OVNI - 1993 09 - September

Magazine Overview

This issue of OVNI, dated September 1993, is a newsletter from the Phenomenon Research Association (PRA). It covers a range of topics related to UFOs, crop circles, and historical aerial phenomena, reflecting the ongoing discussions and investigations within the ufology community.

A Controversial Month

The newsletter begins by addressing a lack of cooperation between the CCCS Group (East Midlands) and the PRA. Several PRA members expressed disquiet over the CCCS's failure to inform them about a large Pictogram that appeared at "Charley Knoll" in July. Tony Caldicott, the East Midlands CCCS Branch Convenor, proposed a "telephone tree" network to ensure quicker dissemination of information about future incidents. However, the "Charley Knoll" incident is further complicated by claims from George Wingfield and John Haddington (CCCS) that the Pictogram is a hoax, despite dowsers reporting "energy" at the site and the observation of a blue estate car.

The PRA has also revised and printed a new illustrated paper on their theory regarding reactions in the ionosphere causing a powerful charge of energy to follow magnetic flux lines to Earth. Copies have been sent to researchers and universities worldwide for comment.

Arthur Creates a Stir

Arthur Tomlinson's talk on "The Paranormal" at the Stanley Club generated a prolonged discussion. His accompanying slide show included alleged "Ghost" photographs, natural formations resembling faces and animals, and illustrations of optical illusions. A particularly controversial element was a video, claimed to have been shown at the "Global Deception" conference, which purported to show the development of German "Flying Saucer" craft during WW2. The video featured extensive claims, working drawings, and graphics, including a doubtful "SS" stamp. Slides also depicted "Flying Saucers" with crosses and swastikas, and even a large calibre gun. The editor, drawing on his experience at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, where captured German aircraft were evaluated, stated there was no trace of any "flying saucer" development.

The Mysterious "Foo Fighters"

This section extensively explores the phenomenon of "Foo Fighters" during World War II. A reproduced photograph, claimed to show German saucer weapons, was identified by the editor as likely showing Japanese aircraft, specifically the Mitsubishi "Karigane" Mk. II Monoplane. Another photograph, from Brad Steiger's book "Flying Saucers Are Hostile," also depicted parked aircraft with "blobs" overhead, which were identified as Japanese "Nakajima Type 19's." The editor interviewed an ex-bomber pilot who flew throughout WW2 and had never heard of "Foo Fighters." Leslie Banks, a former RAF officer, commented that "Foo Fighters" were understood to be a USAF/Pacific phenomenon, sometimes following B29 bombers. American author Leonard H. Stringfield, who served in the Pacific, made similar observations. The article concludes that "Foo Fighters" likely existed and had close contact with operational aircraft, but primarily in the Pacific theatre, not Europe. It also notes the similarity to "silver ball" UFOs and the phenomenon of "ball lightning."

Local UFO Sightings Increase

Three UFO sightings were reported in the Derby area during August, bringing the total for the period to five. The report details a sighting by Mr. Burton of Woods Road, Chaddesden, who, while watching an aircraft, noticed a round, off-white object stationary above it at an estimated 15,000ft. His wife also witnessed it before it vanished. Mr. Burton also recounted a past incident involving a bright light and a "figure" moving in "large bounds" in his garden. Mrs. Burton reported a "conventional" type UFO (Adamski-style) at Repton years ago.

A Sighting on the 31st August

The day after the Burton sighting, Alan Hitchcock observed an "off white" ball-shaped object flying across his field of vision in Chaddesden. He followed it with binoculars as it passed overhead West to East. Another object then crossed its path from North to South. Both objects appeared hazy, and no noise was heard. The weather was scattered cloud on a sunny day.

Crop Circles, Saskatchewan, Canada 1992: Flattened Porcupine

This report, by Chad Deetken, details a crop circle discovered in a wheat field near Milestone, Saskatchewan, in August 1992. The formation was an irregular rectangle, approximately 22 by 63 feet. Inside, a very flat, dead porcupine was found. Closer examination revealed no wounds, but evidence of significant weight or force. Despite being estimated to have been there for about 7 days, the porcupine did not smell and showed no decomposition. A mature porcupine weighs 20-25 lbs and stands 12 inches tall, but this one was flattened to 3 inches. A skid mark in the soil, embedded with broken quills, indicated it was caught at the edge and dragged into the center. The article speculates on why porcupines, unlike other animals, might be found in crop formations, suggesting their defensive reaction of staying put rather than fleeing. Oddly, the soil within the formation was hard and dry, while the surrounding soil was soft and sticky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, the challenges of inter-group cooperation within the ufology community, and the critical examination of historical claims, particularly regarding "Foo Fighters." The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, emphasizing the need for rigorous research and evidence, as demonstrated by the editor's response to the German "flying saucer" video and the analysis of "Foo Fighter" reports. The PRA also actively promotes its own research, as seen with the revised paper on ionospheric reactions. The inclusion of local sightings and detailed crop circle reports indicates a broad scope of interest and a commitment to documenting diverse phenomena.

Title: OVNI
Issue: June 93
Date: 1993-06
Type: Magazine
Language: English
Country: UK

Key Articles and Reports

The Porcupine Case (Estevan, Saskatchewan)

The issue details a crop circle incident near Estevan, Saskatchewan, discovered in late July 1989. Farmer Don Hagel found two 12-foot diameter circles in his wheat field, touching in a 'figure 8' pattern. A narrow path extended from where the circles touched, leading to a small circle only a few feet in diameter. Within this small circle lay the remains of a dead porcupine. Hagel estimated the animal had been dead for 2-3 weeks based on the crop's maturity. The remains were severely decomposed, with only quills and bones left; flesh and skin had disappeared. Notably, parts of the jaw and tail bones were also missing. The remains were described as very black, as if covered in soot, though it did not rub off. The ground itself showed no darkening. Hagel and his wife, experienced farm residents, stated that neither predators nor insects could account for the condition of the remains.

Mr. Rennick, a witness, reported that the stalks in the formation were clearly visible on the ground, having been forcefully slammed down. The plants were green but brittle, and the seeds were dried. Rennick also mentioned an additional horseshoe-shaped formation that had appeared less than a week prior to November 17th.

Diagrams 10 and 11 illustrate these formations. Diagram 11 specifically shows the Estevan formation with two main circles and a smaller circle containing the porcupine remains. Diagram 10, labeled 'Milestone Sask 1992', depicts a more complex formation with multiple sections and a 'new addition', suggesting a separate but related event or a later observation.

Other Crop Circle and UFO Reports

Sussex Circular: The latest issue of 'Sussex Circular', edited by Andy Thomas, features a photograph and drawing of what is described as the 'world's largest Crop Circle'. This formation was discovered in the Sameria region of Northern Spain and photographed in September 1992. It is a five-ring circle approximately one mile across.

New Crop Circle (Bythorn, UK): Tony Caldicott reported a spectacular Pictogram that appeared in a field near the village of Bythorn, between Kettering and Huntingdon (A604). This event includes a large central circle, several rings, a five-point star, and a feature with ten 'petals'. A full report is promised for the next edition of OVNI.

Comment on Crop Circle Paper: Pat Delgado provided positive feedback on a recent crop circle paper, congratulating the publication on its presentation and the considerable thought and research involved.

Sky TV Chat Show: The OVNI editor participated in a live chat show on Sky TV on August 23rd, alongside Timothy Good, answering questions about the UFO mystery. Sky TV showed interest in the editor's 'Turkish UFO Encounter' (previously featured in OVNI June 93).

Next Meeting and Presentations

Meeting Details: The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 29th, at 8 pm at the Stanley Club, Stanley Common, near Ilkeston. Admission is 50p for non-members.

Guest Speaker: Anthony James of the East Midlands UFO Research Association will be the guest speaker. He will present the latest video from 'Gulf Breeze', USA, showcasing strange lights in the sky. James will also detail his investigation into a recent 'Flying Triangle' report from Newstead Abbey, near Kikby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, September 4th.

Tale Enders: Ghostly Encounter

In a separate report titled 'Tale Enders', staff at Davidson Estate Agents in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, reported a strange encounter during office refurbishment. While dismantling an old counter, they discovered old accounting files dating back to the 1950s. As they examined the files, they felt they were being watched by the ghostly figure of an old man standing on the nearby stairs, who then vanished.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers crop circle phenomena, UFO sightings, and related anomalous events. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting, encouraging reader contributions and detailed accounts. The inclusion of both physical evidence (like the porcupine remains) and eyewitness testimony, alongside reports of paranormal activity (the ghost sighting), suggests a broad interest in unexplained phenomena. The publication also actively promotes upcoming events and discussions within the UFO research community.