Flying Saucer News - No 05 - 1954 Spring

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER NEWS
Issue: SPRING 1954 (Volume 2)
Publisher: British Flying Saucer Bureau
Country: ENGLAND
Date: Spring 1954

This issue of FLYING SAUCER NEWS, dated Spring 1954, presents a comprehensive report on the 'Coniston Saucer' incident, alongside other significant UFO-related news and sightings from around the world. The magazine highlights the growing interest in flying saucers and the expansion of related organizations.

The Coniston Saucer -- Full Report

The lead article details an event on February 15th, 1954, involving thirteen-year-old Stephen Darbishire and his eight-year-old cousin, Adrian Myers, near Coniston, Lancashire. While climbing a hill, Stephen felt an urge to take photographs. He and Adrian reportedly saw a strange, silvery, round object descending. Stephen managed to take two photographs before the object ascended rapidly with a swishing sound. The object was described as having a glassy, silvery appearance, with a dome, portholes, and three landing domes underneath. Stephen's father, Dr. S. Darbishire, a doctor, took the boys' story seriously, having them write statements and draw what they saw. The film was developed by Mr. Pattison, a local photographer, who confirmed a saucer-shaped object was visible on the negative, despite being out of focus. The report emphasizes that the boys' story was consistent, even when questioned by pressmen. The article notes a similarity between Stephen's photograph and one of George Adamski's, particularly regarding the number of portholes, which Stephen could not have known from published Adamski photos. An investigator for the magazine spent two and a half days with the Darbishire family, re-enacting the event and examining the camera, concluding that the boys were truthful and had witnessed a genuine phenomenon. The report also mentions that Stephen's father took him to London to speak about the event, and that Stephen had previously visited Buckingham Palace to discuss the affair with a secretary to the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Widening Circle

This section, a message from the Hon. Editor Richard Hughes, discusses the significant increase in interest and membership for the Flying Saucer Club since October 1953. The circulation of the Winter issue of the NEWS had reached nearly 1000 copies. Hughes explains that running the organization as a one-man effort had become challenging with the surge in membership and correspondence. As a result, a co-operation has been established with the British Flying Saucer Bureau (BFSB), which has a committee and holds regular meetings. The BFSB will take over the administrative aspects, allowing Hughes to focus on editing, printing, and producing the magazine. The FSC will continue to operate similarly, and the advisability of local groups forming clubs is being considered. The FSC badge will remain the emblem for both organizations. The editor expresses optimism for future progress with a single administration and dedicated officers.

Other Contents

• Recent World Sightings: This regular feature reports numerous UFO sightings from various locations:
• January 11th, Littleborough (Lancs.): A stationary, round, greyish object with bright edges and a silver center was observed.
• February 4th, Kimberley, South Africa: A farmer reported a round shiny object travelling west to east with smoke, making a strange sound.
• February 7th, Exmouth: Six people observed a bright blue-white, round or oval light for 25 minutes.
• February 16th, Dublin: Mr. Hans Vajda photographed a large luminous object that hovered, trembled, and ascended rapidly.
• March 17th, Malaya: An airborne 'cigar' was reported flying high above Kuala Lumpur.
• March 19th, Whangamoa, New Zealand: A round, flat, whitish object was seen turning and descending with a smoke tail, accompanied by loud explosions and a swishing noise.
• March 20th, Upington, South Africa: Two women saw a red object described as a 'huge ball', and another resident saw a 'huge red balloon'.
• March 24th, Nelson, N.Z.: A white shining object was observed at high altitude, performing complex maneuvers at high speed.
• March 31st, Sea Point (Cape Town, S.A.): A triangular shaped object with a silver trail was seen hovering over rooftops.

The Adamski Controversy: This section likely addresses ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the sightings and photographs attributed to George Adamski.

4th Dimensional Saucers: This article probably explores theoretical or speculative aspects of flying saucers, possibly relating them to concepts beyond conventional physics.

• Booknotes & Reviews: The issue includes reviews of several books:
• "VENUS SPEAKS" by G.C. Richardson, a book reportedly containing 'direct messages from a Scientist on Venus' about saucers and future prophecies.
• "FLYING SAUCERS FROM OUTER SPACE" by Hutchinson's, with a publication date of May 31st.
• "GOD'S KINGDOM COME" by Arthur Griffiths, which is said to offer strange explanations for flying saucers.

Postal Saucerers: A section listing readers who wish to correspond with others on saucer-related subjects, including addresses from Norwich, Herts, Nigeria, Brighton, Sussex, Petworth, South Africa, Liverpool, Somerset, and Essex.

B.F.S.B. Newsletter: This likely contains updates and information from the British Flying Saucer Bureau.

News from France: Brief reports or updates on flying saucer activity or investigations in France.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the presentation of UFO sightings as credible phenomena, the importance of photographic evidence, and the growing community of UFO enthusiasts and researchers. The editorial stance is one of serious investigation and belief in the reality of flying saucers, as evidenced by the detailed reporting of the Coniston incident and the comparison with other cases like Adamski's. The magazine actively promotes correspondence among readers and supports the organizational efforts of groups like the FSC and BFSB, indicating a commitment to fostering a network for UFO research and discussion in Britain.

This issue of FLYING SAUCER NEWS, dated Spring 1954, is identified as issue number 11. It covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, including recent sightings, lectures, book reviews, and investigations into alleged hoaxes and controversies.

Sightings and Incidents

The magazine reports several UFO sightings from late April and early May 1954:

• April 27th, Bexhill, Sussex: A blue-green oval object was seen circling with a loud noise before disappearing over the Channel. Police and Coastguards also reported it.
• April 28th, Yarmouth and Gorleston: A 'mysterious object' described as round with green and blue colors and yellow blobs was observed, appearing stationary before disappearing inland at high speed.
• April 29th, Dun Laoghaire, Ireland: A white light, 'about the size of a football,' was seen floating slowly towards the city and then disappearing suddenly.
• April 29th, Australia: A dark purple, round object was observed diving and banking in the sky, appearing to hover before diving off at high speed and then pulling out of the dive.
• May 3rd, Victoria, Canada: Seven people witnessed an illuminated object overhead at 'terrific speed,' resembling 'small jets' but making no noise. It was visible for only a few seconds.
• January 4th, 1954, Marignane, France: A fireman reported seeing a 'rounded and luminous' machine descend towards the runway, bounce, and then disappear, possibly after the control tower was alerted. Debris and metallic rods were later found at the suspected landing site.
• Late March, USA: Secretary of the Air Force Harold E. Talbott reported sighting a round silver disc near Palm Springs, which rapidly moved away when approached.

Lectures and Events

• Desmond Leslie Lectures: Talks were held in Cardiff and Bristol in February, attracting large audiences. Mr. Leslie's book, 'Flying Saucers Have Landed,' was promoted, and he was interviewed by the BBC and local press. The lectures were well-received, with many attendees expressing deep interest.
• Mr. H.T. Wilkins: A book titled 'Flying Saucers on the Moon' was published. Mr. Wilkins was invited to lecture in Bristol, but declined for personal reasons.
• Weston-super-Mare Tape Recording: A recording from a lady medium is described as remarkable, providing insights into the purpose, intentions, and future landings of UFOs.
• Albert K. Bender Recording: This recording features Bender discussing the closure of the American Bureau and a lecture by Coe Gardner on UFO investigation details, including the 'Virginia Monster sighting.'
• General Meetings: Monthly meetings were held in Bristol, with plans to move to larger premises due to increasing attendance. These meetings include guest speakers, film shows, or tape recordings.

Articles and Features

• A Fake Exposed: The issue details how a photograph of a 'flying saucer' taken by a 16-year-old schoolboy in South Africa was revealed to be a hoax involving a wooden cigarette box tossed in the wind.
• 5 to 10 Saucers Reported Nightly by Airline Pilots: A report from the 'Rocky Mountain News' indicates that military intelligence officers are discussing procedures to speed up the reporting of saucer sightings by airline pilots.
• Machine Gets Messages from the Planets: A machine in London is claimed to receive messages from other planets via the spirit world, warning about the atom bomb and stating that two saucers had landed in England.
• More Windshield Mysteries: An epidemic of pitted windshields in Northwestern Washington is linked to small metallic particles found to react to magnetic fields.

Book Review: 'Flying Saucers on the Moon' by H.T. Wilkins

The review praises the book for going into detail about the suggestion that the Moon is a 'way station' for interplanetary travelers. It covers a wide scope, including mysteries between the world wars, 'Foo-fighters,' and the possibility of 'spies' on Earth. The book also includes on-the-spot reports of sightings and discusses 'Flying Saucers of Other Days,' noting that some visitors are hostile, particularly cigar- or spindle-shaped ones. The review concludes that the book is a valuable addition to the literature on the subject.

The Great Adamski Controversy

Desmond Leslie answers reader questions regarding Mr. Adamski. He states that Adamski is not connected with Silas Newton or Frank Scully, and that the description of saucers in Scully's book is not mere imagination. Leslie suggests that the 'burned bodies' story originated from a US test-rocket crash, and that Newton & Co. created a 'Denver Hoax' by combining elements of different stories. Regarding American authorities, Leslie notes that Adamski has been questioned by the FBI and senators, who are taking the matter seriously. He also mentions that members of the British government believe the Adamski story.

Merger of B.F.S.B. and F.S.C.

Mr. Richard Hughes is to make the proposed merger the subject of his editorial. The merger follows a meeting in London where representatives of various saucer groups convened. Mr. Desmond Leslie was present and shared his impressions from a visit to the parents of Stephen Darbishire, a schoolboy who photographed an 'Adamski' type saucer.

Late News from the U.S.A.

Major Donald E. Keyhoe was a guest on Frank Edwards' radio show, reporting that Secretary of the Air Force Harold E. Talbott sighted a round silver disc. Keyhoe also stated that two artificial satellites are in orbit around Earth, and scientists are investigating.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of UFO sightings with detailed descriptions and witness accounts, the investigation of alleged hoaxes, the promotion of lectures and books by prominent figures in the UFO community, and the exploration of theories regarding the origin and purpose of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the phenomena, while also acknowledging and dissecting claims that may be less credible, such as the 'Adamski controversy' and the 'Denver Hoax.' There is a clear effort to document events and provide a platform for discussion within the UFO enthusiast community.

Title: FLYING SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Spring, 1954
Volume: 21
Publisher: Flying Saucer News
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of Flying Saucer News from Spring 1954 features a cover headline "Fourth Dimensional SAUCERS ?" and delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including photographic analysis, contactee accounts, and theoretical discussions.

Adamski and Photographic Analysis

The magazine opens by discussing George Adamski and his reported contacts, noting that he gave a photo and a footprint. It also mentions that Dr. Williamson often took plaster casts on expeditions, and on one occasion, Adamski received an "impulse" to bring one. A reader questions whether Adamski used an old industrial light fixture for trick photography, a possibility the magazine acknowledges but counters by suggesting that a hoaxer would likely avoid easily recognizable objects. A scientific analysis of a photo by Stephen Darbishire is noted as being identical to one allegedly taken by Adamski, lamenting that the questioner's "outlook" might not be as clear.

Another reader expresses misgivings about one of Adamski's pictures, arguing that a Brownie camera's meniscus lens would render everything in focus. They analyze a specific plate (VII), concluding that the blurring is not due to motion but to the object being "Out Of Focus," implying the saucer was less than five feet away and possibly only about 2 feet in diameter. The magazine agrees that they are "not too happy about that picture," clarifying it was not Adamski's but supplied by a Sgt. Baker.

Further discussion touches on radiesthetic tests by Dr. Benham, which showed peculiar radiation from most of Adamski's pictures, described as "not of this planet." However, one picture remains a mystery, with radiation not of ordinary metal but of rock, leading to speculation about how a stone saucer could be carved.

A reader's letter describes a "Venusian" contactee who spoke no known language and, apart from Oriental features, resembled a normal Homo sapiens. This leads to speculation that the visitor might be from a Russian-dominated area who had engine trouble. The magazine dismisses this, stating that Adamski, after further checks, is certain the visitor is not from Russia, America, or anywhere on Earth, but is "one of us" and part of a "solar humanity."

"Fourth Dimensional" Saucers and "Fluidics"

The issue features an article titled "Fourth Dimensional" SAUCERS ?, referencing an article by Andre Saux in JOURNAL MARITIME. Saux categorizes F.S. into two types: those of earthly origin, which are slow and noisy with flaming exhausts, and "others" with prodigious speed and ease of movement. The article explores the concept of dimensions, suggesting that our world could interpenetrate with another immaterial world, and that humanity might discover means of accessing these dimensions. It posits that the incredible speed of saucers might be the key to crossing this "other sound barrier."

M. Saux introduces the concept of "fluidics" – individuals who seem to "belong here" but are strangers, sensing a superior, spiritualized humanity. These beings are equated with angels, genies, or demi-gods in various traditions. According to the "fluidic" perspective, the animator of an F.S. is one of these "special envoys." The article also notes a South African military confirmation of saucers on radar screens that were invisible to the human eye and could fly through fighter squadrons, suggesting a power of "dematerialising."

It questions whether visitors might come from "here" rather than interplanetary space, given the potential to traverse vast distances without needing to travel light-years.

Public Meetings and Group Reports

A public meeting on UFOs was held at Islington Central Library in London on March 23rd, organized by Mr. Colin Hodgkinson. Air-line and ex-RAF pilots discussed their sightings. Two pilots described cigar-shaped objects with illuminated windows, and another recounted his compass glass shattering over Esher, with a shiny disc observed above his plane.

Mr. Desmond Leslie spoke about early sightings, stating that since 1946 there had been 10,000 sightings, with only 40% from America. Young Stephen Darbishire, who photographed the "Coniston Saucer," gave an account of the incident and faced cross-examination, supported by his younger cousin, Adrian. Mr. L.G. Cramp displayed drawings comparing the Coniston and Adamski ships, deducing they were the same model.

A report from the Wigan Group mentions their attendance at a sermon on Flying Saucers by Pastor L. Barrie, who believes UFOs are mentioned in the Bible and connects them to the Second Coming of Christ. Mr. F. Brown has written a thesis on this topic, referencing the Book of Ezekiel. The report also notes the discovery of bacterial life in meteorites, presented as evidence of life on other worlds.

Upcoming Events and Publications

Mr. Leslie is scheduled to visit the United States and return in September with George Adamski. Details of their talks are not yet available. The magazine also mentions that Mr. L.G. Cramp's book, "Space, Gravity and the Flying Saucer," is to be published by Messrs. Werner Laurie in October.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in photographic evidence and its analysis, with a critical approach to Adamski's photos. It explores theoretical concepts of UFO origins, including "fourth dimensional" explanations and the idea of terrestrial or extradimensional visitors. The magazine also highlights reports from pilots and public discussions, suggesting a growing public awareness and engagement with the UFO topic. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging skepticism while presenting various theories and accounts, with a particular focus on the potential for extraterrestrial life and its implications.