OVNI - 2003 05 - May-June

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: May/June 2003
Publisher: Journal of the Phenomenon Research Association
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1 plus postage

This issue of OVNI focuses on the Rendlesham Forest Incident, a significant event in UFOlogy that occurred in December 1980 near RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridge in Suffolk, England. The magazine presents declassified Ministry of Defence (MoD) files and detailed witness testimonies, aiming to shed light on the events and the alleged government cover-up.

The Rendlesham Forest Enigma

The lead article, "The Rendlesham Forest Enigma" by Omar Fowler, details the events of late December 1980. It highlights the release of a secret MoD file containing 155 pages about the incident, which affected thousands and changed lives. The forest is situated between the twin Air Force bases of Bentwaters and Woodbridge, which were active during the Cold War.

During a period of high alert due to the Cold War, security police at the gates reported seeing lights in the forest. Sgt. Jim Penniston, an American Airforce Security Police officer, described seeing what appeared to be a crashed aircraft on fire. He, along with other policemen, ventured into the woods and found a glowing craft that illuminated the trees. Penniston noted a sensation of his hair raising, as if in the presence of an electrical charge. The craft then slowly lifted off, hovered, and disappeared. Deputy Base Commander Lt. Col. Charles Halt investigated the incident the following day and was convinced of its reality, despite initial skepticism. Skeptics later suggested explanations like a distant lighthouse or rabbits making 'landing markings,' but Halt dismissed these. The article notes that a key witness, ex-US Air Force Policeman Larry Warren, was omitted from a recent TV documentary, and his account is included in full in this issue.

The Rendlesham Forest Incident by Larry Warren

Larry Warren, a member of the 81st United States Air Force Security Police stationed at RAF Bentwaters, recounts his experiences during the UFO incidents of December 27/28/29, 1980. He explains that security concerns prevented him from revealing details for years, fearing he would be portrayed as a liar or fool. Warren arrived at RAF Bentwaters in December 1980, aware of the significant nuclear arms presence on the bases.

On the night of December 27th, police observed lights in Rendlesham Forest. Further activity occurred the next night, and on December 29th, Warren's security group was called out. They entered the forest and were ordered to stop at a clearing where an 'armoury' vehicle was parked. They had to surrender their weapons. Warren, with a Lieutenant, moved through the woods and saw flares and heard radio communications about 'hot spots,' indicating radiation areas. They encountered a flight chief talking to a distressed young airman. Continuing, they reached an illuminated field, Capel Green, where trees were lit up yellow by a 'thing' that illuminated everything.

Warren describes a huge light in the center of the field, about a foot high and fifty feet across, which was self-illuminated and could be seen through at times. Cameras were set up nearby. He was ordered to move into the field and stopped within twenty feet of the object, which he described as a "solidified mist." Security police and disaster preparedness crews, equipped with geiger counters, were present. Two cows approached the mist and were never seen again. A small red light then moved over the trees, approached the field in a downward arc, and hovered. It was described as basketball-sized and self-illuminated. Suddenly, the light exploded, showering the object with brilliance. In place of the mist, a solid object appeared, about thirty feet across at the base and twenty-five feet high, with delta appendages. It had no windows or markings.

Warren felt as if he were in a 'dream state' and couldn't comprehend the object's dimensions. He, along with others, was ordered to move closer, noticing their shadows being 'pulled' by the object, despite no lights behind them. Their lighting equipment failed to work. Later, a light emerged from the object, splitting into three, revealing individual beings with eyes, facial features, and clothing, but indistinct lower extremities.

Warren recounts being ordered back to their original position. The object was surrounded by security police. He also describes an encounter with three 'beings' who moved towards Lt. Col. Williams. One being adjusted its head to Williams' height, indicating it was alive. Communication, if any, was telepathic. A sound like a tree breaking occurred, and the beings retracted under a delta-type craft. Their arms moved, and they moved back closer. Warren noted they were not standing and lacked a three-dimensional shape. British bobbies taking pictures had their cameras confiscated, and one suffered a mental breakdown and ridicule.

Upon returning to their vehicles, they saw strange lights and blue things moving in the sky. Warren felt 'screwed up' by the experience, which changed his life. He mentions another witness who saw a smaller triangular object in the parking area, which a personnel member grabbed and was moved by. Another 'being' followed a driver and passed through the windshield. A beam of light shot down, and a 'being' ran up it into a hovering dark shape. The next morning, Warren and colleagues were ridiculed by day-shift personnel. Warren noticed his eyes watering profusely and a metallic taste in his mouth.

Security and Cover-up

Warren describes being called to the security chiefs' office for de-briefing, where they were subjected to geiger counter scans. They were told to sign pre-typed statements claiming they were off duty and only saw lights. Men in grey business suits from the United States, identified as 'Armed Forces Security Services' (a field arm of the National Security Agency), were present and unfriendly. A 'Commander Green' from the Office of Naval Intelligence was also mentioned. They were warned against communicating the events via mail or telephone, under threat of reprimand. A film was shown as a 'debriefing tool' to confuse them. When asked what would happen if they told about the incident, an AFSS chap replied, "bullets are cheap!"

Warren recounts a disturbing incident where a colleague, a religious man, became distressed and went 'a.w.o.l.', later committing suicide. This event, and others, led to lives being lost, which the government allegedly wanted to keep secret. Warren's attempt to call his mother about seeing a UFO led to him being in trouble due to 'Comsec' (communications security).

He was later accused of breaching security for making the phone call. Faced with losing his stripes or a $300 fine, he chose the fine. He was constantly watched, and many witnesses were sent on temporary duty assignments abroad, never to be seen again. Warren realized the cover-up was extensive.

Films and photographs of the event exist and have been verified. RAF Watton tracked the objects for three nights, and the USAF requested and took the radar tapes, which were never returned, causing political repercussions.

On January 10, 1981, Warren visited an optical clinic due to eye problems and was informed he had burns to the retina of both eyes. He later stole his medical records. Bleeding through the skin developed, and he was told he was showing signs of radiation sickness.

Warren was relegated to a typing job and eventually quit the USAF, obtaining an honourable discharge. Lt. Col. C.I.Halt revealed in 1993 that the UFOs' actions had affected the nuclear weapons in their underground storage areas by shooting light beams down, rendering many weapons useless.

Peter Robbins, a UFO researcher, is working with Warren on a book titled "Left At East Gate." Robbins visited the site eight years later and confirmed discolored ground. Soil samples showed "profound differences." The book is available from Michael O'Mara Books Ltd.

A REPORT FROM 'HANSARD'

This section presents parliamentary questions raised by Lord Hill-Norton regarding the Rendlesham Forest Incident and related matters.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Halt: Memorandum

Lord Hill-Norton questioned the MoD's response to Lt. Col. Halt's 1981 memorandum about the unidentified craft and the comparison of radiation readings to normal background levels. Lord Gilbert responded that the memorandum was assessed but deemed not of defense significance, and no record of an official assessment of radiation readings exists. He stated that from a defense perspective, 16 years later, there is no requirement for such an assessment.

Highpoint Prison

Lord Hill-Norton inquired about possible evacuation instructions at Highpoint Prison in Suffolk between December 25-30, 1980. Lord Williams of Mostyn regretted that records for the period were unavailable, making it impossible to answer.

RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridge: Nuclear Weapons Allegations

Lord Hill-Norton asked if allegations from the book "Left At East Gate" about nuclear weapons being stored at RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridge in violation of UK/US treaty obligations were true. Lord Gilbert stated the policy is neither to confirm nor deny the location of nuclear weapons.

He also inquired if the MoD was aware of reports from USAF personnel that nuclear weapons stored at RAF Woodbridge were struck by light beams from an unidentified craft. Lord Gilbert stated there is no evidence that the MoD received such reports.

Regarding the suicide of a US security policeman at RAF Bentwaters in January 1981, Lord Gilbert stated the MoD has no information and that investigations are carried out by US Forces.

Finally, concerning medical problems experienced by USAF personnel stemming from the Rendlesham Forest incident, Lord Gilbert stated that information on medical matters relating to US personnel is a US authority issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the Rendlesham Forest Incident, UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups, military involvement, and the impact of these events on witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting evidence and witness accounts to support the reality of the incident and to question official narratives, particularly concerning the alleged cover-up and the potential involvement of nuclear weapons. The inclusion of parliamentary questions from Lord Hill-Norton suggests an ongoing effort to bring these matters into public and governmental discourse.

This issue of OVNI magazine, dated December 2002 and identified as Page 10, focuses on reports of unusual aerial phenomena. The primary cover story details a 'Mini Rod' photographed in a Hinckley churchyard.

Mini 'Rod' Photographed in a Hinckley Churchyard

A report sent in by PRA member Colin Saunders, originally from the 'Hinckley Times' dated 19 December 2002, describes an incident on Sunday, December 1st, 2002. Anthony Martin and his wife Anne were walking through St. Mary's churchyard in Hinckley with their three-year-old son Christopher when Anthony took a picture of a squirrel. Mrs. Martin recalled that they thought it was a nice picture and didn't think much of it at the time. However, when Mr. Martin downloaded the film onto his computer later that day, he noticed something unusual upon magnifying the image: a strange translucent object in the background. This object reminded him of 'Rods,' a phenomenon featured on a television program about sci-fi, which had previously featured American film producer Jose Escamilla, who recorded video footage of a strange creature flying in the sky in March 1994. 'Rods' have since been videoed worldwide, with speculation that they might be a previously undiscovered life-form. Mr. Martin has since emailed the photo to Mr. Escamilla, who verified it as a 'Rod'.

Strange Glowing Ball of Light Seen Over Chaddesden, Derby

This report, dated March 28th, 2003, details a sighting by Mr. D. Lever and his ten-year-old daughter in Chaddesden, Derby. At 10:15 pm, Mr. Lever noticed an amber/orange light coming from the direction of East Midlands Airport, which he distinguished from the usual white landing lights of aeroplanes. The light intensified as it approached their house, almost coming to a complete stop. Mr. Lever, his daughter, his girlfriend, and her friend all witnessed the object. There was no sound, even at close proximity. Mr. Lever's daughter initially thought it was an aeroplane's engine on fire. Mr. Lever attempted to record video, but his camera battery was flat. The light disappeared within seconds. Mr. Lever described the observation, which lasted 7 to 8 minutes, as a very bright amber ball of fire travelling fairly fast, and none of the witnesses could identify it as a normal flying machine. The weather conditions were good, with scattered cloud but visible stars.

Laser-Like Light Beam Seen Near Twycross

This report, from Colin Saunders, describes strange beams of light seen in the sky without an identifiable source. The incident was witnessed by a Fire Officer Manager, Mr. John Elliott, and his wife, Maureen, in early March 2003. While driving near Twycross, Mr. Elliott saw what he initially thought was a TV transmitter mast, but soon realized it was a thin shaft of light shining down through low cloud cover. He observed two other less bright shafts of light. He estimated the lights to be 5-10 miles away. He continued to observe them until he arrived home in Swepstone, Leicestershire. From his paddock, he saw the lights move away towards Ratcliffe Power Station in a NNE direction. He heard no noise, and the lights remained vertical. He concluded it was not a helicopter due to the lack of noise and vertical movement, and not a typical aircraft as it moved very slowly and without deviation from the vertical. The editors commented that Mr. Elliott described the light as rod-like, with no spreading of the beam, similar to lights described emanating from UFO craft.

Mysterious Light Seen Over Belper

On the night of April 2nd, 2003, at about 9 pm, Mr. John Shelton of Oakerthorpe observed a yellow light over Belper. The light was about three times the size of a high magnitude star, descending at an angle of approximately 70 degrees from a height of about 3,000ft at a rapid rate, taking no more than 10 seconds to descend. It was very bright and transcribed an arc. Mr. Shelton saw no navigation lights. The light was lost from sight behind a hill at Heage. His window faced South, and he heard no noise. The light was described as almost golden in appearance. The editors noted that both Belper and Heage have had a number of UFO sightings in recent years.

Tale Enders: Is Something Unusual Going On Down The East Coast?

This section compiles several alerts and reports related to unusual events along the East Coast of the UK:

• Possible Sonic Events, Nottinghamshire (April 15, 2003): BGS received media enquiries regarding felt events between 01:00-05:00 UTC, described as 'a rumbling sound' and 'a tremor'. Rapid-access networks detected no earthquakes or signals consistent with sonic origins. The RAF confirmed no military aircraft were operational in the area.
• Probable Sonic Events, Coastal Areas of Lincolnshire and Humberside (April 8, 2003): BGS received reports of felt events between 19:00-21:00 UTC, described as house shaking, windows rattling, and rumbling sounds. No earthquakes or sonic signals were detected, though the RAF confirmed military aircraft were operational.
• Sonic Event, Bridlington, Humberside (April 3, 2003): BGS received reports of a felt event at approximately 10:21 UTC, described as house shaking, windows cracking, and a rumbling sound. No earthquakes were detected, but a signal consistent with a sonic origin was observed on the BGS Leeds network. The RAF could not confirm military aircraft activity.
• Chesterfield UFO Sighting (May 5, 2003): John Brooks reported seeing an object travelling NE that reflected the sun and then suddenly 'went out' like a light being turned off, with no vapour trail or visible object remaining.
• UFO Sightings Perplex Peninsula Residents (New Zealand): A retired couple in Coromandel Peninsula saw a bullet-shaped object with distinct orange lights stop above their house for about half a minute on February 12, 2003. Four days later, on February 16th, two men in Whitianga saw two silver discs followed by a mustard-coloured cylindrical object with pointed wings, which emitted a heat shimmer and made no sound.

Next PRA Meeting

The next PRA meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, May 27th, at 8 pm at the Royal British Legion in Allenton, Derby. The meeting was to feature a video from East Coast investigator Russell Kellett showing UFO activity near Flamborough Head/Bridlington, and extracts from a recent UFO Conference held in the USA. Entry was £1, with non-members welcome and a free raffle for a UFO book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings and unexplained aerial phenomena, with a focus on UK-based incidents but also including international reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these events and presenting them to the readership, often with comments from editors that contextualize the sightings within broader UFO lore. There is a clear interest in phenomena such as 'rods' and unexplained lights, as well as sonic events. The magazine also includes a regular column on astronomical events, suggesting a broader interest in sky phenomena. The publication encourages reader submissions and provides information on related events and organizations like the PRA.