Nessletter - No 049 - 1981

Magazine Overview

This issue of Ness Information Service, titled 'Nessletter No 49', dated December 1981, focuses on aerial investigations and sightings related to lake monsters, particularly the Loch Ness Monster. The publication is based in Huntshieldford, Bishop Auckland, UK.

Air Search

The lead article, 'Air Search', details Sidney Wignell's aerial monster hunt in November 1981, which was broadcast on Independent Television. Wignell, an archaeologist with expertise in aerial surveying, theorized that large unknown water animals inhabit a band of latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, with several locations in Scotland. He obtained a short, impressive film sequence showing a dark, plesiosaur-like silhouette, estimated to be 25-30 feet long, with a pointed tail, oval body, and three flippers. The creature was seen twisting in the water. The author notes the lack of press coverage for this novel idea and expresses a desire to contact Wignell for more information.

The author then elaborates on their long-held theory that aerial observation is superior to surface watching for detecting lake monsters. Surface reflections hinder visibility, whereas an aerial perspective transforms the water's surface into a three-dimensional block, extending the search area significantly, especially in calm conditions. The author believes these animals spend time near the surface, feeding on fish like brown trout and salmon.

Aerial Hunting Efforts

The article discusses the practicalities and costs of aerial observation, mentioning that aircraft are expensive and require landing strips. It recalls that Sir Peter Scott may have engaged in gliding near Loch Ness in the 1950s. The author had previously proposed using a barrage balloon for observation during a Loch Ness Investigation in 1968, but the idea was not pursued.

In 1970, Wing Commander Ken Wallis, a renowned autogyro designer and pilot, was engaged by the Loch Ness Investigation. He used his autogyro, WA-116 (which had appeared in the James Bond film 'You Only Live Twice'), for aerial photography and hunting. The autogyro was quiet and maneuverable, equipped with cameras. Wallis identified three suitable landing sites around Loch Ness and developed an effective observation method, allowing him to see up to 20 feet into the water. Despite extensive hours in the air, Wallis did not encounter any targets. He also spent a week searching Loch Morar, noting its clearer water, but also found nothing.

Despite the lack of positive results, the author believes Wallis's efforts proved that aerial hunting is feasible and that a single-seat autogyro is an ideal tool. The author regrets that Wallis could not be retained longer due to his own commitments.

Comparing Wignell's recent findings with Wallis's efforts, the author suggests Wignell's aircraft might not be ideal. Wignell's aircraft appeared to be a single-seat home-built model with a low wing that obstructs downward view and a relatively high airspeed, limiting him to a single pass over the animal. The author advocates for slower, more maneuverable, and quieter aircraft for better chances of obtaining clear footage. The article concludes this section by mentioning the potential of new 'Microlight' aircraft, which are light, transportable, fuel-efficient, and require no pilot's license, suggesting they could be ideal for future Loch Ness investigations.

Alice Bjornstad

Alice Bjornstad shares her experience visiting Loch Ness (mentioned in NIS 48) and provides a photograph of a 'something' she saw. The photograph, taken from about half a mile away without a telephoto lens, is deemed not valuable as a Nessie photograph but was an exciting moment for her. While sitting at the Foyers Hotel on the afternoon of September 10th, she observed a long wave moving towards the shore. Initially dismissing it, she realized it was moving in a straight line and was not a typical wave. She took a photograph, but the object was gone when she lowered the camera. She expresses disappointment at not having proof and never knowing what it was.

Bjornstad enjoyed her visit, spending time in the Boleskin and Inverfarigaig areas, and near Urquhart Bay. She found Scotland's scenery superior to Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. She also notes the difficulty in obtaining books on the Loch Ness mystery, especially those not published in America. The author offers to help overseas members obtain such books. Tony Harmsworth at the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition in Drumnadrochit also provides a book sourcing service.

Dinosaurs

Dr. Roy Mackal returned from an expedition to the Congo in December 1981, without conclusive evidence of 'mokele-mbembe', a large swamp-dwelling creature reported there for years. The expedition, which included American, French, and Congolese scientists, searched for six weeks. Dr. Mackal remains convinced the animals exist. The most exciting findings were large, indistinct footprints (about elephant-sized) and a wide swath of bent vegetation, suggesting the tail of a large reptile. The trail led to a river, but crocodiles were ruled out due to the size of the disturbance. Sonar used in the rivers did not detect large objects. Mackal theorizes the creatures live in swamps and use rivers as highways. French scientists collected large snakes, possibly new species. The expedition was funded by Texas entrepreneur Jack Bryan and the National Geographic Society, with cooperation from the Congolese government.

Books etc.

Professor Stuart Kirby reported that Thames and Hudson are preparing a book titled 'Living Wonders' by John Michell and Robert Rickard, featuring 150 black and white illustrations, based on Kirby's 1980 letter to The Times about the Japanese monster 'Kushie' from Lake Kutcharo, Hokkaido.

Dr. Michael Baran of Massachusetts self-published a book in July 1981 titled 'Atlantis Reconsidered', presenting a mechanistic model of a middle-earth world originating from subterranean waterways. His second manuscript, 'Insights into Prehistory', offers a theoretical model for plesiosaur-like creatures, suggesting they originate from inter-communicating channels with subterranean water courses. Baran is seeking a publisher for this manuscript; the first volume can be tried through Exposition Press.

Nick Witchell announced an updated paperback edition of 'The Loch Ness Story' to be published by Corgi in the spring.

Paul Screeton provided the latest issue (No. 14) of his publication, 'Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review' (ASWR). It includes an interview with the author. The ASWR is a quarterly publication and offers a comprehensive list of books on subjects ranging from Ley Lines and Earth Mysteries to UFOlogy and Monsters. Screeton's address is provided for subscription inquiries.

Closing Remarks

The editor, R R Hepple, thanks readers for their letters and encourages them to continue sending them. Subscription rates are provided for the UK, USA, and Canada.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigations into lake monsters, particularly the Loch Ness Monster, through various methods including aerial observation and photographic evidence. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific and practical aspects of these investigations, with discussions on technology like autogyros and microlights, and the challenges of gathering conclusive proof. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging further research and sharing of information, while also acknowledging the difficulties and limitations faced by researchers. The publication also touches upon related topics such as cryptozoology in other parts of the world (mokele-mbembe) and ancient theories about prehistoric creatures.