Nessletter - No 117 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: NESSLETTER
Issue: 117
Date: June 1993 (with a note indicating April '94)
Publisher: HESS INFORMATION SERVICE
ISSN: 0264-7001

This issue of the NESSLETTER focuses heavily on the debunking of the famous 'Surgeon's Photograph' of the Loch Ness Monster, presenting evidence that it was a hoax. It also reviews several new publications and upcoming events related to cryptozoology and Fortean phenomena.

The Loch Ness Monster Hoax: The Surgeon's Photograph

The lead article, spanning multiple pages, meticulously details how the iconic 'Surgeon's Photograph' of the Loch Ness Monster, taken in 1933, was actually a fabrication. The investigation, spearheaded by Alastair Boyd and David Martin, reveals that the photograph was a staged event involving a toy submarine model. Marmaduke Wetherall, a self-styled big game hunter hired by the Daily Mail, was central to the deception. He explained that he made a model monster from rubber tubing and plastic wood, approximately 12 inches for the neck and 14 inches for the body, with a lead keel for stability. This model was photographed on Loch Ness, with the ripples and scenery manipulated to create the illusion of a large creature.

Ian and Christian Wetherall, Duke Wetherall's sons, were involved in constructing the model. The negatives were developed by a Mr Morrison, and R.K.Wilson, a surgeon, was used as a front man to lend credibility to the story when it was sold to the Daily Mail. The article suggests that Duke Wetherall's motive for the hoax was revenge against the Daily Mail for what he perceived as poor treatment.

Christian Wetherall's account mentions a second photograph, which he recalled as possibly being a piece of wood. Alastair Boyd's own sighting of something 'out of the ordinary' in the loch, along with hundreds of other eye-witness reports, suggests that while the famous photograph was fake, it doesn't negate the possibility of genuine unusual phenomena in Loch Ness.

The article notes that most of the main participants in the hoax are now deceased, including Christian Wetherall who died at 90. Ian Wetherall's son, Christian Spurling, confirmed parts of the story, and Alastair managed to contact Ian Wetherall, who was living in Australia.

New Publications and Events

Book Reviews

• 'Pa sporet af Loch Ness-uhyret' by Palle Vibe: This book, written in Danish, is described as a hardback of 174 pages with good print and illustrations covering various aspects of the Loch Ness mystery. The reviewer, who does not speak Danish, hopes not to misrepresent the author's work, noting that Vibe has spent twenty years researching the subject.
• 'The monster Canal' by Gutherie Hutton: Published by Richard Stenlake for £5.95, this book is a collection of old postcards with explanatory text. It focuses on the Caley Canal, which runs through the Great Glen and Loch Ness, highlighting the immense engineering feat involved in its construction.

Magazine Reviews

• The Crypto Chronicle: This is a new publication dedicated to Cryptozoology, edited by Craig Harris. The first issue covers Bigfoot, Big Cats, and Moas, with the editor hoping to cover Lake Monsters in a future issue. Harris is committed to finding new material not previously published.
• Animals & Men: This journal, published by Spanish Train Publications, focuses on unknown animals, out-of-place animals, and Fortean phenomena. It aims to appear four times a year, with a four-issue subscription costing six pounds sterling. The reviewer notes it is predominantly about unknown animals but also covers the study of completely new species.
• Strange Magazine: Described as a good read, this magazine continues to cover various Fortean issues. The reviewer notes it has improved with heavier paper and a different typeface, resembling publications like Popular Mechanics. The editorial by Mark Chorvinsky highlights the magazine's increased advertising and its focus on providing a platform for serious research.

Upcoming Events

Several events and opportunities for 'loch watchers' are mentioned:

• UnConvention 94: A two-day conference in London hosted by Fortean Times, celebrating 21 years of the publication. Topics include Spontaneous Human Combustion, Alien Abductions, Cryptozoology, Loch Ness, and Monster Traditions. It will be held at The University of London Union on June 19th/20th '94.
• Lochside Activities: Several NIS members are planning visits to Loch Ness for diving and observation, including Theresa Lavelle (April 1st '94), Andreas and Angela Trottmann (May 7th-21st), Martien Mannetje (June 4th-18th), Richard Phelps (May 24th-29th), Stuart Leadbetter (August 5th-12th), and Steve Ravenhall (July 28th for two or three weeks).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NESSLETTER, through its content and editorial notes, maintains a stance that prioritizes factual investigation and intelligent readership over sensationalism. The focus on debunking the 'Surgeon's Photograph' demonstrates a commitment to uncovering the truth behind well-known Fortean cases. The reviews of various publications and the promotion of upcoming events indicate a desire to connect researchers and enthusiasts within the cryptozoological and Fortean communities. The editorial explicitly states a preference for not pandering to a tabloid mentality, aiming instead to support essential research and investigations through advertising revenue.