Pegasus - 1984 January-February

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: January/February 1984
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)
Type: Journal

This issue marks the re-launch of the magazine 'PEGASUS', coinciding with a significant UFO 'Flap' in the Aldershot/Camberley area. The editorial expresses optimism about attracting new readers and members interested in UFO phenomena, noting a number of startling cases in the surrounding region and increased contact from members wishing to assist in investigations.

Contents This Month

The issue features several articles and reports:

• Pages 2/3/4/5: The Mr Burtoo Case (See front cover) - Detailed account by Omar Fowler.
• Page 6: Publication and Lecture News - By Timothy Good.
• Pages 7/8/9: UFO's Fact or Fiction ? - A series by Ron Harman.
• Page 9: Current UFO Cases - SIGAP Records.
• Page 10: Current UFO Cases - SIGAP Records.

Administration Changes

Mike Prewett has resigned as Group Secretary due to increased business commitments. Brenda Whitfield has taken over as Secretary, and Ron Harman will serve as Treasurer for the coming year.

Advertisments ?

The magazine notes an exchange copy of 'JFO News-Flash' from Centro Ufologico Nazionale (Italy), detailing the Siragusa contact case. The possibility of including advertisements in future issues is mentioned.

The Mr Burtoo Case

This extensive report details an encounter experienced by Mr. Alfred Burtoo, a 77-year-old man from Aldershot, Hants. The incident occurred on August 11th, 1983, at 01:15 AM near the Basingstoke Canal Bank.

Mr. Burtoo, an experienced outdoorsman, went fishing in ideal conditions. While preparing his tackle, he heard footsteps and encountered an MOD policeman, with whom he spoke briefly. Later, near the canal bank, he heard the 'gong' at Buller Barracks strike one (1 AM). As he prepared to fish, he observed a light approaching from the South. He initially dismissed it as an aeroplane or helicopter but soon realized it was only about three hundred feet off the ground. The object landed further along the towpath, and its brilliant light was extinguished.

Two 'forms', described as being just over 4 ft. high and dressed in pale green overalls with visors, approached him. One of the beings waved for him to come, and he followed them towards the object. The object was described as sitting on the towpath, extending over the water and bank, with steps leading up to it. The interior was described as hexagon-shaped, with a column in the center. Mr. Burtoo was asked to stand under an amber light, and a voice questioned him about his age. Upon stating he would be 78, he was told to turn around and was eventually dismissed with the words, "you can go, you are too old and too infirm for our purposes."

He observed the craft had a turret on top, like an inverted saucer or a chimney cowl, which rotated anti-clockwise. The craft then lifted off and flew towards the South West, over the military cemetery and Tongham, out of sight.

Mr. Burtoo stated he was more curious than scared, and the experience has convinced him of the reality of UFOs. He described the beings' attire as a one-piece overall, with pea green helmets and blacked-out visors, and noted the absence of buttons or belts. He estimated he was inside the craft for about half an hour.

Publication and Lecture News

This section notes changes in the UFO investigation scene, including the retirement of Charles Bowen from 'Flying Saucer Review' due to ill health. Gordon Creighton is introduced as the new Editor of FSR. The Surrey Investigation Group is also exchanging information and co-operating with Timothy Good of Beckenham, Kent. Mr. Good, a lecturer and consultant to the House of Lords All-Party UFO Study Group, has donated his book "George Adamski - The Untold Story". The article mentions that Mr. Burtoo has lost over a stone in weight since his encounter, attributing it to worry and lack of sleep rather than radiation sickness.

Mr. Burtoo is scheduled to attend a lecture by Timothy Good in Leatherhead on March 21st.

UFO's: Fact or Fiction ? (Series by Ron Harman)

This article begins by setting a scene of a typical late-night drive where a bright light approaches, causing radio static, engine failure, and intense illumination. It then transitions to discussing the reality of UFO sightings, noting that despite thousands of reports, no definitive proof of these craft exists. However, it highlights that UFOs have been tracked by radar, intercepted by fighters, and have 'buzzed' airliners.

The article then reviews several unusual cases:

• Warminster, Wiltshire: During the 1960s, the area was a focal point for strange lights, noises, and car stoppages. A public meeting was held on August 27th, 1965, with little resolution.
• Major William Hill's Incident (September 7th, 1965): While driving near Warminster, his car engine stopped, the chassis shuddered, and he felt a rolling motion. An air vibration and whining noise were present before the car returned to normal.
• Upton Scuddimore Incident: A luminous, egg-shaped object was observed near a farmhouse, emitting a low throb. The following morning, ivy on the house was found pulled down.
• Isle of Wight Crop Damage (Autumn 1967): A three-mile strip of barley fields showed strange whirligig patterns, identified by aeronautical engineer Leonard Cramp as the path of an Unidentified Flying Object.
• Charlton Potato Field Incident (July 1963): A farmer discovered an 8' diameter crater in his potato field. Investigations by police, army, and bomb disposal found metal and rocky substance, but no trace of a bomb.
• Dr. Randall's Claims: An Australian Astrophysicist, Dr. Randall, claimed to have found marks similar to those in Australia, made by 'Flying Saucers' weighing 600 tons with fifty-man crews. He was reportedly consulted by the Army.

The article concludes by stating "(To be continued in next issue)".

Late News

• French Government Report: A BBC report stated that the French Government confirmed radiation and chemical changes in soil samples from an impression found in southern France two years prior.
• Delayed Action? (M3 Incident): Mr. and Mrs. Mallaband reported a bright blue/green oval object flying over their car on the M3 near Camberley on January 22nd, 1984. Subsequently, their car's headlights and radio failed, accompanied by a deep hum and silence, lasting a few seconds before returning to normal. This case is under investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of specific UFO cases, particularly the 'Mr Burtoo Case,' and the presentation of various unexplained aerial phenomena and encounters. The magazine adopts a stance of serious inquiry into UFO reports, presenting witness testimonies and expert opinions while acknowledging the lack of definitive proof. There is an emphasis on gathering information, co-operating with other researchers, and keeping the readership updated on the latest developments in the field. The re-launch of the magazine signifies a renewed commitment to exploring UFO phenomena.

This issue of "ELECTRIC BLUE UFO" from the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP) details several distinct sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena, primarily characterized by their blue coloration and unusual shapes. The magazine, identified by issue number S1001A. and dated 17/1/84, also provides background information on SIGAP's operations and its network of contacts.

Sightings Reported

Ash, Aldershot Sighting (17/1/84)

Mrs. Kathreen Harris and her son reported an encounter on Winchester Road, Ash (near Aldershot) at 1945hrs on January 17, 1984. Mrs. Harris described the object as resembling something from a science fiction film, specifically a "Flying Saucer" with a white base and an electric blue top. The dome was noted as being "as bright as the moon." The object was also described as cigar-shaped with apparent windows in its lower section. The sighting concluded with the object slowly flying off in the direction of Guildford, its lights dimming and leaving a red glow.

Aldershot Fluorescent Blue UFO (14/1/84)

At 1630hrs on January 14, 1984, Mr. Andrew Roberts, a building surveyor, observed a fluorescent blue object over Aldershot. He described its light intensity as similar to a stroboscopic lamp and estimated its altitude to be around 200ft. Mr. Roberts, who was in his car at the time, followed the object for a few seconds and was adamant it was not a conventional aircraft or flare. He characterized the object's front as rounded and clear, while the rear was hazy, describing the overall shape as "egg shaped."

Farnborough Case S946 (20/1/80)

This section, titled "IN RETROSPECT: Case S946," recounts a sighting by Mr. Fred Smith, a milkman, on January 20, 1980. While on his rounds in Cove, Farnborough, he observed a crescent-shaped, bluish glowing light at altitude. The object flew in a circle around Farnborough and then departed. It reappeared later that morning at 0526hrs, circled Farnborough again, and then flew off. This incident was previously referenced in the "Pegasus March/April issue 1980."

Welcome Assistance

SIGAP announced that it has received offers of help for local investigations from several individuals: Bill Fishwick (Blackwater member), Mr. David Daines (Airline Pilot, Camberley), Steve Chetwynd (BUFORA National Co-ordinator, Windsor), and John Bastock of Woking.

Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)

The second page provides details about SIGAP itself. It is an organization that exchanges magazines with numerous other UFO research groups internationally, including Northern.UFOLOGY, BUFORA Journal, FSR, TVS, Quest, UFO Insight, SAPRT, Radio 210, CEFAI, MAPIT, UFO Network, GEP, UFO News Bulletin, Guernsey UFO Research Gp, Odyssey, Archives For UFO Research, and CUN. The magazine is published bi-monthly and costs .50 per copy for non-members.

SIGAP was founded in early 1967 by a small group of people to investigate UFO phenomena locally, primarily in Surrey and surrounding counties. The group's investigative process begins with a "Hot-line" number (Guildford, 235949) which triggers a preliminary inquiry to rule out common explanations. The article states that over 80 percent of reports can be explained by natural or man-made phenomena. If an immediate explanation is not found, SIGAP investigators interview witnesses, visit sites, and consult internal experts. The group also collaborates with other organizations and forwards significant reports to the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois, USA, which is led by Dr. J Allen Hynek.

The key personnel listed for SIGAP are: Omar Fowler (Chairman & Investigation Co-ordinator), Mrs. B. Whitfield (Secretary), and Mr. R. Harman (Treasurer).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, with a particular focus on objects exhibiting blue coloration. The editorial stance appears to be one of methodical investigation, aiming to find rational explanations for sightings while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena. SIGAP's approach emphasizes rigorous preliminary checks and the collaboration with other research bodies and experts, including the prominent Center for UFO Studies.