Merseyside UFO Bulletin - Vol 6 No 2 - 1973

Magazine Overview

MUFOB (Merseyside UFO Bulletin), Volume 6, Number 2, is an issue from approximately 1973, featuring an editorial panel including John Harney, John Rimmer, Peter Rogerson, and Alan Sharp. The cover prominently displays the title "FUTURE SHOCK" in bold, fragmented lettering, suggesting a theme of societal upheaval and its relation to the UFO phenomenon.

Editorial: Serious Research or Juvenile Entertainment?

The editorial addresses two complaints raised in the Spring issue of the BUFORA Journal. The first complaint is that UFO research should focus solely on 'genuine extraterrestrial hardware' and avoid psychology or parapsychology. MUFOB asserts its intention to explore all aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including sociological and psychological dimensions, maintaining a rational and objective approach without preconceived notions about its nature. The second point concerns the need for greater tolerance between scientific opinion and others. The editorial criticizes the Society for Psychical Research for not making a symposium engaging for younger audiences, suggesting that if teenagers find serious research boring, it's not the fault of the research itself. It argues that sensationalism appeals to those seeking entertainment rather than genuine understanding, and that while BUFORA might attract crowds with sensationalized lectures, the true purpose of UFO research groups is objective investigation, not providing cheap entertainment.

"Future Shock" as a Factor in the Development of Quasi-Religious UFO Cults by Peter Rogerson

This article examines the emergence of UFO cults, drawing a parallel between their development and historical messianic cults. Rogerson begins by referencing graffiti that expresses fervent belief in flying saucers, highlighting the emotional impact of the UFO phenomenon. He distinguishes between three types of people involved in ufology: UFO Researchers (active, objective investigators), UFO Buffs (those with passive, hobbyist interest), and UFO Cultists (those who view UFOs as religious or mystical phenomena). Rogerson argues that it's a mistake to view UFO cultists as a single unified group, as they encompass various belief systems like Contactees, Neo-Gnostics, and Theosophists, all sharing a focus on UFO phenomena.

The article posits that the religious motivation behind many UFO beliefs is evident in the vocabulary used (e.g., 'conversion', 'belief', 'faith') and that for many, UFOs are a 'faith to be fought for' rather than an object of scientific inquiry. An extract from Michael Holt illustrates this, suggesting ufologists can 'give himself a pat on the back' for convincing people of extraterrestrial life and visits, implying a missionary zeal. The author notes that some express these ideas in extreme ways, with appeals to continue belief even when doubts arise, likening it to a disciple's lament over a leader's defection. The belief that a 'UFO experience' is a mystical revelation is also discussed, leading to arguments that UFO phenomena can only be understood through intuition, which can devolve into the 'emperor's clothes' fallacy.

Those involved in such cults often ascribe themselves a mythological status, seeing themselves as martyrs for a new truth, possessing occult secrets, and battling cosmic evil. These cults are placed within the historical stream of messianic cults. The article suggests that the genesis of these cults lies in the tensions of rapid, unprecedented social change, similar to medieval messianic cults that arose during the collapse of the feudal order. The modern world's massive technological changes, as analyzed by Alvin Toffler in "Future Shock," are seen as a major factor. Toffler argues that people unable to adapt to change retreat into fantasy worlds, which fuels magical and escapist cults.

These cults provide a sense of community in an increasingly impersonal world. Sky watches and pop concerts are described as serving a species of religious ceremony, with some viewing skywatches as a 'communion with the gods.' Visits to places like Warminster are seen as pilgrimages. The article notes that UFO cultists seek to escape the modern world by renouncing it and seeking a magical revival, viewing the UFO as the Holy Grail.

The Devil and the Disc by Nigel Watson

Nigel Watson's article explores the negative side of UFO 'entities,' drawing parallels between the representations of the Devil in churches and so-called Ufonauts or Humanoids. He uses the Lincoln Imp and a devil figure from Louth Parish Church as examples, suggesting their descriptions (oval faces, pitted skin, slit mouths, round eyes, hairy bodies) bear resemblance to humanoid reports. The article also mentions Springheel Jack and hairy dwarfs from South American cases as comparable figures.

Watson suggests that these figures, along with gargoyles and 'green men' found on churches, may have origins in Greek or Egyptian mythology. He proposes that these 'devils' symbolize the dark side of 'Magonia' and perhaps represent the prototype of modern 'Men in Black.' The article references reports of the 'Black Dog' and the 'Jenny On (Hurn) Boggard' from Lincolnshire, describing a pygmy-sized man with a seal-like face who reportedly traveled in a small craft.

Further iconographic examples include the 'little green man' found in heraldry and on a church pillar in Cadney. This figure is linked to paganism and the 'green man' of Mayday rites. The church itself is noted to be built on a prehistoric burial mound, suggesting a possible pagan holy place deliberately Christianized. Watson concludes by suggesting that these figures might be related to UFO entities and encourages further research into UFO iconography.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of MUFOB strongly advocates for a rational, objective, and scientific approach to UFO research, differentiating it from sensationalism and what it terms 'juvenile entertainment.' The editorial stance is critical of groups that prioritize spectacle over substance and emphasizes the importance of academic rigor. The article by Peter Rogerson delves into the sociological and psychological underpinnings of UFO cults, framing them as a response to societal anxieties and rapid change, rather than purely as evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. The piece by Nigel Watson further explores the psychological and mythological aspects, linking UFO phenomena to ancient archetypes and human fears. The recurring theme is the need to understand the UFO phenomenon through critical analysis, distinguishing between genuine investigation and the creation of quasi-religious belief systems.

Title: MUFOB
Issue: 6
Volume: 6
Date: December 1955
Publisher: MUFOB
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

Main Content

This issue of MUFOB, titled "ADDITION TO THE DEVIL AND THE DISC" by Nigel Watson, delves into the potential parallels between traditional folklore figures such as imps and devils and modern sightings of UFOs and their occupants. The article presents a compilation of witness descriptions of humanoids that bear a resemblance to these folkloric entities.

Humanoid Descriptions

Several detailed accounts of humanoid encounters are presented:

1. Charles Bowen's Account: A witness describes a being shorter than himself, resembling a devil with no hair, a cylinder-shaped head, a very high forehead with bif-eyes, and numerous small eyes within the large ones, akin to a fly's eyes. The being had no nose, just two holes, a small slit for a mouth, and a large skull. It wore material like silver and had three-fingered hands.
2. Masse's Testimony (via Aime Michel & Charles Bowen): Creatures described as less than four feet tall, clad in grey-green clothes without head coverings. They possessed pumpkin-like heads, high fleshy cheeks, large slanted eyes, lipless mouths, and very pointed chins.
3. More Unusual Humanoids (via Charles Bowen): A being of small stature dressed in evening wear, with a misshapen bald head, no mouth, and enormous eyebrows. A slit-like mouth is also suggested.
4. Peter Rogerson's Observation: Rogerson points to the similarity between these descriptions and the Lincoln Imp, noting the legend of the Imp standing on one foot and flying. Several reports of 'tiny beings' suggest they have the capability to fly.
5. Mouliers Forest Monster (via Jean-Claude Baillon): A creature with a "horrible human head, surmounted by enormous horns."

Catalog of UFO Reports

The issue also features an extensive listing of Type 1 UFO reports, compiled by Peter Rogerson, covering incidents from 1950 to 1952. This catalogue provides brief summaries of sightings, including dates, locations, and descriptions of the objects and their occupants.

Key Incidents from the Catalogue:

• January 29, 1950 (South Table Mt., Colorado): A silvery-green ovoid object with a revolving middle band hovered, landed, and shot upward at high speed, emitting a pungent smell.
• March 1950 (Bahia Blanca, Argentina): A luminous, half-moon shaped object landed on a farm and remained for 20 minutes.
• March 18, 1950 (Lago Argentino, Argentina): Two objects, one landed, emitted greenish-blue vapour and an intense smell of burning benzine; a revolving section on top revealed four men in cellophane-like suits.
• March 22, 1950 (Villarta de San Juan, Spain): A cloud-like object emitting bright light blinded two businessmen; it appeared to collide with their car and circled it multiple times.
• April 1950 (Juneau, Alaska): Eight discs were seen landing and taking off 60 km. north of Juneau.
• April 8, 1950 (Kokomo, Indiana): A grey metallic disc, 5m. in diameter, shaped like a top, hovered, oscillated, and spun before leaving at high speed.
• April 8, 1950 (Amarillo, Texas): A disc-shaped object, the size of a car tyre, landed behind a hill; a boy touched it, causing a rush of gas that reddened his face and arms.
• April 12, 1950 (Reus, Spain): A disc-shaped object, about 1m. diameter, emitting strange luminosity, hovered low over olive trees and disappeared at high speed.
• April 14, 1950 (Camarasa, Spain): A bright object was seen coming down into the water of a hydro-electric plant lake, floated, and then submerged.
• April 20, 1950 (Lufkin, Texas): A round object, 3m. in diameter, hovered with a dull red glow, took off with a "swooshing roar", and caused a burning sensation on the witness's face.
• April 24, 1950 (Abbiate Guazzone, Italy): Sparks came from a dark, hovering object near which a man in dark clothing and a helmet was making repairs; three other men were present.
• May 7, 1950 (Ely, Nevada): A silver-white object at treetop level hovered for 10 minutes, oscillated, and then flew out of sight at high speed.
• May 15, 1950 (Bahia Blanca, Argentina): A disc-shaped object with a flashing light on top was encountered; inside, three small men in brown overalls were found dead. The craft later disappeared, leaving grey ashes.
• July 2, 1950 (Steep Rock Lake, Ontario, Canada): A double disc with portholes and a rotating antenna landed on the lake surface; ten figures emerged and moved like robots. They immersed a hose in the lake and then took off, leaving green moss.
• July 20, 1950 (Porto Novo, Brazil): Two huge silvery objects were seen on a hillock and flat ground; they moved away at incredible speed.
• July 23, 1950 (Guyancourt, France): Two circular machines, 5m. diameter, 1.5m. high, landed, and pilots emerged to make repairs. The witness saw a cabin with a couch and instrument panel inside one machine.
• Early August 1950 (La Roche-sur-Yon, France): A "ball of fire" manoeuvred in the sky for 15 minutes, appearing lens-shaped.
• Autumn 1950 (Solway Firth, England/Scotland): A round object skimmed over a stream, hit it with a splash, and then slanted upwards.
• October 1950 (Crawfoot, Oregon): An undocumented report of an object at low altitude.
• December 1950 (Inchon, Korea): Two objects trailing white smoke struck the water at tremendous speed, creating huge columns of water.
• December 8, 1950 (Montague, Michigan): A huge, brightly-coloured "bahana shaped" object hovered over a dune.
• May 15, 1951 (Salzburg, Austria): A helmeted figure emerged from a bush, paralysed a witness, and led him to a round object, c. 50 m. diameter. The witness was taken to "another world" and returned. The creatures were short, with three fingers, large skulls, and "lots of little eyes in the two big ones—like a fly".
• June 1951 (County Wicklow, Ireland): A little man, about 75 cm. tall, dressed in black, appeared in a country lane.
• June 19, 1951 (Sonderborg, Denmark): An object landed in a meadow; eight smaller objects emerged. Four handsome men with brown skin and black shiny suits, wearing translucent helmets, were observed.
• Early Summer 1951 (Ballintuin Village, Scotland): A golden orange coloured object, shaped like "two bowls joined together", followed a tractor.
• September 1951 (Central Australia): A shiny circular object landed near a similar craft; a dwarf in a shiny suit with a "round shiny head" emerged and entered the other craft.
• October 26, 1951 (Australia): A driver saw an object that illuminated the countryside like the full moon, which flew fast, approached the train, landed in the desert, and took off again.
• November 2, 1951 (Mojave, California): A disc-shaped flying object, blue-green, well defined, and surrounded by a glow, approached the witnesses and seemed to play with them.
• December 1951 (Peru, Nebraska): A cauldron-shaped object on the ground emitted an orange glow from windows and a blue, flame-like glow from another side.
• December 1951 (Red Springs, North Carolina): A disc-shaped object hovered at low altitude with a human-looking occupant inside.
• January 1952 (Weston, Wyoming): A "shooting star" stopped mid-air, spun, had a red window, and went down towards a river.
• Early 1952 (Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada): A fiery spherical object made a right angle turn.
• February 1952 (Pucusana, Peru): A shiny disc was seen at ground level; three figures emerged, described as looking "like mummies", and took the witness on a trip in their craft.
• Spring 1952 (Hasselbach, GDR, Germany): Two men in silvery suits examined the ground near a pink disc-shaped object with a flashing box.
• April 1, 1952 (Gulf of Mexico): An object resembling an aeroplane fell into the sea.
• May 1952 (Kensington, England): A small "milky white, slightly blurred" disc hovered outside a window.
• June 1952 (Haytor, England): A small man, about 1.05 m. tall, dressed in a brown smock, appeared and "dived out of sight".
• June 15, 1952 (Magneville, France): Large circular objects similar to parachutes were seen coming down in the forest.
• Summer 1952 (Itenhaem, Brazil): A large number of hovering disc-shaped machines resembling "inverted soup plates" were observed.
• Summer 1952 (Martin County, Texas): An object shaped "like a turtle", with three oarlike projections, moved slowly and emitted a blue flame.
• Summer 1952 (Coventry, England): A number of "bubbles", the diameter of a golf ball, approached and examined the witness before merging.
• July 20, 1952 (Dai-el-Aouagri, Morocco): A luminous object, 20 m. diameter, gave off bluish flames as it took off, leaving a smell of burning sulphur.
• July 24, 1952 (Vico, Italy): A disc hovered for 10 minutes, with a hose plunging into the water. A man in a diving helmet looked at the witness and a "green ray" hit him.
• July 29, 1952 (Enid, Oklahoma): An enormous disc or ball buzzed a car, causing it to leave the road.
• August 1952 (Aytona, Spain): A somewhat spherical object, about 6 times larger than the full moon, emitted a green and blue "vaporous" light.
• August 19, 1952 (West Palm Beach, Florida): A large, round, dark object had a turret on top. Red balls of light were emitted, burning the witness, who also observed a "hideous" creature aboard.
• August 24, 1952 (Frontenac, Kansas): A "two turtle shells glued together" object, 25 m. long, 15 m. wide, 5 m. thick, hovered at 3 m. altitude. A humanoid creature was visible in a "control cabin".
• August 26, 1952 (Watkins Glen, New York): A discoid object plunged into Lake Seneca, throwing up a column of water.
• August 27, 1952 (Lamberton, North Carolina): A saucer-shaped craft, 3 by 2 m., landed, and a little man about 70 cm. tall emerged.
• August 29, 1952 (Belle Glade, Florida): A large yellow-white object landed near a wooded area.
• August 31, 1952 (Kutztown, Pennsylvania): An object landed 15 m. away from the road.
• September 1952 (Summerland, British Columbia, Canada): A circular object, 10 m. diameter, skimming the surface of a lake, rose, approached the witnesses, and then flew away.
• September 12, 1952 (Flatwoods, West Virginia): A "meteor" passed overhead and landed; a huge figure, 4 m. tall, with a red face and glowing eyes, emerged from a globe-like object. A "hot" smell and a circle of depressed grass were left.
• September 13, 1952 (Frametown, West Virginia): A car stalled, and an unpleasant smell filled the air. A giant creature, 3 m. tall, human-shaped, was observed. A sphere of light rose gradually and left a luminous trail.
• September 28, 1952 (Everglades Swamp, Florida): A rose-coloured object landed and took off again at the edge of the swamp.
• October 15, 1952 (Le Vigan, France): Figures with helmets and masks were seen through lighted windows inside a bright yellow cigar-shaped object.
• October 27, 1952 (Marignane Airport, France): A cigar-shaped object landed briefly on the airfield, producing a dull sound.
• November 1952 (Dublin, Ireland): A child was burned when a strange disc, 25 cm. in diameter, landed near Dublin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential overlap between ancient folklore and modern UFO phenomena, the detailed cataloging of UFO sightings, and the description of various humanoid entities encountered. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of these phenomena, presenting witness accounts and compiled data without overt skepticism, aiming to provide a comprehensive record for researchers.

MUFOB, Volume 6, Number 2, dated August 1973, is a UK-based publication focused on the study of UFOs and related subjects. It presents itself as an informal journal with opinions expressed by contributors not necessarily shared by the editors. Circulation is restricted, and no subscriptions are offered. The editorial panel includes John Harney, John A. Rimmer, Peter Rogerson, and Alan W. Sharp.

Case Reports

Castelfranco, Italy (November 18, 1952)

Nello Ferrari, a 41-year-old farmer, reported a sighting of a large plate-shaped object, approximately 10 meters above him, colored reddish, gold, and copper. The object had a central cylinder, 5 meters in diameter, made of rapidly rotating parts that produced a noise similar to an electric motor. On the upper surface, a turret housed three occupants who appeared human and wore rubber coveralls and transparent face masks. They spoke unintelligible words. A loud metallic noise was heard, and the object lowered its top part before ascending vertically at high speed. This case is referenced in M106, Il Tempo (July 12, 1963), Wilkins Aa, 253, and Guieu I, 96.

Belle Ile, France (November 21, 1952)

A luminous sphere, described as spinning and changing color from orange to white, was observed at low altitude at a place called "La Butte." The object oscillated left and right before taking off towards the southwest. The witness was identified as Mr. Gauci. This case is referenced in M107 and Challenge, 56.

Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, UK (August 18, 1973)

Reported in the Ellesmere Port News on August 22, 1973, this incident involved two teenage girls, Pat McDermott and Sharon McManus, who reported seeing a mysterious object zoom through the sky at midnight. The object displayed flashing red and orange lights and had a dome-like outline. They initially mistook it for a low-flying plane but realized it was an unidentified flying object due to its speed and silent whirling. The object disappeared behind rooftops, and the girls, terrified, ran home. Mrs. Mary McDermott, Pat's mother, confirmed her daughter's fear. Police suggested the girls might have been drinking, which they denied, stating they had been baby-sitting. Another suggestion was that the object was the American Skylab, but the girls described it as being about three yards across and flying close to the rooftops.

Analysis and Commentary

Loch Raven Dam Case Analysis by Roy Dutton

Dutton critiques Alan Sharp's rationalization of the Loch Raven Dam incident. He argues that Sharp's interpretation of the word 'blimp' is too narrow, as blimps were non-rigid airships used by the US Navy. Dutton suggests that familiarity with Navy blimps might explain why witnesses continued to approach the object. He posits that the witnesses likely saw a three-quarters frontal view and were initially eager to get closer. The subsequent events, including the explosion and facial reddening, are attributed to a state of near-panic and induced hysteria. Dutton finds the explanation of explosive energy to jettison a payload improbable for an airship and suggests it might point to a clandestine military experiment. He also expresses skepticism about the reported car electrical failure, stating that in his thirteen years of motoring, he has never encountered such a failure, especially when the engine is running. He concludes that without the electrical failure, a USN airship might be a plausible explanation, given the proximity of naval testing stations, but as events stand, the object remains unidentified.

Interpretation of UFO Type Data in Terms of Contemporary Panics by Peter Rogerson

Rogerson discusses how random anomalies are interpreted within the context of contemporary panics and fashions. He uses a news clipping from the "Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph" (May 2, 1972) about police searching for illegal immigrants after an unidentified light aircraft was detected by radar at RAF Waddington. Rogerson argues that the radar blips were anomalous but not necessarily proof of illegal immigrants. He observes a tendency for people to fit random events into patterns, citing sociologist Stanley Cohen's work on "folk devils" and "moral panics." Rogerson notes that the "UFO frame of reference" is relatively weak and can be replaced by more immediate threats, such as illegal immigrants, which he calls a more powerful "folk devil." He provides an example of a motorist who claimed to have seen illegal immigrants disembarking from a helicopter, suggesting this story possessed the "mystery" often associated with UFO reports.

References and Notes

The issue includes a "Key to references" section, listing various books, journals, and organizations related to UFO research, such as Kenneth Arnold's "The Coming of the Saucers," Charles Fort's "The Books of Charles Fort," and publications from NICAP and APRO. It also contains notes on specific cases, questioning their validity and suggesting potential hoaxes or misidentifications. For instance, case 206 is suspected of being a hoax, case 214 is also suspected of being a hoax, and case 215 is claimed to be a hoax by an APRO member. Case 217 was not included in the Magonia catalogue and received a negative marking in Challenge. Case 220 is noted as being known only in the Vallee list of American landings. Case 223 is described as highly dubious. Case 234 is corrected regarding its date. Case 235's date is questioned, with earlier newspaper accounts suggesting a different timeline. Case 244 is considered highly suspect by Guieu. Cases 248 and 249 suggest it was considered a hoax by Ruppelt and Atic. Case 249 notes discrepancies in the date given by OG and Keyhoe, with Keyhoe spelling the witness's name as Squires. Case 251 indicates Wilkins reported the case tongue-in-cheek and should be regarded with suspicion. Case 254 notes the connection of Lake Okanagan to the legend of Ogopogo. Case 255 points out confusion in the Flatwoods affair reports. Case 256 mentions Barker only referencing a "plane crash" on the 12th, which is not in the Vallee account. Case 257 suggests the witness's name alone makes the account suspicious. Finally, case 261 notes discrepancies in the date given by Guieu and Wilkins.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO reports, the investigation of potential hoaxes, and the psychological underpinnings of UFO belief. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism and a rigorous approach to evidence, as demonstrated by the detailed analyses and notes questioning the veracity of various cases. The publication encourages a rational interpretation of phenomena, contrasting it with the tendency to attribute unexplained events to extraterrestrial origins or other contemporary panics. The inclusion of references to established UFO literature and research organizations suggests a commitment to engaging with the broader field while maintaining a critical perspective.