BUFORA Journal - Volume 04 No 03 - Summer 1974

Magazine Overview

Title: THE BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 4 No. 3
Date: Summer 1974
Publisher: The British U.F.O. Research Association
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The BUFORA JOURNAL, published by The British U.F.O. Research Association, presents a collection of articles focusing on UFO sightings, contactee experiences, and analytical research within the field. The cover features a stylized depiction of a planet and a UFO, with the journal's title prominently displayed.

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the nature of UFO reports, noting their diverse and often unique characteristics. The editor suggests that while a proportion of reports may indeed involve extraterrestrial craft, there is also a pervasive, 'befuddling, confusing influence' at work. The editorial also quotes John Cleary-Baker from the WESSEX UFO RECORD, who posits that UFOs are guiding people towards metaphysical truths, challenging purely materialistic explanations. The editor agrees that UFOs suggest a source of knowledge beyond mere 'hardware'. A notice about the Warminster Skywatch Caravan is also included.

Key Articles and Features

Two British Contact Claims

This section, edited by Norman Oliver, presents two cases of alleged contact experiences in Britain.

1. Saucers and the Nightingales: This article details the experiences of Peter Nightingale, his wife Frances, and their family. They claim to have had several UFO sightings between 1955 and 1966, including a cigar-shaped craft. Frances Nightingale reportedly experienced two telepathic contacts in January 1967. During these contacts, she received mental images of a Saucer and its occupants, and acted as a 'go-between' for her husband to ask technical questions. The occupants indicated they would return but 'do not make appointments'. The article notes that the occupants were described as tall, human-like, wearing loose robes, and one occupant's face was described as resembling Enoch Powell.

2. What Happened to Mr. Lancashire? This article recounts the contact experience of Albert Lancashire in the summer of 1942. While on guard duty at a radar site, he witnessed a yellow light that approached him. He was drawn towards it and found himself aboard a spacecraft. The crew were described as being of his height, with the captain having dark hair and wearing 'goggles'. Lancashire was made to lie on a couch and underwent a medical examination. He recalls a persistent tongue rash as a possible physical trace. Following this, he experienced a significant memory gap of 25 years. In October 1967, several incidents, some with psychic elements, triggered his memory. These included a light that formed into a human head, a bright light containing a marble-like head, a dark object with blinking red lights that transformed into a dome-shaped light, and a glowing green light on a signal-box wall. In December 1968, a bright white object was observed hovering near a mill chimney. Eric Richards is quoted, stating that Mr. Lancashire is sincere, of above-average intelligence, and has had genuine experiences.

The Weekly Distribution of UFO Sightings

Authored by Stephen Smith, this article analyzes the distribution of UFO sightings by day of the week. It reviews previous work by Vallee and Saunders, who examined data from American and Iberian sources. Smith presents his own analysis of UK sightings from 1964 and 1965, as well as data from Ballester Olmos. The study categorizes sightings into close encounters/landings (Type A.B) and other reports (Type C). The tabulations by day suggest a bias towards Sunday, with Saturday being the most probable day. By night, a bias towards Wednesday/Thursday is observed. The author notes that the 'Wednesday phenomenon' is not strongly supported when mass media interest is low, suggesting that non-random distributions often arise from years with major 'flaps' and heightened public interest. The article includes tables showing the distribution of sightings by day for 1964 and 1965.

Organization Information

Page 2 provides a detailed list of the officers of The British UFO Research Association, including honorary officers and the National Executive Committee. It also outlines the association's aims: to promote unbiased scientific investigation, collect and disseminate UFO data, and co-ordinate research. Membership details and subscription costs (£2.40 annually) are provided, along with contact information for the Journal Editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged alien contact, and the scientific investigation of these phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by the editor and through the quoted material, leans towards an open-minded approach, acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial origins while also considering more complex, perhaps metaphysical, explanations for UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on collecting and analyzing evidence, as demonstrated by the article on sighting distribution. The journal positions itself as a platform for presenting and discussing UFO-related data and experiences, encouraging scientific inquiry.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 20, Number 7, dated July 1974, presents a collection of UFO reports from around the world under the headline "AND FROM THERE!". It also includes statistical data on sightings and a theoretical article explaining UFO phenomena.

Contents

Statistical Data and Catalogues

The issue begins with statistical tables (Table B) detailing UFO sightings from 1964 and 1965, categorized by type (A.B and C) and time of day ('by-night'). It also presents a catalogue of various UFO reports, including those by Keel (Operation Trojan Horse, 1966), Vallee (Magonia, Type 1, 1965), Saunders (UFOCAT-70, 1970), and Ballester Olmos (Iberian sightings, 1965).

Reports from the UK

Several reports from the UK are detailed:

• Exeter Area: James Jeffrey of BUFORA is investigating sightings in the Dartmoor-Tavistock area, including a car stalling incident, a cigar-shaped object, a UFO seen over Exeter by 500 people, and an egg-shaped object seen during a skywatch.
• Exmouth Journal Report: A daylight sighting by a Royal Marine cook of a bright light over Woodbury, which hovered for half an hour before moving off at high speed. Similar accounts were received from Topsham and Sidmouth.
• Farnham Herald Report: An article titled "Sky Object Mystery" detailed U.H.O. reports in Surrey and Hampshire during January, with objects hovering at 200-300 feet.
• Haslemere and Liphook: Mr. T. F. Davies saw an object "about three times as bright as a star with a torch beam in front." Mr. Tim Duell and others sighted a stationary rectangular object above Stag Hill, Guildford, which emitted two torch-like beams.
• Headley: Mr. & Mrs. Fisher sighted a bright star-like object that separated into two lights and displayed coloured flashing lights.
• Other UK Locations: Sightings were also reported from Farncombe, Guildford, and the Devil's Punchbowl.
• Sunday Mirror Report: Three Redhill schoolboys reported a flashing red light that zig-zagged and displayed green lights on its sides before disappearing.
• Reigate: Nicholas Wells and friends estimated lights at about 2,000 feet, convinced it was not an ordinary aircraft.
• Lamplugh, Cumberland: A 20-year-old forestry worker reported a droning noise followed by a visual sighting of a large, metallic, cylinder-shaped object with rounded ends moving slowly at about 10 mph, estimated at 330 feet in size. The object was observed for at least 15 minutes.
• Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team (MAPIT): Chris Randles of MAPIT writes about a "mystery helicopter" with red and green lights and dark shapes, which police were unable to identify. Pilots landing at Manchester Airport noted that no pilot could have flown such a helicopter under the given conditions, and it performed hazardous maneuvers.
• Fuzzy Green Balls: Several reports of fuzzy green balls were recorded in the national press during the winter, with five cases over nine months showing similar characteristics: silent, very fast, and appearing like meteorites but with unusual characteristics.

International Reports

• Baton Rouge, Louisiana (October 21, 1973): A multi-coloured UFO with flashing blue and red lights hovered over a football stadium. A policeman in a pursuing helicopter described it as "round, flat on the bottom and with a dome-like structure, and through binoculars appeared to be transparent." It emitted no noise and was visible for 20-30 minutes.
• Bangkok (September 1, 1973): Christina Leow Rakwong (13) and Lisanette Hansen reported a UFO in a half-wing shape with lights, passing behind buildings. It moved slowly and smoothly without noise.
• Tokyo (October 29, 1973): The Japanese paper SANKEI SHIMBUN reported on saucer-like objects photographed near the Tokyo Tower by schoolboy Yoshiaki Kato. Two photographs showed one or two saucers.
• Africa (June 1973): A "saucer" or "bright mushroom-shaped phenomenon" was photographed from Concorde at 56,000 feet during a mission to observe a solar eclipse. It was estimated to be 650 feet in diameter.
• Italy (September 1973): The newspaper IL MESSAGGERO published photos of an object gliding down over the Appian Way, described as shedding intense white light with bluish borders. It flew in circles at jet fighter speed and was observed for about 20 minutes.
• Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (November 1972): Capt. Ray Old reported a bright white light that approached rapidly at an estimated altitude of 1000-1500 feet without sound. It passed overhead at an estimated speed of 700-900 m.p.h., appearing cigar/cylindrical in shape with a vapour contrail. Mrs. Old had seen a similar phenomenon the previous week.
• Rosebud, Texas (November 1973): Mrs. Fay Seeley and others witnessed an object described as "sort of round having a point on the top and two on the bottom." It appeared as a bright, dimming light, moved erratically, and seemed to disappear and reappear.

Notes on UFOs by G. Burrows

This article proposes a physical explanation for UFOs based on known phenomena. Burrows suggests that variations in atmospheric temperature create "depressions" or "troughs of low pressure" that cause air to rotate, forming vortex motion. In extreme cases, this can create a cylindrical hollow of very low pressure, essentially a partial vacuum. When a current of electricity is passed through a gas under reduced pressure in a discharge tube, effects are observed that can be compared to UFO behavior. The appearance of the discharge depends on the gas present (e.g., air appears reddish, water vapour bluish). Burrows outlines seven points of behavior that conform to UFO accounts:

1. Disappearance when electrical charges are exhausted.
2. Floating and being carried by air currents.
3. Interference with radio and ignition systems due to electro-magnetic radiation.
4. Likelihood of appearing during radioactive fallout due to ionization promotion.
5. Production of "angels'-hair" from rapid evaporation of water-vapour.
6. Rapid movement towards regions of electrostatic attraction or away from repulsion due to negligible inertial mass.
7. Hovering near overhead electric power transmission lines due to magnetic field interaction.

Additional characteristics include size variations (several feet to a few hundred feet, likely 20-30 feet), shape dependency on vortex motion and electrostatic charges (cigar-shaped or saucer-shaped), potential crackling sounds, increased temperature, and fluorescence around the edge. Debris sucked into the vacuum could be mistaken for "little black men." Burrows notes that conditions for vortex motion are more common in the United States than England and suggests that launching satellites could cause turbulence and vortex motion. He draws parallels with Benjamin Franklin's work on atmospheric electricity and suggests that systematic tests using modern equipment could provide a quantitative foundation for a theoretical treatment of UFOs.

Other Items

• Book Reviews: The issue notes that book reviews are being held over due to space limitations.
• BUFORA Annual General Meeting: A notice is included for the BUFORA AGM on October 5th, 1974, at Kensington Central Library, with details on nominations and resolutions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of diverse UFO sightings from around the globe, the statistical analysis of these sightings, and the exploration of scientific explanations for UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both detailed accounts of unexplained events and theoretical frameworks for understanding them. The inclusion of G. Burrows' article suggests a leaning towards finding prosaic, physical explanations for UFOs, while still acknowledging the unexplained nature of many reports. The magazine also serves as a communication channel for organizations like BUFORA, facilitating member engagement through meeting announcements.

This issue of the BUFORA Journal, dated Spring 1974 (Vol. 4, No. 2), features a collection of articles, letters, and reports related to UFO phenomena. The publication is from the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) and is primarily in English.

Vice-Chairman's Column: More Local UFO Groups

Lionel Beer, the Vice-Chairman, opens the issue with a column highlighting the formation and activities of various local UFO groups. He mentions Peter Wilson's effort to form a group in Liverpool and seeks former MUFORA members. Geoffrey Falla reports on the Guernsey UFO Club, which is growing and interested in exchanging books. David Gittens of NAPRA (Northern Aerial Phenomena Research Association) covers Runcorn, Widnes, and parts of Liverpool, claiming access to equipment including aircraft. Stephen Gamble has initiated a UFO section within the Hampstead Scientific Society. Rowland Evans leads the newly formed SIAP (Society for the Investigation of Astrophysical Phenomena), interested in both astronomy and UFOs. Beer also reflects on his own public profile, including being interviewed on radio and featured in FATE magazine, and a poignant mention in his hometown paper, The Paignton News.

Letters To The Editor

Several letters address various UFO-related topics:

• Beatrice Zimmer from Sierra Vista, Arizona, replies to a previous letter concerning Black Holes and the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH). She argues that advanced civilizations would logically explore the cosmos and that contact between vastly different cultures is delayed until the less advanced are psychologically ready, citing a 'prime directive'. She notes an increase in close-range UFO encounters over the past 25 years, including detailed sightings of craft and occupants, suggesting these events serve to convince humanity of alien reality and prepare for future contact.
• Sid Birchby writes about his interest in Will-o'-the-Wisp phenomena and notes similarities with UFO sightings in the Salisbury Plain area, suggesting a connection between UFO activity and ancient sites.
• Michael Dean comments on a book review of 'BIGFOOT', comparing it to other cryptids. He recounts a personal sighting of the 'Surrey Puma' when he was a child, describing it as a large, cat-like creature, not a dog. He reaffirms BUFORA's important role despite recent criticism.
• Richard Hawke, an Animal Technician and Area Investigator, seeks information on animal behavior during UFO activity.
• Richard Colborne discusses the Skylab and Merioneth sightings, recounting his own observations of numerous satellite-like lights (LITS) in Warminster. He notes their regular intervals and unusual movements, suggesting they might be high-flying aircraft, possibly related to the Skylab project, rather than mere debris.
• Margaret Wilson from Renfrewshire disagrees with the theory that 'alien satisfaction' or 'cross-breeding' is the primary purpose of alien contact. She proposes a 'Modified Humans' theory, suggesting aliens might be engaged in 'out/cross/back-breeding' to correct a deficiency or to ensure the viability of humans as their 'stock'. She also considers the possibility that aliens are examining humans to assess compatibility for future harmonious coexistence.

The Mimi Gorzelle Contact

This section details a significant UFO encounter experienced by Mimi Gorzelle of Illinois. The report, compiled by Norman Oliver and based on correspondence provided by Lucius Farish, includes a previous sighting and the main contact event:

• The Sighting: In July or August 1967, Gorzelle saw a Round Flying Object hovering near a Wisconsin lakeside cottage. She observed two men in the craft's window and noted the object's silent, stationary lower part and a whirling disc in the center. After about 15 minutes of mutual observation, the object departed at high speed.
• The Contact: In August 1967, Gorzelle found herself driving on a dark road with no memory of how she got there. She was guided by a light to a spaceship. Inside, she and three other individuals, led by men in white suits, were escorted into the craft. She observed cabinets with controls and noted the tall, bald-headed men in white suits. A brief, unknown language was spoken. She was told she would have no memory of the experience. Upon awakening, she had no recollection of the drive or the event, only remembering the dress she wore.

Subsequent recollections by Gorzelle, published in FATE magazine, provide more details:

• Instrument Examination: A spaceman used a stethoscope-like instrument on her neck, throat, heart, and solar plexus, which she perceived as a test of psychic centres. She could see through the instrument's intricate construction, which she described as a small, three-piece device with a suction cup and a receiver.
• Insights: Gorzelle received four envelopes from a spaceman, containing a thesis on war and peace, a drawing of a sloop, a mathematical problem, and seeds (corn, barley, oats, rice). She believes psychic persons are chosen for these experiences and that aliens may possess invisibility.

British Sighting Reports

This section presents a series of UFO sighting reports from various locations in the UK, using a new referencing method:

• Report 73-064 (December 30th, 1973): Shorwell, Isle of Wight. An artist and his family observed a circular light that changed from golden to orange/red as it moved away.
• Report 73-065 (December 15th, 1973): Nr. Newport, Salop. A shining object, initially mistaken for a glider, accelerated at tremendous speed and disappeared within seconds.
• Report 73-70 (December 4th, 1973): Caister, Norfolk. A large, whitish, revolving object was seen glinting over the sea for 15-20 seconds before vanishing.
• Report 73-071 (September 24th, 1973): Crick, N. Rugby. A bright, hazy light travelled at high speed in a northerly direction, described as a large shooting star.
• Report 73-072 (August 15th, 1973): Sale, Cheshire. Four witnesses saw a vivid green elliptical object with streaks travelling silently at low altitude.

UFO Quiz

Lionel Beer presents a UFO quiz with 20 questions, providing answers from the previous journal issue (Vol. 4, No. 2, Spring 1974). The quiz covers topics like UFO sighting dates, famous individuals, and astronomical/UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) for UFO phenomena, with contributors debating its validity and the potential motives behind alien contact. There is a strong emphasis on collecting and disseminating sighting reports from the UK and abroad. The role of UFO research organizations like BUFORA, MUFORA, and others is highlighted, encouraging member participation and information sharing. The issue also touches upon related topics such as cryptids ('Surrey Puma'), animal behavior, and the possibility of psychic abilities in relation to UFO encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting and critical analysis of evidence, while maintaining a belief in the importance of UFO research.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 19, Number 6, dated November 1973, is a 36-page publication from Flying Saucer Review Publications, United Kingdom, priced at 25p. The cover prominently features a diagram and description of the 'Chingford UFO'. The magazine contains numerous reports of UFO sightings from across the UK, an interview with Dr. Joachim P. Kuettner, and an obituary for Dr. Edward U. Condon.

UFO Sightings Reports

The magazine details several UFO sightings from 1973 and early 1974:

• Report: 73-073 (Sale, Cheshire, September 1973): Mr. Hunt observed a small, bullet-shaped object that turned red and traveled south at high speed for nearly two minutes before disappearing behind trees.
• Report: 73-074 (Altrincham, Cheshire, August 15th, 1973): A sixteen-year-old apprentice saw a bright green, ellipse-shaped UFO with streaks and a tail move very fast, disappearing westwards. Other witnesses from Rhyl reported a similar object.
• Report: 73-075 (Lostock Gralam, Cheshire, July 2nd, 1973): A housewife observed a jewel-shaped, clear fluorescent white object descend in a controlled manner behind trees, feeling 'possessed' during the sighting. Her husband and son work at Manchester Airport.
• Report: 73-076 (Offerton, Stockport, March 23rd, 1973): An engineer witnessed a bright green ball with a tail move very fast from overhead to the horizon, vanishing suddenly.
• Report: 73-077 (Thornton Heath, Surrey, June 14th, 1973): A witness saw a flat red triangle descend behind houses, noting no noise and certainty it was not an aircraft.
• Report: 73-078 (Old Sodbury, Glos., November 20th, 1973): Two waterworks employees observed a bright blue and white light overhead that blinked at one-second intervals while traveling ESE.
• Report: 74-007 (Heytesbury, Nr. Warminster, January 5th, 1974): A BUFORA investigator observed a shimmering orange ball rise steadily and move westwards, visible for about fifteen seconds before disappearing behind a hill. Photographs were taken but were found to be faulty.
• Report: 74-008 (Portsmouth, Hants., February 8th, 1974): A witness saw a bright orange-red, cylinder-shaped object with a fuzzy outline and three lights, traveling north then east.
• Report: 74-009 (Albion Hill, Blackheath, S.E. London, January 18th, 1974): Five schoolchildren reported a bright orange football-shaped UFO with a hazy outline and a yellow/brownish tail, moving slowly and descending behind trees. A faint 'wooshing' sound was noted, and a helicopter was reported to have followed the path.
• Report: 74-014 (Exmouth, Devon, April 7th, 1974): Miss K. M. Parry saw a long straight line of light with short branches, like a neon light, which was suddenly extinguished after three seconds. A faint hum was heard later.
• Report: 74-015 (Cambridge, May 15th, 1974): Mr. Edwards, a BUFORA member, reported a pulsating light traveling north-south, described as irregular and varying in brightness, with no audible noise.
• Report: 74-011 (Chingford, Essex, May 11th, 1974): BUFORA investigators Barry King and Ian Vinten reported observing two figures and later a UFO. The UFO had a central whitish light with red lights on either side that flashed, and a bluish light circling the center. It made a throbbing noise similar to a ship's sonar. Photographs were taken.

Interview with Dr. Joachim P. Kuettner

Dr. Kuettner, Chairman of the AIAA UFO sub-committee, was interviewed by Omar Fowler and Graham Raine. The AIAA committee criticized the 'Condon Report' and concluded that UFOs presented a scientific problem. Dr. Kuettner discussed the difficulties in investigating UFOs, including the lack of physical evidence and the need for statistical research. He recounted a personal experience of seeing a UFO while flying at night, which caused him to be momentarily incapable of reacting properly. He also commented on the limitations of instruments for UFO watches and the inadequacy of direct skywatching.

The interview also touched upon the apparent lack of interest from UK government bodies in UFOs and questioned the existence of groups like BUFORA and SIGAP, and the fate of UFO reports. Hynek's aim to form a major UFO investigation center was also mentioned.

Airway Article: Innocents Abroad

An excerpt from 'Airway', the Civil Aviation Authority's staff newspaper, warns visitors to Communist and other countries about the dangers of being misinterpreted as spies, particularly when using binoculars or cameras. It advises avoiding provocative actions and enjoying tourist attractions.

Obituary: Dr. Edward U. Condon

The magazine notes the death of Dr. Edward U. Condon, the U.S. physicist who headed the Condon Report on UFOs. The obituary states that Dr. Condon faced criticism for concentrating on 'contactees' and suggests he may have understood the UFO enigma as a psychological manifestation. It is noted that he took his UFO assignment seriously, even joining BUFORA, and his passing is considered a loss to the U.S. Scientific Establishment.

Other Content

The issue includes advertisements for new ufology books and books for sale, such as Carl Sagan's 'The Cosmos Connection'. It also lists contact details for BUFORA branches in Yorkshire, Northern Ireland, and Staffordshire, as well as general correspondence and subscription information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of numerous UFO sightings, emphasizing witness accounts and the characteristics of observed phenomena. There is a clear focus on UFO investigation methodologies, with critical discussion of established reports like the Condon Report and the exploration of scientific approaches through the work of organizations like AIAA, BUFORA, and SIGAP. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, advocating for rigorous investigation and analysis, while also acknowledging the complexities and potential psychological aspects involved. The inclusion of the 'Innocents Abroad' article suggests an awareness of the broader geopolitical context that might influence UFO reporting and investigation.