Flying Saucer News - No 10 - 1955 Autumn

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER NEWS
Issue: No. 10
Date: Autumn 1955
Publisher: JOURNAL OF THE BRITISH FLYING SAUCER BUREAU AND FLYING SAUCER CLUB
Editor: Richard Hughes

This issue of Flying Saucer News delves into the enigmatic "March 24th Incident" that blazed over Britain, presenting it as a "Special long feature article" by Arthur Constance. The cover art depicts a dramatic streaking object in the night sky, setting the tone for the issue's exploration of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Editorial: TO SEE WHAT'S UP THERE?

The editorial reflects on the recent announcements of artificial satellite programs by the USA and USSR, noting the public's fascination with space travel. However, it cautions against sensationalist connections between these advancements and flying saucers, while also suggesting a potential, albeit melodramatic, link. The editorial posits that the accelerated space programs might be a response to the knowledge of extraterrestrial observation, and that humanity's own "graduation" into space might precede direct contact. It also highlights the anticipation surrounding the 1956 Mars opposition and its potential correlation with saucer visitations, while vowing to debunk "authoritative cover-ups" and "spurious explainings away."

Feature Article: WHAT BLAZED OVER BRITAIN?

Arthur Constance, a seasoned investigator with a vast library of research, presents a summary of his extensive report on the "Thing" that appeared over Britain on the evening of March 24th. He details his process of gathering over 180 newspaper reports and conducting an eight-week analytical investigation. Constance challenges the conventional explanations for the phenomenon, particularly the meteor theory, by highlighting the object's ability to change shape, a characteristic attributed to flying saucers rather than meteorites. He cites numerous eyewitness accounts describing the object's varied shapes—from ball-shaped and brilliantly white to fiery red with a greenish tail, and even a "rock-like object" in Dyserth. The article emphasizes the shape-changing aspect, referencing the B.O.A.C. Stratocruiser Centaurus incident where a large black object reportedly changed shape like a jellyfish. Constance also notes that while many described the March 24th object as ball-shaped, others provided more detailed descriptions, including a "fiery red object with a greenish tail" and a "bright red and emitting sparks" that turned "bright green" as it disappeared. He also presents accounts of the object changing color from red to green, or being a "bright green light," and a "brilliant green light" streaking across the sky. The article questions whether the object traveled in a single direction, suggesting it might have moved in multiple directions. Constance concludes that the shape was not always spherical and that the "Thing" was not a simple meteor.

Case Study: Did a SPACE-VISITOR Land in BRADFORD?

This investigative report by Jack Ibson details an unusual sighting on August 15th in Bradford. Ernest Suddards, a lorry driver, and his 13-year-old son encountered a "Thing" on Roundhill Street at 4 a.m. They described it as a 4ft tall, human-like being in skin-tight black clothes, which "hopped" rather than walked. A prominent feature was a circular, perforated silver disc on its chest. The encounter left them deeply shaken. The police were called but found nothing. The article also includes a "Sequel" where Mr. Suddards reported meeting Joseph Wood, who claimed to have seen a bright silver, bullet-shaped object, about 12ft high, behind a hillock near Bowling Park a few days later. This object emitted a buzzing sound and caused a horse to flee. The location of Wood's sighting is noted as being within half a mile of where the Suddards saw the "Thing."

A footnote connects these reports to a rumor about a crashed saucer in Britain, with beings approximately 4ft tall, and also to a previous encounter described by Marius Dewilde in France.

Recent British Sightings

This section compiles several recent UFO reports from across Britain:

• Leeds: On July 24th, three mysterious objects (two silver, one amber) were seen at 5000ft, performing complex maneuvers and traveling at phenomenal speed.
• Lasham: On July 26th, during a gliding championship, a boomerang-shaped object, about 40ft wide, was observed hovering above a sailplane. The Air Ministry was informed.
• Gloucester: On August 17th, witnesses reported an ovoid or cigar-shaped object, described with various colors (shining brightly, pale green, silver, orange, brilliant yellow, blue lights), moving silently and faster than a jet plane.
• Shropshire: On August 15th, Mr. G. M. Betley reported a saucer with a dome and three under-carriage spheres, initially mirror-like, which later became leaden-colored.
• Birmingham: On August 26th, 15 glowing cigar-shaped objects were observed flying in formations of three for 30 minutes.
• Lowestoft: On June 5th, the crew of a trawler spotted a shining object, like a shilling, at 10,000ft altitude, crossing the sky without a vapour trail.
• Merseyside: On June 27th, strange objects were reported, including a circular, transparent object with a red exhaust seen by a tug crew, which moved at terrific speed.

Other Mentions and Features

• Postal Saucerers: A section lists members who wish to correspond with others on saucer-related topics, providing their names and addresses.
• 'Flying Saucer News' International Literary Award: Readers are invited to vote for the most significant contributor to UFO thought or research in 1955 by postcard.
• The British F.S. Bureau and F.S. Club: Information is provided about these organizations, their history, activities, and membership, with an annual subscription of 10/-
• Letters and Reports: The issue includes various witness accounts and reports, such as one from a Liverpool Daily Post reporter describing discs linked by a zig-zagging trail, and a report from Mr. Stanley Worthington in Dyserth describing the object as "rock-like."
• Rev. A. Stanley Beaty's Testimony: A clergyman from Bourneville's observations are highlighted as being unbiased and reliable.
• Swindon Sightings: Reports from Swindon include a mysterious blazing object described as a "red cloud" that dispersed, and another object resembling a Constellation air-liner.
• Lifeboat Coxswain's Report: A coxswain of Criccieth lifeboat reported seeing a "Comet airliner showing green navigation lights."
• Squadron-Leader T. Storer's Account: Flying at 20,000 feet, he initially thought an aircraft was falling in flames, describing bright red and green lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of specific UFO incidents, particularly the "March 24th Incident," and the compilation of recent sightings from various locations in Britain. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official explanations and a strong belief in the reality of the phenomena, advocating for open investigation and debunking of "cover-ups." There is also a clear interest in the burgeoning space age and its potential implications for understanding UFOs. The magazine actively encourages reader participation through its "Postal Saucerers" section and the "International Literary Award."

Title: FLYING SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Autumn 1955 (Issue 11)
Publisher: British F.S. Bureau and F.S. Club
Country: England
Language: English

This issue of Flying Saucer News focuses heavily on the enigmatic "Thing" that appeared over Britain on March 24th, 1955. The magazine presents a detailed analysis of numerous witness reports, news clippings, and official statements, aiming to debunk conventional explanations and argue for a non-terrestrial origin.

The March 24th Incident: "The Thing"

The lead article examines the "Thing" incident, starting with the author's conviction that the object changed shape and color during its transit. The magazine presents a map with multiple arrows indicating the directions from which observers saw the UFO, and larger arrows showing five different proposed courses of travel. These courses are derived from various sources, including the "News Chronicle" and "Daily Mail," and suggest complex flight paths that cannot be explained by a simple meteor or aircraft.

The author dismisses common explanations such as drifting balloons, wing-tip gleams, mirages, or even practical jokes. The article questions the official stance, particularly the Air Ministry's statements, suggesting that authorities might be concealing the truth about experimental devices or attempting to prevent public panic. The incident is compared to the Orson Welles radio play panic in the USA, implying a similar fear of public reaction.

• Evidence presented includes:
• Shape and Color Change: Observers reported the "Thing" changing shape and color.
• Multiple Courses: A single, simple trajectory could not account for all sightings.
• Speed: The object was observed traveling at extremely high speeds, estimated at 18,000 to 108,000 miles per hour, far exceeding the capabilities of known aircraft and leading to concerns about metal fusion.
• Altitude: Estimates varied, with Professor Lovell stating that an object at 200 miles high would be invisible, while other reports placed it at less than 50 miles.
• Behavior: The object was seen to hover and swoop away, not following a predictable path.
• Noise: While generally silent, mysterious explosions were heard in some areas.

The magazine cites various authorities and reports, including Professor Lovell of Jodrell Bank, who stated that an object at 200 miles high would be invisible, and the "Daily Mail," which suggested a guided missile, a claim denied by officials.

Official vs. Witness Accounts

The article contrasts official statements with witness testimony. For instance, an Air Ministry official suggested it could be an unusual weather trick or a meteor, while the "Daily Mail" reported that a guided missile shot from Aberporth was denied by officials. The "Daily Telegraph" noted that the Ministry of Civil Aviation Air Control at Preston was busy with reports.

The author criticizes the tendency of conventional scientists to dismiss UFO phenomena, suggesting a bias against accepting data that points to an extraterrestrial origin. The magazine highlights that even experienced pilots and officials struggled to explain the sightings.

International Incidents and Expert Opinions

The issue references similar incidents, such as the Indianapolis event on July 12th, 1952, which led the U.S.A. Air Force to clamp down on information. It also mentions "foo fighters" over Germany and Japan during World War II, which "Life" magazine found inexplicable. UFOs have also been reported over restricted airspace in Washington D.C. and have caused incidents along commercial air-lines.

The "Newsletter" of the Civilian Research, Interplanetary Flying Objects (March 4th, 1955) is cited as evidence that UFOs cannot be earth-craft.

The "Fireball of 1955"

An article discusses the "Fireball of 1955" on March 24th, referencing a letter from Alan F. Collins of the British Astronomical Association. Collins suggested the object was a meteoroid that exploded over southern Ireland. However, the magazine points out discrepancies, such as Dr. J. G. Davies of Jodrell Bank stating the meteorite was over S.W. Ireland and its trail was 20-50 miles above the earth, and that it did not cross England or Wales. This contradicts other reports and the proposed trajectory.

Analysis of the "Thing" as Non-Terrestrial

The magazine systematically dismisses earth-craft or experimental device theories for the March 24th incident. It argues that the object's speed, shape changes, colors, white-hot temperatures, and noiselessness, apart from mysterious explosions, are inconsistent with known technology. The author concludes that the incident provides abundant proof of non-terrestrial visitation, possibly from other dimensions or the field of human consciousness.

B.F.S.B. Newsletter

The newsletter section, dated October 1955, provides updates from the British Flying Saucer Bureau (B.F.S.B.). The new Secretary, W. E. Nicholas, apologizes for delays in correspondence and issue distribution due to the holiday season. He commends the work of Registrar Mr. T. H. B. James.

Overseas members are requested to use International Money Orders for remittances. The newsletter announces the availability of Technical Report & Bulletins, and mentions further supplies of the Brazilian Bulletin (No. 1) and Bulletin No. 2.

It also reports on the upcoming book "Inside The Space Ships" by George Adamski, with a lecture tour planned for April. An investigation into the Harold Cummings sighting is ongoing but not yet completed.

Book Review: "The Case For The UFO" by M. K. Jessup

Derek Cadel reviews M. K. Jessup's book, concluding that UFOs originate in space, possibly from the gravitational neutral between Earth and Moon. The review highlights Jessup's correlation of UFO sightings with disappearances, mysterious marks, and other phenomena, and his analysis of 19th-century observational material suggesting a directing intelligence. The book posits the existence of a worldwide civilization prior to "The Great Flood" and suggests that prehistoric stoneworks were raised by levitating spec ships. The review emphasizes the book's unique achievement in piecing together unrelated astronomical, archaeological, and meteorological information to support the fact that space life exists.

"Girvan talks to Saucerers"

This section reports on a lecture given by Waveney Girvan to the Flying Saucer Research Society in London on September 24th, 1955. Girvan, an accountant-publisher-author, is praised for his knowledgeable and humorous presentation. He discussed the "will to believers" versus the "will not to believers" in UFO phenomena, attributing the low percentage of believers to fear of ridicule, disinterest, and apathy among editors. Girvan stated that he had never seen evidence of censorship in the UK regarding UFO reports.

He also addressed the "landing hoax" possibility, citing two young ladies in Norway who claimed to have spoken to a Spaceman. Girvan found their story credible due to their education and multilingualism, contrasting it with the Norwegian authorities' changing explanations. He expressed his belief that Adamski's photography was genuine but was apprehensive of the assumption that UFO occupants were necessarily more spiritually advanced.

Girvan classified skeptics into two categories: those who haven't studied the phenomena and "twerps." He asserted that since 1950, the factual existence of Saucers is undeniable. The reporter noted Girvan's business-like approach and his interest in the subject, which seemed more than purely financial.

Other Content

• Advertisements: The issue includes advertisements for "Astounding SCIENCE FICTION" magazine and "Gifts for Saucerers" from Teigncraft Studios, featuring a saucer ashtray and a model kit.
• Back Numbers: A list of available back issues of Flying Saucer News is provided.
• West of England Sightings: Several brief reports of sightings in North Devon and Cornwall are included, describing a blue and white object, a strange light with a sizzling noise, and a mysterious flash believed to be a meteorite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the analysis of UFO sightings, the questioning of official explanations, the presentation of witness testimony, and the argument for the non-terrestrial origin of UFOs. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of investigating UFO phenomena seriously and critically examining all available evidence, often challenging the skepticism of conventional scientific authorities and government agencies. The magazine promotes the idea that UFOs represent a genuine and significant phenomenon that warrants serious consideration, possibly indicating contact with non-terrestrial intelligences.