or by exchange.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial clearly indicates a broadening of the journal's scope beyond purely 'hardware' UFO reports to include phenomena often categorized as 'Fortean' or paranormal. The editor, Norman Oliver, defends this inclusive approach, suggesting that the investigation techniques and witness experiences can be remarkably similar across different types of unexplained phenomena. The inclusion of the Uri Geller discussion further emphasizes this stance, exploring the potential psychological and even extraterrestrial dimensions of psychic abilities. The overall editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded yet critical inquiry into a wide spectrum of anomalous events.

Title: FLYING SAUCER REVIEW
Issue: 19/5
Volume: 19
Date: January 1974
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of FLYING SAUCER REVIEW covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, including eyewitness accounts, potential hazards for investigators, theoretical explanations for UFO appearances, and reports on specific incidents and publications.

Eyewitness Account: The Webb Incident

The issue begins with an account of a truck driver named Webb who experienced a blinding flash and other unusual phenomena while driving. Dr. Rutledge, a physicist, attempted to replicate the conditions in a laboratory using a highway flare, but could not definitively prove or disprove Webb's story. Rutledge noted that the object seemed to come from the side, consistent with someone looking in a rear-view mirror. Webb himself described being temporarily blinded and experiencing pain and redness on his forehead. An ophthalmologist found no damage to his eyes but is testing for pathological causes or psychic shock. The incident involved an object approaching rapidly, appearing to be about 30 feet in diameter and four to five feet above the ground. A bright white flash hit Webb in the face, causing everything to stop, including noise, and the lights to go out. His glasses were melted and twisted, and his forehead appeared blistered. A policeman's theory of gas formation from the truck's plastic load was dismissed when the cargo was checked and found undamaged.

UFO Hazards: Precautions for Investigators

An article by Philip N. Hamilton, B.Sc., discusses potential hazards investigators might face during physical UFO encounters. These are categorized into three types:

1. Chemical Hazards

These include substances that cause burns or blisters (acids, alkalis, bromine) or very fine particles that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, causing delayed effects (gases, finely divided metals, silica, asbestos). Precautions include wearing gloves (rubber), a face mask, and goggles to prevent inhalation of dust and protect the eyes.

2. Physical Hazards

This category covers ionizing radiation. While conventional atomic power sources are unlikely in UFOs, the ground itself might be ionized. A Geiger counter is recommended for detecting ionizing radiation, though it may only pick up background noise. A dosimeter can measure exposure levels.

3. Biological Hazards

If a UFO's atmosphere is suspected to be open to ours, precautions against bacterial or virus infection are necessary. This involves using gloves, masks, goggles, and boots. Any samples taken should be de-contaminated, and protective garments should be handled carefully to avoid spreading contamination. A laboratory coat or storeman's coat, which can be removed and bagged, is suggested. An assistant is also recommended for de-contamination processes.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters address various UFO-related topics:

• M. J. Eardley suggests a theory of "Galactic Wrong Number," proposing that UFOs are from parallel universes and have arrived by accident due to navigational errors. He likens this to a lost traveler in a foreign city. He also notes that some UFO occupants appear disoriented or frightened, suggesting a parallel to a lost human traveler.
• G. N. Pike expresses disappointment with BUFORA's approach, feeling that the organization is not sufficiently investigating current activity, particularly at Warminster. He criticizes the focus on old cases and the dismissal of local researchers' testimony.
• J. Jeffrey reports interesting sightings from skywatches in Exeter.
• Andrew M. Glynn comments on a reported explosion in North Wales, suggesting it may be connected to UFO activity and that authorities may be withholding information.
• T. Hall discusses mysterious objects found on the Moon in photographs taken by American and Russian probes. He connects this to the idea of unearthly visitors and suggests theories like the "Hollow Earth" concept.

Other Sections and Publications

• Round & About: This section includes a column by Uri Geller and FSR, mentioning a fire at a printer's and a rumor connecting it to an article on Geller. It also features "Ken's Mystery Objects," where Ken Bailey believes owls were attracted to his luminous tracksuit. The "International Collectors Gazette" is mentioned for listing BUFORA. "Provincial Publications" highlights the "SCAN" magazine, edited by Leslie Harris, which offers sensible and interesting UFO material.
• Publications Received: This section reviews several UFO publications: PEGASUS (SIGAP), MUFOB (Merseyside UFO Bulletin), UFO REPORT (Neil Watson and Paul DeVos), and SKYLINK (Wirral UFO Society).
• Press Cuttings: A request for help in sorting and pasting press cuttings for BUFORA's records.
• Origin of the Men-in-Black?: A brief note on the origin of the term "MIB."
• Forthcoming Meetings: Announcements for lectures on "UFO MECHANICS" by Bryan Winder and "UFOS IN LITERATURE" by Lionel Beer.
• The Pascagoula Creatures: This section presents drawings by Brian James of the Pascagoula, Mississippi, encounter. It discusses the possibility that the entities' "claw-like" hands might be gloves and suggests that UFO occupants could be diverse or deliberately confusing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and theoretical explanations. There is a clear emphasis on research and a desire to understand the phenomena, even if it involves exploring unconventional theories like parallel universes or the "Hollow Earth" concept. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded but critical, encouraging detailed investigation and questioning official explanations. The inclusion of letters from readers and reviews of other publications suggests an effort to engage with the broader UFO community and present diverse viewpoints, while also maintaining a critical perspective on the subject matter.

Title: Round & About
Issue Date: February 1974
Publisher: BUFORA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Round & About" magazine, published by BUFORA, focuses on UFO-related news, investigations, and discussions. It features a collection of "Notes and Quotes" detailing various sightings and incidents, a UFO quiz, a book review, and research and evaluation reports on specific phenomena.

Notes and Quotes

The "Notes and Quotes" section presents a series of brief reports and observations:

• HELICOPTER OR UFO?: Police in four UK counties (Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire) were investigating numerous reports of a mystery helicopter in early January that vanished before it could be reached.
• "WE LOVE YOU TOO DEPT": A quote from JOHN RIMMER of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin suggests that BUFORA should focus on information dissemination rather than on observatories, which he deems to have no practical function in ufology.
• 'BLOB': Edna Smith from East of Dallas, Texas, reported seeing a red, pulsating "blob" climbing a telephone pole. This report was cited from INFO JOURNAL, Vol. 3, No. 2, quoting the Dallas Times Herald.
• ANOTHER 'BLOB': A North Dallas woman claimed to have a similar "blob" on her hedge that she couldn't kill, from the same source.
• PEACH OF A SIGHTING - OR GONE FOR A BURTON: The Derby Evening Telegraph reported an "Unidentified Flying Object" spotted in the Burton area. A reader described an orange shape that appeared on the horizon, stopped briefly, and then disappeared rapidly.
• WELSH "SPACE BALLS": Red and white balls of light were observed performing unusual manoeuvres over the Denbigh Moors, potentially connected to a "meteorite" sighting further south. The report originated from a "Flintshire" witness and was under investigation.
• COUNTED YOUR LEGS LATELY?: Henry McDaniel of Illinois reported a "triped" sighting on April 24, 1973. He described a creature with pink eyes, a large head, dirtyish grey colour, and three legs, standing in front of his door.

Also UFO Reports

This section continues with more brief reports:

• ALSO UFO REPORTS: A quote from Dr. Bronowski is presented: "All knowledge, all information between human beings can only be exchanged within a play of tolerance." The editor notes that "tolerance" here refers to knowledge confined within certain limits.
• THEY JUST SAW RED!: Sheriff's Deputies in Pine, Louisiana, reported five orange-reddish objects that "attacked" a police car on October 9th. Deputy Michael Moore stated that the objects came down at his patrol car after he turned on his red lights, then vanished like a cloud.
• FOLLOW-UP: A "Betty and Barney Hill" type contact case, mentioned in Vol. 3, No. 11 and claimed by Mimi Gorzelle, has been followed up with the help of Lucius Farish. More details are promised for the next issue.

Round & About - Association News

This section features news and appeals from the association:

• Association News: The association plans to publish its first Proceedings for 1973, containing shortened versions of lectures. They are seeking volunteers to transcribe tapes from their monthly meetings in London into presentable notes. They are also willing to lend a tape recorder to someone willing to transcribe tapes in exchange for moderate coverage of the tape.
• Kohoutek Comet: The comet Kohoutek is described as a "damp squib," with astronomers' predictions proving inaccurate. It is compared unfavourably to Halley's comet.
• UFO Beliefs: A recent survey indicates that 51% of Americans believe UFOs are real, and 11% claim to have seen them. Former astronaut John Young and Senator Barry Goldwater are mentioned as supporters of the existence of UFOs.
• Inner vs. Outer Space: The controversy between "inner" and "outer" space protagonists is noted, with the author suggesting room for all opinions. The book "THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI" by Parimhansa Yogananda is recommended for its chapters on globular "lights" and "inner space" encounters.

Book Review

• BIGFOOT: The Yeti and Sasquatch in Myth and Reality by John Napier: This book is reviewed by COLIN BORD. The review discusses the author's scientific approach to investigating reports of "monsters" like the Yeti and Bigfoot. Napier, an authority on primates and anatomy, scrutinizes evidence, photographs, and film. The book covers monster lore, historical reports, Yeti sightings in Asia (dating back to 1832), and Bigfoot sightings in North America, including an analysis of the controversial Roger Patterson film. It also discusses the Minnesota Iceman. The review highlights the detailed analysis of footprints and concludes that while there is little evidence Napier can accept as a scientist, there is a residue that cannot be explained. The question of the Yeti's existence is deemed unresolvable, but the Sasquatch has more evidence in its favour, though not "hard" evidence. The book is described as well-produced, readable for a non-scientific audience, and worth its price of £2.95.

BUFORA Meeting, Feb. 2nd, 1974 - UFO Quiz

This section details a BUFORA meeting where a UFO quiz was held due to the unavailability of a scheduled speaker. The quiz was devised by Roger Stanway and Lionel Beer, with the aim of encouraging interest in ufology and space. Prizes, in the form of book vouchers, were awarded. Brian Baster won with 16 correct answers out of twenty, and Carol Godsell also scored highly.

The quiz questions cover various topics, including:

1. Year of the first man-made satellite launch.
2. Relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Jupiter.
3. Details of the first manned space flight (April 12th, 1961).
4. Discoverer of Jupiter's moons.
5. Number of "gleaming discs" reported by Kenneth Arnold in 1947.
6. Country associated with a navy ship sighting of a UFO in January 1958.
7. Location of BUFORA sightings on a UK map.
8. Furthest South location between Warminster and Dover.
9. Number of figures seen on a UFO reported by Father Gill in Papua.
10. Name of the UK air force base involved in the "Condon Report" activity.
11. University commissioned to produce the "Condon Report."
12. Author of "Flying Saucers Are Real."
13. Year of British newspaper headlines about UFO chases.
14. Origin claimed by Cedric Allingham's spaceman.
15. True explanation of a UFO seen by Mrs. Oldfield on "Tomorrow's World."
16. Why Mount Palomar is known to ufologists.
17. Husband and wife who underwent examination by alien beings (subject of "Interrupted Journey").
18. Crucial evidence in the Great Falls, Montana, case of 1950.
19. Observational theory developed by Aimé Michel.
20. Philip J. Klass's explanation for UFOs.

Answers were to appear in the next issue.

National Investigations Co-ordinator's Report

This report, by KEN PHILLIPS, NIC, discusses investigation procedures:

• (a) Investigators' Field Kit: Emphasizes the need for investigators to be equipped to act promptly in case of a UFO landing to preserve evidence and vindicate the association's aims. It suggests that one undeniable case in 100,000 reports is sufficient.
• (b) BUFORA Investigators' Handbook: Highlights the science of interviewing UFO witnesses, warning against "leading" them. The handbook offers hints on overcoming such problems.
• Flow Diagram: A diagram illustrates the process of handling UFO reports, from simple and comprehensive questionnaires to Type II and Type I cases, leading to research evaluation, possible further action, or no further action.
• (c) Establishing efficient processing procedure for sighting reports: Stresses the importance of speed in interviewing witnesses due to memory decay. It proposes streamlining the process with two types of "sighting-report" forms: one for LITS cases and another for Type-1 reports, compatible with a punched-card system.
• Tony Pace's Work: Commends the work of Tony Pace and colleagues in Staffordshire, urging others to help with field investigations, particularly those in East Anglia, North & Mid Wales, Scotland, and N. Ireland.
• Case Types: Defines three types of cases:
• Type-1 cases: High standard of physical evidence (landing sites, impressions, radiations, physiological/psychological effects, radar-visual, electromagnetic effects, substantiated multi-witness reports with photos).
• Type-2 cases: Varying degrees of doubt (lone-witness accounts, UFO photos, unsubstantiated multi-witness reports).
• Type-3 cases: Lights in the sky (LITS). The definitions for Type-2 and 3 do not imply the witness is a liar but that proof is difficult to obtain scientifically.
• Sighting Reports: Announces that detailed up-to-date sighting reports will be featured in future issues, with older, less detailed reports omitted due to space limitations.

Research and Evaluations

This section presents analyses of specific incidents:

1. Explosion in North Wales: Reports on a mysterious explosion and luminous phenomena on January 23rd, 1974, in Llandrillo, Merionethshire. The event caused tremors recorded as far as Edinburgh University. While initially speculated to be a meteorite impact due to a bright fireball, subsequent investigations by police, RAF, and mountain rescue found no evidence. Discrepancies in newspaper reports and the characteristics of the fireball (magnitude -7, not bright enough for a large impact) led to doubt. The Edinburgh University Seismological Station recorded an earthquake of medium strength. The event might be connected to the Bala fault. The fireball was observed about an hour after the explosion and appeared unrelated.

2. Comments on the "Norwegian Report" in Vol. 4, No. 1: The author discusses alternative explanations for a reported phenomenon at 69° North latitude. Aurora Borealis is suggested, as is the decay of a Russian satellite rocket. It is noted that no satellite re-entered the atmosphere on the reported date, making a rocket explosion a possible explanation, similar to spectacular lights from Apollo missions due to dumped rocket fuel. The phenomenon remains unidentified.

3. Evaluations: Brief evaluations of several reports:
* Report 4/1/4: Consistent with a high-flying aircraft reflecting the setting sun.
* Report 4/1/8: Sounds like a bolide.
* Report 4/1/11: Probably the same phenomena as 4/1/8.
* Report 4/1/12: Possibly beams from vehicle headlights, or an aircraft catching the sun's rays due to weather conditions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the classification and processing of such reports, and the scientific analysis of phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous investigation and evidence, as highlighted in the "National Investigations Co-ordinator's Report." The magazine also touches upon broader topics like the belief in UFOs, the nature of unexplained phenomena (monsters), and the challenges of ufological research. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, seeking to document and analyze reports while maintaining a scientific perspective, as evidenced by the book review and the detailed breakdown of case types and investigation procedures.

This issue of "BETWEEN YOU AND ME" features an article titled "ALL DONE WITH MIRRORS" by Brinsley Le Poer Trench, President of Contact International and Vice-President of BUFORA. The issue number is 4, and it is presented as part of BUFORA Personalities, featuring Anne Harcourt.

All Done With Mirrors

Brinsley Le Poer Trench revisits two extraordinary French UFO sightings that occurred in Oloron and Gaillac in October 1952. He posits a theory that these identical events, occurring ten days apart, might not have been direct physical encounters but rather 'projections' by ufonauts, possibly akin to a sophisticated form of mental projection or a projected moving picture.

The Oloron and Gaillac Sightings

The first sighting took place on Friday, October 17, 1952, at Oloron. It was witnessed by M. Yves Prigent, the head of the Oloron High School, his wife, and their three children. According to the account, a cottony cloud was visible against a clear blue sky. Above it, a long, narrow cylinder, inclined at a 45° angle, moved towards the southwest at an estimated altitude of two to three kilometers. The object was described as whitish, non-luminous, and distinctly defined. A plume of white smoke emanated from its upper end. Following the cylinder were about thirty other objects, appearing as featureless balls to the naked eye, but revealing a central red sphere surrounded by a yellowish ring when viewed with opera glasses. This ring concealed the lower part of the sphere. These objects moved in pairs, following a broken path characterized by rapid zig-zags. When two objects separated, a whitish streak, like an electric arc, was produced between them. The objects left behind an abundant trail of a "gossamer"-like substance that fell to the ground, dispersed, and hung on trees, telephone wires, and rooftops. Michel noted that some people collected this substance, which rapidly became gelatinous, sublimed, and disappeared.

Ten days later, on October 27, 1952, a similar event occurred over Gaillac. The description was nearly identical, involving the same type of cylinder, the procession of saucers in pairs, and the dispersion of the "Angel Hair" substance. Approximately 100 witnesses, including two police officers, observed this second event.

The Projection Theory

Trench argues that the exact replication of the scene, actors, and actions in both sightings is highly significant. He suggests that ufonauts might possess a "library of pictures" or a "projection sighting bank." He refines his earlier idea of "mental" pictures to suggest a more advanced form of projection, possibly using mirrors to reflect the sun's rays and focus a moving film onto the appropriate location, similar to a heliograph. He acknowledges that the presence of "Angel Hair" might seem to contradict the projection theory, as some people physically handled it. However, he draws an analogy to the evolution of cinema, from silent black-and-white stills to color, sound, and three-dimensional films, and even to "smellies" that simulate scents. He proposes that the ufonauts might have introduced another dimension into their "film-making," creating a pseudo "Angel Hair" to enhance the realism of the projection, much like an "ozone" smell in a film.

Trench is convinced that the Gaillac event was a projection. He invites readers to consider his suggestions and share any information about other duplicated sightings.

References

The article cites two references:
1. Le Poer Trench, Brinsley. *The Eternal Subject*. Souvenir Press, London, 1973, pp. 66-70.
2. Michel Aimé. *The Truth About Flying Saucers*. Criterion Books, New York, 1956, p.146.

BUFORA Personalities

Anne Harcourt

This section introduces Anne Harcourt, BUFORA's Membership Secretary, highlighting the significant amount of paperwork involved in her role. She spent her early years in Burma, studied science in England, and worked in paleontology. Her interest in UFOs was sparked in Kenya in 1954 during a "flap." Upon returning to Britain, she joined the Scottish UFO Society and later became a member of BUFORA in 1966, joining the committee in 1968 to take over the Membership Secretary duties. Harcourt's views on UFOs are described as "strictly nuts and bolts," and she is skeptical of explanations involving other dimensions or psychic phenomena, emphasizing the need for solid evidence.

She notes the increased acceptance of UFOs in public discourse over the past 20 years, contrasting it with the past ridicule. She believes that the new generation of scientists, growing up with space exploration, may lead to greater scientific acceptance of UFO phenomena.

The Art of Scientific Investigation

A quote from W. I. B. Beveridge's "The Art of Scientific Investigation" is included, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the slightest clue in discovery, with the scientist's mind requiring convincing evidence primarily for the proof stage. The article suggests that BUFORA's approach aligns with this, highlighting Anne Harcourt's capabilities as having been "proved" and "evidenced" through her six-year tenure as Membership Secretary.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the exploration of unconventional theories regarding UFO sightings, specifically the idea of ufonauts projecting events rather than physically appearing. The magazine, through BUFORA, appears to encourage open-minded investigation and the collection of data, even if the theories are speculative. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of recording and analyzing sightings, with the hope of uncovering greater significance over time. The publication also highlights the organizational structure and key personnel within BUFORA, underscoring the efforts involved in UFO research.