Nessletter - No 124 - 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: NESSLETTER
Issue: 124
Date: August 1994 (with a note indicating a December 1995 update)
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
ISSN: 0204-7001

This issue of the NESSLETTER focuses on recent developments and personal accounts related to cryptozoology, with a significant emphasis on the Loch Ness Monster.

Andreas Trottmann's Loch Ness Trip and Health Issues

Andreas Trottmann recounts his early July trip to Loch Ness in 1995, which was marred by misfortune. He and his wife, Angela, experienced a three-week stay plagued by heavy flu and persistent groin pain, attributed to prolonged fits of coughing. This illness severely limited his research on Nessie and Big Cats in the area. Upon returning home, Andreas was diagnosed with an inflamed inguinal hernia, necessitating surgery and a period of recovery. Despite the setbacks, he was relieved that the ordeal was over and expressed disappointment about not being able to conduct his planned sonar work on the water.

During his stay, he and his wife were visited by Doug Macfarlane and his family, with whom they discussed Nessie and Big Cat matters. Trottmann hopes to undertake a sonar search with Macfarlane in the future. Andreas has also contributed an article on 'Lake Monsters in Switzerland' to the British magazine "Athene," which is being published in installments. This article explores historical and legendary tales of aquatic creatures associated with lakes, noting that some Swiss waters are known for not yielding drowned bodies, and that sightings were sometimes regarded as bad omens.

Trottmann also shares information on recent publications related to Nessie, including 'Look Out, Loch Ness Monster' by Keith Brumpton, 'Assignment Loch Ness' by Stephen Thomas, and 'Mysteriet om Nessie, Soslangen i Loch Ness' by Kim Moller Hansen. He also mentions a German book with a chapter on Nessie by Sergius Golomin.

Society for Physical Research and the Great Glen Fault

Andreas is a member of the 'Society for Physical Research' and has obtained a regional study report on 'Scottish Haunts and Poltergeists.' This report contains 'astonishing opinions' on the Great Glen and its hauntings. He shared a copy of this report, authored by G.W. Lambert, which discusses poltergeist phenomena. Lambert proposes that primary effects, such as noises and object movement, may be due to subterranean forces and earth tremors. These disturbances, transmitted through water channels and fissures, can affect specific areas, leaving others undisturbed. Andreas finds this concept interesting and potentially relevant to the 'Nessie enigma,' suggesting the 'Great Glen Fault' has unique characteristics.

Loch Ness Newsclipping Service and Publications

Andreas initiated the 'Loch Ness Newsclipping Service' in late 1994 with the intention of collecting and publishing newsclippings on the Nessie enigma. This service aims to allow interested members to expand their personal archives. He plans to include old newsclippings in each issue and hopes for participation from members to provide clips for publication. The service will primarily draw content from the Inverness Courier. He has already produced three trial issues, consisting of photocopied articles bound in card covers, for a fee of £10. He also mentions that he and Henry Bauer intend to incorporate clippings from the American Durrant's Press Cutting Service in the future. Those interested in subscribing should contact Andreas Trottmann in Switzerland.

Erik Beckjord's Crypto-Zoology Museum and Video Project

Andreas received a note from Erik Beckjord regarding a video project. Erik had a piece of video footage taken by two Canadian tourists, the Chappins, in 1989, which had been featured in earlier Nessletters. Erik was working on editing this footage and apologized for delays, explaining that his edited version was delayed due to being burned up in Malibu bush fires. He inquired about the required video format (PAL, NVSC, or SECAM) and mentioned he had sent it to someone in Switzerland, hoping it was Andreas.

Beckjord also announced the re-opening of his Crypto-Zoology Museum. An earlier attempt in the TRANCAS restaurant was closed in '93 due to fires and floods. His new venture, located in the South Venice district of Los Angeles, is named 'The Bigfoot & Loch Ness Monster Museum.' It is currently a small, mini-museum with plans to expand. Exhibits include items related to UFOs, aliens, crop-circle formations, Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, Yeti, the Face on Mars, and UFOs on Venus. The museum will rotate exhibits and display mostly photos and some models. Admission is free during the start-up period, and donations are accepted. Adventurous individuals can participate in 'crop-circle field research' in England and 'Bigfoot expeditions' in Canada, with opportunities to join museum staff on trips. Erik, the curator, anticipates visitors will bring more photos and evidence.

Surgeon's Photograph Controversy and Analysis

Richard Smith responded to coverage of his views on the Surgeon's photograph, where he was described as a 'journalist and researcher.' Smith graduated from Emerson College, Boston, in 1975 with a degree in Mass Communications and has worked as a technician and shot footage for documentaries on Loch Ness and other lake monsters. He is a freelance writer and former associate editor for Princeton-area newspapers.

Steuart Campbell also responded, having not seen the BBC Wildlife magazine articles but finding Richard Smith's comments interesting. Campbell made two points regarding the Boud/Martin claims:

1. He questioned the height estimate of the photographer, suggesting that if the photographer was shorter, the object would appear smaller. He also noted that claims of the object being too long for an otter's tail ignore the fact that his estimate of size (on its own) does not exclude the possibility of a model submarine.
2. Campbell proposed that the model was self-propelled, sent into deeper water, and then retrieved. However, he pointed out that the photograph shows no wake, indicating the object was not moving through the water. If it was stationary on deep water, he questioned how it was retrieved.

In response, Andreas suggested that retrieval could be by waiting for it to drift ashore or by using a fishing rod. He also considered the possibility of a fishing rod being part of a cover story. He believes the model was not stationary and would have moved with a negligible wake, possibly lost in the general movement of ripples and waves on the loch's surface.

Andreas also received a note from Erik Beckjord, who agreed with some of Richard Smith's points. Beckjord found the idea of the alleged hippo footprint being a 35mm photograph re-photographed onto a quarter-plate in 1933/34 to be far-fetched, considering the equipment and difficulty of the time. He mentioned trying to show additional 'bulldog faces' near Nessie in the water during a 1990 convention, but the attempt was not successful. Beckjord believes there is a strong urge to be famous and that becoming a debunker is an easy way to achieve this. He cited 'Doug and Dave' and crop circles as examples of media focusing on hoaxes while ignoring real research.

Beckjord concluded by stating that Dr. Wilson sticking his neck out for the photos and then being involved in a hoax would be a double blow to his reputation as a surgeon. He believes that Ian Wetherall and Christian Spurling had reasons to want to rehabilitate Duke Wetherall's reputation, possibly due to the humiliation associated with the hippo footprint fiasco and the Surgeon's Photograph.

Andreas agrees that developments regarding the Surgeon's photo were significant but disagrees with Beckjord's views on the matter. He respects Alastair Boyd and his research but found it disturbing to learn the Surgeon's photo was a hoax. He believes that Alastair Boyd would not have made such a claim without being satisfied with his findings. Andreas has had prolonged discussions with Boyd and is convinced he is correct.

Andreas suggests that when the story of the hoax broke, the primary question should have been 'why?' rather than 'how?' He believes there is always a motive for a hoax, often financial gain. He also posits that some hoaxes are perpetrated by individuals who go to extraordinary lengths to fool society but never reveal themselves, content with their knowledge of what they have done.

He uses the example of Piltdown Man as a case where the perpetrator never revealed themselves. Andreas suggests that Ian Wetherall and Christian Spurling may have been trying to restore Duke's reputation, but this should have happened in 1934, not decades later. His impression is that Duke, while not the perpetrator of the hippo-foot hoax, was seen as being fooled by it, possibly wasting his time 'Monster Hunting' when the stories were attributed to a 'big grey seal.' To regain his standing, producing proof of the monster would have been beneficial.

Andreas considers the Surgeon's photograph, if not taken by him, to be too opportune and suspicious. He suggests that someone not obviously connected to him or his family, and of good character, might have been involved. He believes the Surgeon, the model, and the photograph were used as evidence to prove the existence of the Loch Ness Monster and enable Duke Wetherall to say he had been on the right track. He reiterates his earlier suggestion that the entire situation is a supposition.

Other Mentions and Subscriptions

Andreas also mentioned that he referred to Rita in NIS123 and that more information on this will be in the next issue. He requests news and views from members and provides his address for subscriptions and correspondence. The subscription fee for the UK is £2.75, and for North America, it is $10.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation and debate surrounding the Loch Ness Monster, the analysis of photographic evidence and potential hoaxes, and the broader field of cryptozoology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different viewpoints and personal experiences while critically examining claims and evidence. There is a clear interest in the scientific and historical aspects of these phenomena, as well as a recognition of the public's fascination and the media's role in shaping narratives.