Probe Report Volume 2 Issue 2

Magazine Overview

Title: THE PROBE REPORT
Issue: Vol 2 No 2
Date: September 1981
Publisher: PROBE UFO Research Organisation
Country: England
ISSN: 0260-8189
Price: £2.00 for four issues, post paid.

Editorial Comment: What's in a Network?

The editorial discusses PROBE's resignation from MAUFOG (Members of the Affiliation of UFO Groups) on August 8th, citing a lack of cooperation and function within the network. The author distinguishes between different types of UFO groups: active investigative groups with rigorous standards, 'club' groups focused on social gatherings, and those that claim to be investigative but lack active participation. PROBE's departure stems from the apathy of some groups that did not actively support MAUFOG's aims, leading to an unequal burden on the active members. Despite the resignation, PROBE remains committed to inter-group communication and advocates for new networks built on strict standards, rules, and trust. The editorial notes the promising beginnings of ASSAP, UFOIN, and BUFORA, while acknowledging that MAUFOG and NUFON are still active, with SCUFORI attempting to salvage the remnants of MAUFOG. The focus is on serious researchers rather than those who waste time.

News Round Up

This section covers several key developments:

• ASSAP Formation: On June 10th, 1981, the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) was formed. It aims to study various anomalous phenomena with strict standards and will publish a journal. Details are available from Hilary Evans.
• PROBE UFO Exhibition: The second annual PROBE UFO Exhibition in Melksham on August 8th was successful, attracting approximately 300 people. It featured a working model flying saucer and 3D mock-ups. Full details and photographs will appear in the next issue.
• UFO INFO EXCHANGE LIBRARY Data Sheets: These large A3 sheets are being given away free. Interested individuals can send a large stamped addressed envelope (20p) to receive half a dozen or so.
• Prince Philip and UFOs: A snippet from Keith Knight reports that in 1975, REVEILLE claimed Prince Philip was a 'fanatic' on UFOs and charted sightings. The Palace denied this but confirmed he was not uninterested. A later report in the DAILY MIRROR (May 12th, 1981) stated Prince Philip had asked the House of Lords Society for advance notice of their meetings.
• CENAP Notice: A special notice from German colleagues CENAP seeks German-speaking readers willing to do voluntary translations of English reports to aid European information exchange. Contact Werner Walter in Mannheim.

Contents

The issue includes articles on a rotating 'balloon' over Bristol, reflections on British ufology, Terry's Skywatch Page, the strange case of 'Mister X', letters to the editor, book reviews, and a case closed contribution.

Rotating 'Balloon' Over Bristol

Investigated by Mike Seager and Terry Chivers, reported by Ian Mrzyglod (Case Ref: P7-81/U).

Introduction: The sighting came to light via an article in the Bristol Evening Post requesting sightings. The witness, Rodney Holbrook, contacted PROBE.

Investigation: On February 20th, Terry Chivers and Mike Seager interviewed Holbrook, who described a black, near-spherical object silently floating overhead around 5:00 PM on Saturday, February 14th, 1981, from Canford Park, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. The object appeared to be rotating slowly around a central axis, with an appendage visible on top. It was not a hot-air balloon as it lacked a basket and had a strange 'block' on top. The object disappeared over trees after about a minute. Another witness was present about 80 yards away. Holbrook, aged 32, had no prior interest in UFOs and was eager to find the truth.

Investigators visited the site and local airports/flying clubs. Holbrook estimated the object's height at 350-550 feet and speed at 25 mph, following a linear path. These figures ruled out conventional aircraft. The West of England Air Ballooning Association stated conditions were unsuitable for ballooning, and no balloons matched the description. Bill Ryder, PROBE's meteorologist, reported light wind, good visibility, 1.7°C, and patchy Stratocumulus clouds, consistent with Holbrook's description of 'cold, sunny, clear sky and no wind'. High altitude winds were North to North Easterly, but slight at ground level.

Conclusions: The weather description was accurate, no known aircraft were present, and conditions were unsuitable for ballooning. The object's size and height estimations were difficult to verify precisely. If the object was 13.5 feet in diameter at 450 feet, it was too small for a balloon. Reducing the height to 200 feet would make the object about 6 feet, with a speed of around 10 mph to match the duration. The possibility of debris like a dustbin-liner was considered but deemed unlikely given Holbrook's initial thought of a hot-air balloon. The presence of another witness confirmed Holbrook saw something. The case remains unexplained, falling into the 10% unknown category.

Reflections on British UFology

By Geoff Bird.

This article reflects on the state of British ufology, emphasizing the need for greater understanding and cooperation. The author highlights the positive outcome of efforts to establish a code of practice for investigators, stressing that basic standards are necessary to strengthen research and eliminate those who discredit ufology. Groups signing the code have a common foundation for unity. The author notes that existing networks like MAUFOG and NUFON have served a purpose, but stalwarts often carry the workload while others are passive. The article calls for a national federation of UFO groups and improved local cooperation. The establishment of ASSAP is seen as a positive step. The author urges groups to sign the code of practice and attend the 1982 BUFORA Conference to plot the future of British ufology. The piece concludes by advocating for change, urging ufologists to move beyond dogmatism and personality clashes to focus on genuine research rather than ufology politics.

Terry's Skywatch Page

Terry recounts his experiences observing the sky, hoping to see something unusual. He describes an incident where he and friends (Stuart Payne, Pete Roberts, and a chap from Swindon) investigated flashing lights on a field near Cradle Hill. They initially thought they were seeing aliens but discovered it was a hoax by four teenagers. Terry also shares an anecdote about meeting Ian on a hill during heavy rain, where Ian's brother and friend fell into a mud pool while approaching on a motorbike.

The Strange Case of 'Mister X'

By Klaus Webner.

The author critically examines Charles Berlitz and William L. Moore's book, 'The Roswell Incident,' calling it a mixture of speculation, fantasy, and false information. He dismisses claims of 'secret' NASA films and photographs, attributing them to lens flare and ordinary phenomena. The article then focuses on an old article from the Wiesbaden Tagblatt (April 1st, 1950) titled 'Flying Saucers Over Wiesbaden. A Giant Flying Disc Crashed.' The report detailed the hunting down of a crashed saucer near Wiesbaden, the seizure of a 'strange creature' (Mister X) with one leg, large eyes, and an oval head, and its placement in protective custody at the Neroberg hotel. The article mentions that the Americans offered no comments and that special units were searching for other crew members. The author spoke with the writer and photographer of this article on April 15th, 1981.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the organization and professionalism of UFO research, the need for rigorous standards, and the investigation of specific cases. The editorial stance is critical of ineffective UFO networks and advocates for a more structured, evidence-based approach to ufology. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing genuine research from speculation and hoaxes. The issue also highlights the international nature of UFO research, with mentions of organizations and reports from Germany and the USA.

This issue of the WIESBADENER TAGBLATT, dated April 1st, 1950, features a cover story revealing that a widely reported 'flying saucer crash' was an elaborate April Fool's joke. The magazine also includes a 'Case Closed' feature investigating a 'Light in the Sky' sighting, book reviews, and letters to the editor discussing the state of ufology and magazine publishing.

The 'Mister X' April Fool's Joke

The main article details how reporter Wilhelm Sprunkel of the WIESBADENER TAGBLATT conceived the idea of an April Fool's joke involving a flying saucer crash. To make it realistic, he contacted U.S. liaison officers to borrow two soldiers. Photographer Hans Scheffler created the 'flying saucer' images by cutting out light fountain glasses and gluing them onto photographs. The 'creature' in the photos was actually Scheffler's five-year-old son, Peter. The 'special effects' like the hose and breathing gear were added by Hans Scheffler. The source of the photographs was falsely given as '3 TRANSLAG/USA PHOTOS'. The staged event, including a 'mysterious encounter with Mister X', took place near Neroberg. The story was so convincing that the American weekly newspaper WIESBADEN POST reprinted it.

Wilhelm Sprunkel received calls from journalists interested in buying the copyright, but he managed to convince them it was a joke. On Monday, April 3rd, 1950, the WIESBADENER TAGBLATT published a denial under the headline: 'TÜCHTIG REINGEFALLEN!' (Good Letdown!).

The article explains how the joke photograph later came into the possession of Charles Berlitz and William Moore. It's suggested that one of the U.S. soldiers sent the newspaper clipping to the FBI in America in May 1950. The story remained in FBI archives until the 'Freedom of Information Act' was enacted. Barry Greenwood, associated with the UFOIN organisation, acquired FBI photocopies and discovered the 'Mister X' picture. Due to its poor quality, UFOIN's draughtsman, Lawrence Blazey, made a sketch. William Moore then ordered this material for his book 'THE ROSWELL INCIDENT', effectively reviving 'Mister X' for a second time.

The issue also notes that the authors of books featuring the 'Mister X' story, like Charles Berlitz and William L. Moore, had not conducted their own investigations into the case's origin in Wiesbaden. Employees of the WIESBADENER TAGBLATT confirmed the story's hoax nature, and the photographer, reporter, and even 'Mister X' himself were still employed there.

In 1981, the WIESBADENER TAGBLATT published an article about this case, titled 'A TAGBLATT APRIL JOKE IN THE FILES OF THE FBI........ AND NOW AS A TRUE SAUCER REPORT IN A BOOK PUBLICATION.' The newspaper, however, did not mention the name of the researcher who uncovered this information.

Regarding the Roswell incident, the article states that available material indicates only a balloon with a target crashed in 1947. It dismisses rumors of crashed spaceships or 'little men' as lacking concrete foundation from CIA or FBI files, labeling them as fantasies.

Case Closed: An Interesting Light In The Sky

This section, edited by Mark A. Tyrrell, Secretary to Federation UFO Research and Editor of UFO INSIGHT, presents a case investigation of a 'Light in the Sky' (LITS) sighting. The case involved a 12-year-old witness, David Kiapowski, who reported seeing a creamy, hazy light with a sharp center and hazy outside on August 23rd, 1978, in Nantwich, UK. The object was described as 'falling slowly' and lasted no more than 10 seconds. The investigation included an on-site visit and measurement of elevations, which were consistent with the witness's testimony. The article suggests that LITS reports, while less attention-grabbing than 'Close Encounter' cases, can offer insights into the psychological processes of witnesses.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• UFO STUDY by Jenny Randles: Described as a step-by-step manual for UFO investigation, the book is praised for its basic procedures but criticized for its later sections that filter in the author's beliefs, leaning towards psychic influence and confusing the research section. The reviewer notes that the book starts with physical phenomena but ends in a 'dream world' of psychic experiences.
• ALIEN QUEST by George H. Leonard: This novel is described as having silly moments and daft 'Moon Machines'. It references many well-known UFO cases and figures. The reviewer finds the story entertaining but questions the plausibility of UFOs regularly burning cars and sucking up water without crowds watching.
• THE UFO ENCYCLOPEDIA by Margaret Sachs: The review highlights the challenge of encyclopedias becoming outdated quickly. While acknowledging the usefulness of the cases and personnel included, it notes that information is distorted and some organizations featured have vanished. Errors are attributed to reliance on others' honesty, though a specific error of transforming Travis Walton into Travis Walter is noted as the author's fault.
• INTO THIN AIR by Paul Begg: This book is seen as a disappointment for its re-examination of original press reports and letters concerning 'vanishing' tales. While it thoroughly assesses many stories, dismissing some as fabrication, the reviewer finds Begg's intentions confusing, as he dismisses evidence in some cases while being astounded by others, leading to an unclear conclusion.
• WHEELWORLD by Harry Harrison: A science fiction novel set on a planet with extreme seasons requiring the population to move. The story follows a journey across the planet when ships arrive with supplies.
• THE EMBEDDING by Ian Watson: A science fiction novel that cleverly intertwines three themes: a hospital experiment, a doomed tribe, and a spacecraft.
• THE OAK AND THE RAM by Michael Moorcock: A science fantasy book, typical of Moorcock's writing, involving magic and enchantment.
• MOORCOCK'S BOOK OF MARTYRS by Michael Moorcock: A collection of short stories, including a slant on Alexander The Great and a controversial tale of a time traveler posing as Jesus Christ.
• ENEMIES OF THE SYSTEM by Brian Aldiss: A science fiction novel set in a future where humanity has eliminated war, disease, and emotion, focusing on primitive descendants of space-ship colonists.
• THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCIENCE FICTION by Peter Nicholls: A comprehensive reference for SF enthusiasts, containing short reviews and criticisms by SF authors and publishers. It is noted as being hard to follow for the average reader.

Letters to the Editor

Marty Moffatt of SCUFORI writes to 'Ian' (presumably the editor of 'The PROBE Report') expressing SCUFORI's viewpoint on magazine production. Moffatt argues that if every UFO group produced a magazine, it would detract from their investigation capabilities, lead to less detailed and inaccurate reports, create intense rivalry, and result in duplication of material. SCUFORI prefers to focus on investigation and have their reports published in existing magazines.

The editor ('Ed.') agrees with Moffatt's points, particularly about the need for UFO magazines and the importance of publishing reports. He acknowledges that PROBE is happy to receive reports from SCUFORI.

John Rimmer, Editor of MACONIA, criticizes Arthur Shuttlewood for his 'name-calling' in criticisms of ufologists who express doubts. Rimmer defends his publication, the 'Merseyside UFO Bulletin' (later 'Metempirical UFO Bulletin' and 'ZMAGONIA'), as having a policy of rational examination. He dismisses Shuttlewood's accusations of vitriol and notes that Shuttlewood's own letters are often filled with epithets. Rimmer suggests that most British ufologists view Warminster as peripheral and Shuttlewood as an 'embarrassing figure' hindering wider public acceptance of ufology.

Werner Walter of CENAP, Mannheim, West Germany, discusses similar problems in Germany regarding UFO magazines. He believes most UFO fans prefer futuristic stories over scientific journals, leading to a lack of interest when presented with more scientific content. Walter argues that 'Ufology' is a negative term for the public and advocates for 'UFO-Investigation' as a better term. He stresses the need for real investigation back to the roots, focusing on detailed and critical case-by-case analysis rather than sensational stories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and factual reporting in ufology, contrasting it with sensationalism and hoaxes. The 'Mister X' case serves as a prime example of how a fabricated story can gain traction and mislead the public and even researchers. The letters to the editor highlight a debate within the ufological community about the best approach to research and dissemination of information, with a clear preference for scientific methodology and critical analysis over speculative or belief-driven narratives. The editorial stance appears to favor a grounded, investigative approach, critical of unsubstantiated claims and appreciative of efforts to debunk or clarify misinformation, as seen in the 'Case Closed' feature and the critique of certain book publications.

Title: THE PROBE REPORT
Issue: Vol. 2. No.1.
Date: 1981
Publisher: PROBE PRESS
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Probe Report, dated 1981, focuses on a UFO sighting case designated 'CASE CLOSED,' exploring the psychological and media influences on the witness's perception.

Case Study: A Scared Witness

The main article details a sighting that occurred on Eastern Road, near the suburban villages of Willaston and Wistaston. The location was bordered by railway lines, trees, hedges, and fields, described as having a rural aspect. Initial investigations by the Manchester Weather Centre and the Meteorological Office at Bracknell ruled out the possibility of a weather balloon. The Ministry of Defence provided a standard response, and no specific enquiry was made to Manchester Airport, though it was noted that aircraft can fly at low altitudes without contacting the airport. The position of the moon at the time of the sighting was also determined to be a non-factor.

A tour of the area by car did not reveal anything unusual, and there were no other sighting reports for the area at that time. The investigator noted that the area covered was large, making it difficult to ascertain the exact location of the light.

The witness, a young boy named David, was interviewed, and his report was deemed 'no evaluation possible' at the time. However, the writer of the article wished to explore factors that might have influenced David's report, particularly recent events in his life. It was speculated that David's subconscious might have caused him to imagine the event or greatly exaggerate something he had seen. This was supported by an interview with his parents, who confirmed that David was both excited and very scared after the incident. His father and brother went to the sighting area, but David refused to go due to fear, and his mother stayed with him. His parents stated that David's story had not changed upon retelling, though he was known to sometimes enlarge on stories, which was attributed to his young age.

The CElll film - an influence?

A significant portion of the article delves into the potential influence of the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' which David had seen a few days before the sighting. Although David maintained the two experiences were different, the article suggests the film may have acted as a trigger or had a subliminal influence on how he perceived and reported the visual stimuli. Two extracts from David's taped interview are presented:

• "The film itself frightened me and seeing the UFO, it frightened me even more about UFOs and things like that....."
• "Seeing the film I sort of knew it was a film, but it gave me a clearer understanding of UFOs and when I saw the UFO I believed completely...."

The article further speculates that David's subconscious might have been influenced by the film, especially given the sighting area's similarities to scenes in the movie – being outside a village, dark, and quiet. Fatigue from swimming and cycling home may have also played a role in enhancing his susceptibility to suggestion.

The writer references the known phenomenon of witnesses unconsciously fabricating evidence to supplement their memory, citing tests where subjects recalled broken glass at an accident scene even if none was present. It is argued that individuals are constantly open to suggestion from media like radio, television, films, books, and newspapers.

David's brother's interest in UFOs is also mentioned as a potential, though considered minimal, influence.

The article concludes that regardless of whether David's experience was 'real' in a physical sense, it presents aspects studied by qualified people in the U.S. It stresses that 'LITS' (Likely To Suggest) cases should not be ignored.

References

The article cites the following references:

• Aids to Identification of Flying Objects, published 1968 by the U.S. Government Printing Office.
• Psychology and Mind Control by Martyn Partridge, forming Section 5 of 'Science Fact,' published 1977 by Topaz Publishing Ltd., edited by Prof. Frank George and produced under the direction of Colin Rose.

Advertisements and Publications

The latter part of the magazine includes advertisements for UFO-related resources and publications:

• WORLD UFO GUIDE: Information on UFO groups, publications, and book suppliers, available from UFO NETWORK, Mill Hill, London.
• SKYWATCH: A magazine featuring national and international UFO news, sightings, letters, articles, and adverts. Subscriptions and single issues are available from David Rees at Mapit-Skywatch, Stockport.
• OCCULT WORLD: An independent magazine covering occult traditions, from Blackburn.
• Wanted Information: Keith Knight is seeking information on Astronaut UFO sightings, with costs reimbursed.

Additionally, page three lists publications with which 'THE PROBE REPORT' exchanges information, including numerous UK-based publications like ANDROMEDA, AWARENESS, BUFORA JOURNAL, EARTHLINK, FORESIGHT, HELIOS NEWS, IRISH UFO NEWS, JOURNAL-TAP, LANTERN, MAGIC SAUCER, MAGONIA, MERSEY NEWS, NORTHERN UFO NEWS, NORTHERN UFOLOGY, NUFOIS NEWS, and UFO RESEARCH REVIEW. It also lists international exchanges from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, and Yugoslavia.

Page four provides details for back issues of 'The Probe Report' available for purchase, including titles such as "More UFO Puzzlers," "The Undersea Pyramid in the Bermuda Triangle," "The Dumb-Bell Asteroid," "Westbury Circles," "Astronauts Sightings," "The Ethics of Skywatching," "Can a Flying Saucer Fly?," "Incident at Devizes," "The Mayan Connection?," "Swindon Cigar," and "M4 UFOS." The subscription rate is £2.00 for four issues, post free.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the critical examination of UFO sighting reports, particularly those involving young witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, acknowledging the reality of UFO phenomena while also emphasizing the importance of considering psychological, social, and media influences on witness testimony. The magazine advocates for thorough investigation of all cases, including those that might initially appear to be influenced by suggestion or imagination ('LITS' cases), suggesting that even these can offer valuable insights into the broader UFO phenomenon and human perception.