Pre-1947 UFO Bulletin - 1981 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Pre-1947 UFO Bulletin
Issue: No. 2
Date: March 1981

This issue of the Pre-1947 UFO Bulletin delves into the historical context of UFO sightings and public perception, emphasizing the need to understand the underlying social, political, and psychological factors that influence these experiences.

Historical Airship Panics and Social Anxiety

The lead article by Nigel Watson discusses the 1909 and 1913 mystery airship waves in Britain. Watson argues that these sightings were deeply connected to the prevailing fears of German invasion and espionage. He references Charles Lowe's article 'About German Spies' from the January 1910 Contemporary Review, which criticized 'unscrupulous writers' and journalists for exacerbating public fears and contributing to international tension. Lowe is quoted as stating that such publications were 'acts of criminal levity against the peace of two kindred nations a poisoning of the wells of public truth'.

Roger Sandell's article 'From Conspirators...To Contactees' (Magonia No. 5, 1980) is mentioned for its study of pre-1914 Britain, noting how international tension and social unrest challenged the societal fabric. Sandell's earlier work, 'The Airship and Other Panics' (MUFOB Ns 12, Autumn 1978), is also referenced.

The threat of German expansionism is presented as a key factor that gave a new dimension to UFO sightings, particularly when associated with the ubiquitous Germans and the advancements of Count Zeppelin. The potential challenge to British naval supremacy by airships and aeroplanes is highlighted, seen as a terrifying innovation that could compromise the nation's perceived security, especially given Britain's perceived failure to keep pace with aeronautical advancements.

The American Airship Panic of 1897

The bulletin contrasts the British situation with the American airship panic of 1897. David Fideler, in his article 'Gateways to Mystery' (Fortean Times No 33, Autumn 1980), suggests that the American sightings symbolized the 'soaring industrial dream' and the elevation of man by the machine, rather than religion. However, the frequent breakdowns of these airships are noted as pointing towards the failure of technology as an ultimate problem solver.

John Fletcher, in 'Lo! He Comes In Clouds Descending' (Magonia No 1, Autumn 1979), further explores the social, political, and economic turmoil in Ohio in 1897. He posits that economic depression led to a 'non-conformist religious revival', and airships appeared as a manifestation of this, symbolizing scientific and technological wonders in a secularized society, akin to a 'Book of Revelation' imagery. The author expresses skepticism about overly simplistic explanations but finds it fascinating how various factors can converge to create waves of mystery aerial object sightings.

Public Expression and Naivety

The issue touches upon how these factors can lead to different forms of public expression, criticizing Charles Bowen's article 'Important Lesson?' (FSR Vol 26 No 5, Jan 1981) as naive in its understanding of complex human behavior.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical context of UFO sightings, the influence of societal anxieties (such as war fears and technological change) on their interpretation, and the role of media and public discourse in shaping perceptions. The editorial stance appears to favor a nuanced, interdisciplinary approach, integrating historical, social, psychological, and technological perspectives to understand UFO phenomena, while cautioning against simplistic explanations.