BUFORA Journal - Volume 06 No 03 - SepOct 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 6, Number 3
Date: September/October 1977
Publisher: British UFO Research Association
Content Focus: UFO reports, scientific investigation methods, and organizational news.

Editorial

Norman Oliver, the editor, opens the editorial by acknowledging the unprecedented level of UFO activity over the past nine months, highlighting the immense effort and sacrifice of BUFORA members and associated groups. He extends thanks to all who have assisted and to new members who have volunteered their services, noting the strong reserve of support available. The editorial also mentions the upcoming production of a technical supplement to the Journal, planned for January 1978.

London Lectures

The journal lists several upcoming lectures and events hosted by BUFORA in London:

• October 1, 1977, 7 pm: Research Methodology, with speaker Jean Luc Delrieu (Special Guest from France).
• November 5, 1977, 7 pm: Ufology in Nottinghamshire, with speaker Robert Morrell.
• December 3, 1977: Annual General Meeting (Members Only) at 7 pm, followed by a talk on 'The Welsh UFO Wave' by Randall Jones Pugh at 8:30 pm (open to non-members).

All meetings are scheduled to take place at the Kensington Central Library lecture theatre.

Logic and the 'Scientific Method' - Part 3

Lawrence W Dale continues his series, focusing on Set Theory (ST) and its relation to Symbolic Logic (SL) and Logical Circuit Theory (LCT). He explains how ST is fundamental to how we classify objects and think about 'everyday' matters, using the example of classifying humans. Dale addresses a potential criticism of ST, that it imposes order on a potentially random universe, arguing this stems from a misunderstanding of ST. He suggests that 'Ufonauts,' if they exist, would likely classify us according to their own concepts using ST. The article then transitions to the 'Scientific Method' (SM), emphasizing its aim to discover facts and the need for reflection and questioning of propositions lacking adequate evidence. SM helps in finding interconnections between facts. Dale outlines four major steps in SM for humans: perception and problem grasp, hypothesis formation and prediction, deductive proof, and verification by observation and experiment. He also touches upon 'Indirect Induction' and the criteria for a 'legitimate' hypothesis, stressing that it must be based on actual events, compatible with existing knowledge, usable in deduction, and have consequences testable by experiment. The author concludes by stating that SM develops intellectual senses for objective problem-solving, urging sincerity and unity in the pursuit of truth, which he equates with the Scientific Method.

Annual General Meeting 1977

Details are provided for the Second Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd, scheduled for December 3, 1977, at the Kensington Central Library. The agenda includes receiving various reports (President's Address, Chairman's Statement, Council Report, Auditor's Report, Treasurer's Accounts) and electing Council members. Information regarding proxy appointments is also included.

Points from the Press

This section, compiled by Valerie Martin, summarizes recent UFO-related news items from various newspapers:

• The Guardian (April 26): A report on a 7-foot tall silver-suited figure seen at a cottage window in SW Wales, and a prior sighting of a 'flying football'.
• The Sun (May 18): A page dedicated to phenomena in SW Wales, detailing sightings of a silver, jelly-mould-shaped object, flashing blue lights, and radio interference. A figure with high cheekbones and round fish-eyes was also reported.
• The Western Telegraph (May 19): Mention of Randall Jones Pugh investigating new UFO reports and forming a West Wales Bufora branch.
• The Daily Express (May 13): The story of Captain Denis Wood and his crew encountering two cigar-shaped objects while flying from London to Portugal in July 1976. This incident was highlighted at a Sigap meeting as a significant world-wide sighting.
• Evening Sentinel (Hanley) (May 18): An Oakhill family reported a silver ball hovering over their home. Tony Pace suggested it might have been the American Sky Lab space station.
• Scarborough Evening News (May 6): A report on a Bufora investigation into sightings of a brilliant golden ball over Burton Agnes.
• Manchester Evening News (June 3): A feature on the NASA spacecraft Voyagers 1 and 2.
• Eastern Evening News (May 20): Reproduction of a drawing of a dome-shaped object with portholes and red lights seen in Dereham.
• Basildon Standard Recorder (May 27): An account of a teenager terrified by a yellow spherical object that transformed into a red cigar-shape.
• Daily Mail (May 13): Mention of the Space and Science Fiction Festival at Humberside Theatre.
• Evening News (June 24): A housewife in Ashford, Kent, reported seeing glowing pyramids, followed by burnt grass and an oily substance.
• The Scotsman (June 20): An article on the newly-formed Edinburgh branch of Bufora and a lecture by Peter Hill.
• Australian Newspaper: An article on a brilliantly coloured blue and silver UFO in Victoria, which left bare patches in the grass. The RAAF investigation yielded a classified report.

Sighting Quadrant for Measuring Elevations

Jack Webber provides detailed instructions on how to construct a sighting quadrant at minimal cost. This device is presented as essential equipment for field investigators to determine the accurate elevation of objects, enabling meaningful calculations of their true path. The article lists the required materials (wood batten, screw-eye, hardboard, protractor, metal strip, springy brass, screws) and outlines the preparation steps for each component, followed by assembly instructions and a 'Zeroing' procedure for calibration. A note is included for right-handed versus left-handed users.

Operational Check

This brief section explains how to use the Pole Star for an 'Operational Check' of elevation measurements, stating that the observed elevation should be within ±1° of the Geographical Latitude. It also provides information on how latitude can be found on OS maps and how the elevation of Polaris varies slightly with the seasons. A note on BST (British Summer Time) is also included.

Report-Extra!

Presented by Norman Oliver, this section features an extended report from Mr G N Cockfort, a former Sgt Pilot and Flt Lieutenant. He recounts an incident on the night of May 26/27, 1943, during an air raid on the Krupps Armament Works at Essen. He was part of a large raid involving 400-500 aircraft, utilizing 'Air Marking' techniques. His Halifax bomber aircraft, equipped with Merlin 22 engines, was tasked with bombing from 20,000 feet, though higher-than-expected upper air temperatures reduced engine efficiency. Cockfort estimates the time over the target was around 0100 hours, with a trip duration of 4 hours 40 minutes. He notes that the general visibility over the target was good.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the practical application of scientific methods to the study of UFO phenomena, detailed reporting of various sightings from different time periods and locations, and the organizational activities of BUFORA, such as lectures and meetings. The editorial stance, as stated in the disclaimer, is that BUFORA does not endorse specific views on UFOs, allowing for a diversity of opinions and contributions from its members and authors. The emphasis on the 'Scientific Method' suggests a leaning towards rigorous investigation and evidence-based analysis within the field of ufology.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 24, Issue 1, dated January 1978, focuses on various UFO sightings and investigations, primarily from the United Kingdom. The cover story highlights the 'Barking Repeater' case, while other articles detail incidents in Cornwall, Jersey, Hampshire, Hull, Wooburn Green, and Hainault Forest. The magazine presents witness testimonies, investigator notes, and some accompanying diagrams and sketches.

The Bomber Crew Sighting

The issue opens with a detailed account from a member of a bomber crew during wartime, describing an encounter with a 'long cylindrical object, silvery-gold colour, very sharply defined' at approximately 18,700 feet. The object had what appeared to be 'port holes' and was observed for a few minutes before it 'suddenly began moving' and accelerated away at an incredible speed, vanishing from sight. The witness, a Second Pilot, states that the object was 'certainly very much bigger than our own aircraft'. The crew's initial reaction was amazement, and they later reported the sighting to an Intelligence Officer, who attached little importance to it as it was apparently harmless. The witness is convinced it was an extra-terrestrial UFO, noting the lack of apparent motive power or rocket flare during its ascent.

Cliff-top Sighting (Portloe, Cornwall)

On August 5, 1973, at 11:15 pm, witnesses in Portloe, Cornwall, observed a round, gold-coloured object that was sharply defined. It was seen coming over a cliff top, rotating fairly slowly and moving slowly. At points marked 'A' on a diagram, it appeared to be glowing slightly. There was no engine noise or vapour trail. The object disappeared over another cliff top.

Channel Island Lights (Jersey)

In August 1976, Mr Lombard of St Saviours, Jersey, reported seeing a bright pear-shaped light travelling at tremendous speed from the south-west. His wife also witnessed it. Shortly after, a similar yellow pear-shaped object appeared, using the same flight path and travelling north-eastwards.

Hampshire 'Catamaran'

On November 6, 1976, at 4:50 pm, a witness in Lee-on-Solent, Hampshire, noticed a 'smudge' on a window pane, which then moved. Upon looking outside, the witness saw a strange ebony-black triangular object moving 'base'-first over the house, described as being 'like a delta-winged bomber on top of a catamaran'.

Hull Silver Cone

On May 25, 1977, at about 8 pm, Dale Roe and two friends were by the river Hull when they saw a bright, silver cone-shaped object moving very fast. They described it as 'solid'.

Wooburn Green 'Mexican Hat'

On May 19, 1977, at about 9:30 pm, Darren Leonard Hawkes and David Gillitt were in Wooburn Green, Bucks, when they observed an object shaped like a 'Mexican Hat' gliding across the sky. It hovered near trees, was surmounted by a dome, and emitted flashing lights. The object's apparent size was compared to a Boeing 707, and witnesses noted the 'uncanny silence' of the environment.

The Branksome Park Case

This report from Poole, Dorset, concerns a sighting on January 17, 1977, by 14-year-old Karen Beeston. She noticed birds had fallen silent and later saw a large, unusual cloud. While delivering papers, she observed a dark, buzzing UFO travelling slowly, described as similar to a streamlined car with red flashing lights around its centre and white flashing lights at the ends. Her younger brother also reported seeing a red glow. The object was described as buzzing like an 'electric razor', about the size of a helicopter, and at the height of a small block of flats. Mrs Joan Power also reported seeing a cluster of bright lights, describing the overall shape as 'saucer-shaped with portholes'. She experienced earache the next day. The case was reported in the Evening Echo newspaper. A further witness claimed to have seen a similar object on two previous occasions. Investigations noted two roughly circular depressions in a field, but no other anomalies were found.

Barking 'Repeater'

This case details multiple sightings by Mr and Mrs Steel and neighbours in Barking, Essex, in May 1977. On May 19, 1977, Mrs Steel saw a large, yellow sphere which disappeared behind a chimney. Later, the object was seen rising at an angle of about 60°. On May 22, 1977, the object reappeared, hovering for 34 minutes, moving up and down, and executing a 'falling-leaf movement'. Mr Steel reported feeling a 'prickly sort of heat sensation' and hearing a 'low-pitched whistle noise' internally. The object was described as a large yellow sphere with a spinning rim. On May 23, 1977, the object was seen again, hovering and then shooting eastwards. On June 1, 1977, a similar object appeared, hovering briefly with coloured lights beneath it before accelerating away.

The Essex UFO Study Group investigated these reports, noting potential satellite misidentification. Mr Steel produced a recording of the alleged noise, which raised questions about how it was recorded if not heard externally.

Hainault Landing and 'Humanoid'

On May 3, 1977, at 3:55 am, police received a 999 call about a strange object over Hainault Forest, Chigwell, Essex. A police unit arrived and observed a large bright red light near a lake. The object was red, bell-tent shaped, and partially obscured by trees. It was near ground level, estimated at 300 yards away, and pulsated continuously, hovering silently. The object then apparently 'dissolved'. Officers searched the area and one saw a large white inverted crescent-shape above him, which also 'dissolved'. A strong smell of burning was noted near the lake. Subsequent investigation by Barry King and Andy Collins revealed damage to a large gorse bush, with branches broken and bent outwards in a circular pattern, and a central upright branch snapped off. The damage suggested a heavy weight had been placed on it. Photographs and samples were taken, but no witnesses to the object itself were found. Mr Samuels, the original caller, could not be traced.

Sighting Summaries

This issue mentions that 'Sighting Summaries have been restricted to a table only in this issue', with full coverage to resume in the next Journal. An article titled 'UFO Reporting & Scientific Investigation of Rare Phenomena' by Philip Taylor was also postponed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed accounts of UFO sightings, emphasizing witness testimony and the physical characteristics of the observed objects. The magazine appears to present these reports with a degree of seriousness, indicated by the inclusion of investigative follow-ups and the detailed nature of the witness descriptions. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, while also acknowledging the possibility of misidentification and the challenges of definitive proof. The inclusion of diagrams and sketches suggests an effort to visually represent the reported phenomena. The magazine aims to document and analyze these events, providing a platform for researchers and enthusiasts in the field of ufology.

This issue of the BUFORA Journal, dated October 1977, focuses on a 'Humanoid sequel' report and an analysis of physical traces potentially left by a UFO. It also includes a comprehensive list of UFO sighting summaries and a review of a significant publication.

Humanoid Sequel

On Sunday, 8 May, at approximately 7 pm, Barry King's younger brother was driving near Abridge when a car pulled up behind him. The two occupants, aged 35-40 and 55-60, explained they had seen the DRPG sticker on his car and had witnessed something strange in the forest earlier that afternoon. They reported parking their car near a public house, less than half a mile from a lake in a marshy, densely wooded area known as the Swamps, near Taylors Plain and Cabin Hill. While walking their dog, they heard a loud rustling noise and observed a very large, dark blue but luminous figure, resembling a large person in outline, with no discernible arms or legs. The figure was about 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide, crossed their path at a 90° angle at a distance of about 25 feet, and was totally silent. It is unknown if its lower extremities touched the ground or if it was gliding. The witnesses did not mention their dog's reaction. The interior of the forest was dark due to the dense tree cover, but the figure stood out boldly. An appointment to obtain further details was made but not kept. The report notes that this incident occurred within days of a landing report and suggests it might be a 'humanoid' sighting.

Traces Report

Samples were collected from a damaged gorse bush and the surrounding area on 4 May, with control samples taken from a similar bush 37 metres away on 8 May due to bad weather. Samples included pieces from the bush, soil from ground level and 4 centimetres down, and surface soil from the control site. The immediate area around the bush was checked for radiation using an Ex MOD Meter, yielding a negative result. A compass test for magnetic field deviation was also negative. Two saplings near the site were found uprooted, lying towards the lake, and a third sapling nearby was undamaged. Two bore-like holes, approximately 10-15 centimetres apart and 4 centimetres in diameter, were found on a mud bank near a puddle, along with a third shallow hole. These 'bores' were about 10 metres from the saplings and 50 metres from the damaged bush. It is stated that these might not be related to the damaged bush but were noted as relevant.

Analysis of the samples revealed no significant differences in organic and inorganic composition between the test and control samples. A difference in water content was observed, potentially explained by sample collection locations. No significant Gamma emission was detected. Beta particle spectroscopy revealed no significant Beta emission due to Phosphorus 32 or Carbon 14. All soil samples showed a slight increase in Beta emission (radiation) due to Tritium, about twice the background level. The bush samples showed an increase of 1.5 times the background. Both findings were deemed insignificant.

Mr Baker, the head warden, stated he had heard nothing of the humanoid incident on 8 May and claimed no one would have been in the park at 04:15, as gates close at 20:30 and a guard dog is used until midnight.

Uforum

The United Nations and Alien Activity

The Edinburgh Branch of Bufora noted that the Prime Minister of Grenada, Sir Eric Gairy, had called on the United Nations to establish an agency to monitor 'alien activity from outer space.' The branch resolved to support this move and requested Bufora to consider appropriate action to bring this to the notice of the UN.

Dear Sir (Letters to the Editor)

Peter A Hill from Leith, Edinburgh, writes that paranormal phenomena occur spontaneously, making controlled experiments difficult. He suggests that UFOs have both psychical and physical natures, possessing characteristics common to both. He proposes considering the possibility that UFOs are paraphysical rather than purely physical.

J P Dormer from London W1, responds to the idea of UFOs being paraphysical. He argues that while scientists are divided, those who accept phenomena like telepathy consider them part of the natural physical universe. He quotes Sir James Jeans, suggesting the universe is more like a 'great thought' than a 'great machine,' and that the spiritual and physical are two sides of the same coin. He believes that a solution to the UFO riddle will require a 'mighty and totally unexpected quantum jump,' leading to a new picture of the universe.

Sighting Summaries

This section, presented by Pauline Grego, lists numerous UFO sightings with Code No., Date, Time, Place, Report, Class, and Investigator/Credit. The sightings span from September 1959 to March 1977 and include various object shapes (oval, cigar, disc, round, triangle, sphere, diamond, shuttle, football, kite, dish) and behaviors (spinning, bobbing, maneuvering, buzzing, gliding, pulsating, flashing, breaking into smaller objects, turning, open lattice work). Locations are spread across the United Kingdom, including Exmouth, Tewkesbury, Nottage, Anglesey, Portloe, Cheltenham, Bexley, Wisbech, Bishopbriggs, Hitchin, Gillingham, Scunthorpe, Penrith, Talgarreg, Milford Haven, Milton, Larling, Woodhall Spa, Catford, Little Haven, Glasgow, Pangbourne, Dagenham, Cranham, West Ham, and Chingford.

People

This section welcomes new Bufora members elected at the Council meeting on 2 July 1977, listing members by National, London, Home Counties, and Overseas categories.

Book Review

'FLYING SAUCERS: An Analysis of the Air Force PROJECT BLUE BOOK SPECIAL REPORT No. 14' by Dr Leon Davidson is reviewed. This is the twentieth anniversary edition of the book, first published in 1956. It contains a photocopy of the US Air Force Special Report No. 14, along with tables and figures from that report, and Dr Davidson's original 1956 analysis. The review highlights additional content in the fifth edition, including reprints of articles by Dr Davidson on topics like Adamski, a pre-1947 sighting, and CIA involvement, as well as partial reprints of US Government publications on UFOs. It is described as an essential book for every saucer researcher.

Personal Column

This section features advertisements for various UFO-related items. 'SKYWATCH UFO DETECTOR' is advertised as a magnetic needle type detector with a latching circuit and audio alarm. CASSETTE TAPES are available from Norman Oliver, including titles like 'UFOs & YOU' and 'UFOs OVER ENGLAND'. 'SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF UFOS' (The Condon Report) is available in hardback and paperback from Lionel Beer.

Books and Leaflets

A list of publications available from Arnold West, Bufora Publications, is provided, including 'Guide to the UFO Phenomenon', 'The Use of Analytical Instruments in the Search for Extra-terrestrial Spacecraft', 'Investigation Procedures', 'An Engineer's Look at UFO's', and 'Articles of Association'. Prices are listed for members and non-members.

The British UFO Research Association

Information about Bufora Limited is provided, including its founding year (1964), registered office, and aims. The association aims to encourage unbiased scientific investigation and research into UFO phenomena, collect and disseminate evidence, and co-ordinate research. Membership details are given, with an annual subscription of £5.00 in the UK and $10 in the USA and Canada.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on collecting and analyzing physical evidence (traces, samples, radiation readings) and witness testimony. There is a clear editorial stance favoring scientific investigation and a critical approach to evidence, as demonstrated by the detailed 'Traces Report' and the review of the 'Project Blue Book Special Report'. The journal also explores the more speculative aspects of UFOs, such as their potential paraphysical nature, and includes a broad range of sighting reports, indicating a commitment to documenting all available data. The inclusion of letters to the editor and the 'People' section suggests an active and engaged community of researchers and enthusiasts.