Project Red Book vol 5 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol 5, #1
Date: July 2001
Publisher: YUFOS Yorkshire UFO Society
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1:50

This issue of Project Red Book, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society (YUFOS), features a prominent interview with UFO researcher and author Nick Redfern. The cover art depicts an alien holding a 'TOP SECRET MOD FILE ON NICHOLAS REDFERN', highlighting Redfern's investigative work.

Contents Overview

The magazine's contents page details several articles and features:

1. AN INTERVIEW WITH NICK REDFERN: Dave Baker interviews Nick Redfern about his involvement in ufology, his research into secret documents and cover-ups, and his thoughts on figures like Nick Pope.
2. THE PHANTOM MENACE: UFOs in WW1 (Part 2): Dr. David Clarke continues his investigation into phantom airships during World War I and re-examines the 'Angel of Mons' case.
3. FROM AROUND THE WORLD...: A collection of shorter reports including a new perspective on the Loch Ness Monster ('Nessie "a case of the shakes"'), Sasquatch footprints, airline near-misses, and an update on the Snaefel incident.
4. YUFOS ON THE ROAD: Jon Slater recounts his experience giving a talk to another UFO group.
5. APOLLO 15 LANDING SITES SPOTTED IN IMAGES: Leonard David of SPACE.com debunks the 'MoonGate' conspiracy theory.
6. LAST WORDS: A concluding piece that fills the final page.

Editorial and Society Information

The magazine also includes contact details for YUFOS, subscription information, and a list of editorial staff. Dave Baker is listed as Editor, Chairman & He-Who-Speaketh-The-Most, with Richard Moss as Web-master and Group-secretary. Jon Slater is credited with 'They-Who-Printeth-The-Issues'. Cover illustration is by Dave Baker, and Jacqui Baker is the Treasurer. The 'Message of the month' is 'Don't take "Cake", kids...'. Contributions are listed from Dave Baker, David Clarke, Nick Redfern, Jon Slater, David Yatt, Austen Tassletine, Ted Maul, and Chris Morris.

A disclaimer states that the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, YUFOS members, or anyone else.

AN INTERVIEW WITH NICK REDFERN

Nick Redfern, born in 1964, is the author of books such as 'Covert Agenda', 'The FBI Files', and 'Cosmic Crashes'. His work has been serialized and published internationally. He also writes for UFO Magazine and other online sites, and contributes to newspapers.

Redfern explains that his interest in UFOs began around 1978, initially sparked by his father's experience as a radar mechanic in the RAF in the 1950s. His father's unit at RAF Neatishead tracked unusual objects over the North Sea, leading to an official inquiry and the involvement of the Air Ministry. This incident ignited Redfern's interest in the secrecy surrounding UFOs.

He began his research by investigating straightforward reports of lights in the sky. In the mid-80s, he started writing for Graham Birdsall's UFO Magazine. His research was influenced by reports from the Midlands, particularly Cannock Chase, which yielded sightings of UFOs, big cats, ghosts, and 'Big hairy men'. He notes that many reports involved 'Flying Triangles' similar to those reported today, often with a low humming sound.

Redfern confirms he still actively interviews UFO witnesses, offering advice and visiting them when possible. He also passes details on to other UFO groups for their databases. His primary research focus has shifted towards the secrecy aspect, investigating GCHQ and Special Branch files, and information from the military and intelligence communities, believing that answers lie within their archives.

He discusses how documents from the Public Record Office (PRO) can lead to further investigations, citing the example of RAF Provost and Security Services files from Rudloe Manor leading to an extensive search.

Regarding the MOD's claim of no military investigation into UFOs, Redfern states he has spoken to numerous retired and serving military and government personnel who have investigated these phenomena, concluding that the idea of a small Whitehall office handling everything is "total bollocks."

On the subject of Nick Pope's role at the MoD 'UFO Desk', Redfern acknowledges that while he has no personal issue with Pope, he believes Pope was a public face, and that "real" UFO reports likely went elsewhere.

Redfern expresses skepticism about the 'Men In Black' phenomenon, suggesting some UK accounts can be traced to the RAF's Provost and Security Services. He also discusses the controversy surrounding Rudloe Manor, confirming its involvement in UFO studies and citing a retired RAF officer and the RAF Police Association treasurer who stated Rudloe was the first point of contact for RAF UFO reports.

He touches upon the Official Secrets Act (OSA), noting that while UFOs are not officially covered, a PRO file from 1958 specifically warned RAF personnel against discussing unusual radar trackings with the press. Redfern believes that many documents will never come to light, as people have been tasked with shredding them.

His 'Holy Grail' would be documents related to crash-retrieval cases, which he believes logically must exist if these incidents are valid. While he cannot definitively prove UFOs are extraterrestrial, he finds the technology described in some sightings to be far beyond current human capabilities. He believes a presence from 'somewhere else' is likely, and that a number of cases over the past 50 years could conceivably be extraterrestrial.

Redfern discusses his relationship with researcher Andy Roberts, whom he respects despite disagreements, and praises Roberts' publication 'The Armchair Ufologist'. He also mentions his work with fortean and cryptozoologist Jon Downes on the 'Weird War Tales' series, which explores UFOs, monsters, and ghosts reported during wartime.

Regarding the Berwyn Mountains 'UFO' crash, Redfern initially thought it was a British Roswell but now has doubts, seeing major flaws in the story, though he still believes "something" unusual happened.

He shares his views on various UFO topics, including Rendlesham Forest (controversial, unsure of cause), Alien Abductions (believes they occur but not on the scale alleged), Mexico City Waves (film footage interesting, but a specific UFO behind a building was a hoax), Gulf Breeze (dismissive), Kenneth Arnold's sighting (persuaded he saw something unusual, not pelicans), and The Phoenix Lights (a genuine puzzle).

Redfern expresses his belief that crop circles are man-made, while simple circles might be something else. He traces some UK 'Men In Black' accounts to the RAF's Provost and Security Services. For Cattle Mutilations, he finds FBI files eye-opening, suggesting a link to UFOs or biological warfare.

He explains his avoidance of internet discussion lists, preferring to focus on his journalism and book writing, which occupy most of his week. He finds online debates often devolve into arguments rather than resolutions.

Redfern recommends five books for ufologists: 'A Covert Agenda', 'The FBI Files', 'Cosmic Crashes' by himself, 'The Mothman Prophecies' by John Keel, 'They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers' by Gray Barker, 'Round In Circles' by Jim Schnabel, a trilogy of novels by David Bischoff, and Leonard Stringfield's 'Situation Red'.

He discusses the MJ-12 papers, stating that research with Ryan Wood at the National Archives in Washington suggests it is more than a hoax.

THE PHANTOM MENACE: UFOs IN WORLD WAR ONE? (part two)

Dr. David Clarke continues his investigation into reports of "phantom airships" and strange phenomena during World War I. The article begins with a quote from Kenneth Poolman's 'Zeppelins over England', describing the fear of Zeppelins during the war.

Phantom Zeppelin Raids:

Clarke details a report from the British War Office's 1925 history concerning an early Zeppelin sighting off the coast. Captain Stansfield investigated a report from the Hull trawler SS Ape on December 15, 1914. The crew sighted a "black object" that approached them, identified as an airship, which then headed inland. Stansfield's report concluded the evidence was credible. However, historian Douglas Robinson's research into German airship diaries revealed that weather conditions on that date were so severe that no airships could have flown. This raises the question of whether the report was a rumour or if a "phantom airship" was indeed present before the German attack on Hartlepool.

Strange Lights and Zeppelin Attacks:

The article also discusses puzzling reports of strange lights observed by the Royal Flying Corps defending London from Zeppelin raids. On January 31, 1916, warnings were issued about enemy airships. Nine German Navy Zeppelins were dispatched, but due to weather, targets in the North and Midlands were attacked, not London. Reports indicated one Zeppelin turned south, leading the War Office to calculate its potential path over north London. Orders were sent to fighter squadrons, including those at Hainault Farm, near Romford, Essex.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Project Red Book strongly emphasizes the role of government secrecy and military intelligence in the UFO phenomenon, as articulated by Nick Redfern. The magazine appears to favor investigative journalism focused on declassified documents and insider accounts, rather than purely anecdotal evidence. The inclusion of historical cases, such as the WWI phantom airships, suggests a broad approach to UFO research, spanning different eras. The editorial stance, as indicated by the disclaimer, is that the views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily the society itself, allowing for a range of perspectives within the UFO community.

This issue of PRB magazine, dated July 2001, Volume 5, Issue 1, is a compilation of articles and reports on various unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, paranormal events, and psychological aspects of belief. The magazine covers historical accounts, recent incidents, and scientific or speculative explanations.

Phantom Airships and Early UFO Reports

The issue begins with accounts of early 20th-century aerial encounters. Lieutenant R.S. Maxwell reported seeing an artificial light in the sky in 1914. Flight Sub-Lieutenant J.E. Morgan described seeing what he thought was a Zeppelin with "lighted windows" resembling a railway carriage, which he fired upon. Captain Joseph Morris's history of German air raids is cited, noting that Morgan's report was filed with the War Office but not officially credited. Flight Commander C.E. H. Rathborne reported an encounter with a "phantom airship" with a silver envelope on the horizon in 1914. The article contextualizes these sightings by noting that Germany had a limited number of Zeppelins in service at the outbreak of World War I, suggesting that these sightings were not of German airships.

Rumours and Belief Systems

A section titled "How Rumours Begin" discusses the spread of beliefs and panics during World War I. It uses examples like the rumour of Russian troops being shipped through Britain and the "Angel of Mons" story to illustrate how collective interpretations and psychological motivations can shape eyewitness accounts. The article suggests that these "one-off" belief systems from WWI can help us understand contemporary UFO mythology, with Granville Oldroyd concluding that socio-psychological explanations can account for these phenomena. Sociologists Robert E. Bartholemew and Phillis Fox are mentioned for their work on belief systems and UFO reports, with Dr. Fox describing the process as a type of collective human behaviour where people "see what they expect to see."

False Memories and Psychological Manipulation

An article titled "NEW EVIDENCE SHOWS FALSE MEMORIES CAN BE CREATED" reports on research by Jacquie Pickrell and Elizabeth Loftus from the University of Washington. Their study involved exposing participants to a fake print advertisement for Disneyland featuring Bugs Bunny. A significant percentage of participants later recalled or "knew" they had met the cartoon character, even though it was impossible. The research highlights the malleability of memory and how subtle associations can create false recollections. The ripple effects of these false memories are also discussed, with participants relating Bugs Bunny to other Disneyland elements not mentioned in the ad.

Jetliners' 30 Near Misses with UFOs

This section details a dossier from the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) "X-Files" concerning numerous near-miss incidents between commercial aircraft and unidentified flying objects. The CAA acknowledges that these reports come from highly trained pilots and air traffic controllers and that they have no argument with what they have seen, even if it cannot be explained. The article recounts specific incidents, including a sighting by British Airways pilot Mike Dalton in 1990 of a disc-shaped object, and a "close encounter" in 1991 involving a McDonnell MD80 aircraft and an object flying at a high altitude. Other incidents involve a triangular UFO near Manchester Airport and a cylindrical object sighted by the crew of a Britannia Airways Boeing 737. The CAA spokesman Chris Mason is quoted stating that the aircraft involved in some near-collisions have never been traced.

Sasquatch Speculation

An article titled "BIG FOOTPRINTS STIR SASQUATCH SPECULATION" reports on the discovery of large footprints on the Weenusk First Nation reserve in Northern Ontario, Canada. Abraham Hunter, the chief of the band, states that the prints are not from a bear and are six feet apart. Brett Kelly, a spokesman for the Ontario Environment Minister, notes that no official analysis has been done. Dr. Laurence Kirmayer, director of McGill University's division of social and transcultural psychiatry, suggests that such sightings are typically cultural-specific and that people underestimate the power of imagination and belief.

Is the Real Nessie Just a Case of the Shakes?

This article presents a geological explanation for the Loch Ness Monster, proposed by Dr Luigi Piccardi. He suggests that sightings are triggered by earth tremors, which create large splashes and commotion on the water's surface. Piccardi links the first recorded mention of the monster in the seventh century to an earthquake and notes that Loch Ness is situated over a major active fault zone. He argues that gas emissions from the fault can also create surface effects. The article mentions that the phenomenon gained prominence in 1933, with the first "photograph" taken in 1934.

Isle of Man Mount Snaefell Incident Update

This is an update on an incident on Mount Snaefell, Isle of Man, on January 14, 2001. A witness reported seeing a bright flash and an object the size and shape of a micro-light heading towards a communications mast. The object struck the mast and fell from the sky, followed by thick black smoke. Emergency services conducted a search but found nothing. Police later interviewed the witness and ruled out a model aircraft due to the distance. Inspector Gary Roberts suggested a remote-controlled model aircraft might have been responsible, but the witness finds this explanation unlikely given the circumstances.

YUFOS on the Road

This section reviews a presentation by Jonathan Slater of YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society) held in Scunthorpe. The presentation included reports of local sightings, such as a "domed disc" over Sheffield in 1991 and an object seen over Firth Park in 1962. Videos of alleged UFOs were shown, including footage from Doncaster in 2000 and Vanersborg, Sweden, in 1997. The group also watched a humorous "Roswell" video. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, the psychological factors influencing belief in the extraordinary, and the investigation of alleged encounters. The magazine appears to present a range of accounts, from historical military reports to contemporary civilian sightings and scientific or speculative analyses. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories without necessarily endorsing them, while also acknowledging the role of rumour, misinterpretation, and the creation of false memories in shaping perceptions of these events. The inclusion of references and contact information for researchers and organizations suggests an aim to engage readers in further investigation.

This issue of PRB, Volume 4, #12, dated June 2001, features an article titled "APOLLO 15 LANDING SITE SPOTTED IN IMAGES" by Leonard David, Senior Space Writer for SPACE.com. The magazine also includes a personal reflection piece titled "LAST WORDS (or How to Fill up the Last Page)" by Dave Baker.

Apollo 15 Landing Site Spotted in Images

The main article debunks claims that the Apollo moon landings were a hoax by presenting new research that identifies evidence of a touchdown on the moon. Misha Kreslavsky, a space scientist at Brown University, along with colleague Yuri Shkuratov from the Kharkov Astronomical Observatory in Ukraine, analyzed images from the U.S. Defense Department's high-tech Clementine lunar orbiter. These images, taken in 1994, revealed a small dark spot in the vicinity of the Apollo 15 landing site, which is not associated with any fresh impact crater.

Kreslavsky explained that this anomaly was discovered while processing 52 images taken by Clementine through a red filter. The dark spot is located precisely at the Apollo 15 landing site, which was the Hadley-Apennine region on the moon. The Apollo 15 mission, which occurred on July 30, 1971, was notable for being the first piloted lunar landing to carry enlarged fuel tanks and a moon rover. Moonwalkers David Scott and James Irwin spent over three days on the lunar surface, covering 17 miles (27.4 kilometers) in the rover.

The research by Kreslavsky and Shkuratov was initially aimed at discerning fresh impacts on the moon and searching for sites of recent seismic activity. However, their work on the lunar surface anomalies yielded this bonus find related to the Apollo 15 landing.

The article also references earlier work published in 1972 by space scientists Noel Hinners and Farouk El-Baz. Their preliminary science report included studies of two high-resolution photographs of the landing site vicinity: one taken from the Falcon lunar lander during descent, and another from the Apollo Command Service Module, Endeavor, by astronaut Alfred Worden. The latter image showed some brightening in the immediate vicinity of the landing point.

Regarding the dark spot, Kreslavsky stated that it is a disruption in the lunar regolith caused by the lunar module's engine during touchdown. The anomaly spans a radius of approximately 164 feet (50 meters) to 492 feet (150 meters) around the landing site. Unfortunately, the Clementine data do not allow for similar studies of other lunar landing sites.

The article concludes with a rhetorical question posed to the reader: "Is this the nail in the head for the whistle-blowers? Or is this just what we expect them to say? Over to you lot, then. ED"

Last Words (or How to Fill up the Last Page)

Dave Baker's personal essay reflects on his lifelong interest in UFOs, tracing its origins to watching Steven Spielberg's movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (CE3K) in 1977. He describes how the film fueled a mild interest into an obsession, significantly shaping his life, friendships, and career path.

Baker recounts his early efforts in 1977 to form UFOPIO (Unidentified Flying Object Phenomenon Investigation Office) with his cousin Robert. They meticulously copied sighting statistics from books and magazines, marking locations on maps of the USA and England with colored pins to identify patterns. However, interest waned as they never achieved tangible results.

His interest in UFOs resurfaced with the advent of SKY-TV, the US show "SIGHTINGS," and "The X-Files." He began collecting "UFO Magazine" and attended conferences where he met figures like Stanton Friedman and Bob Dean.

In 1997, Baker became involved with Martin Jeffrey, a UFO researcher, and helped form SUFORA (Sheffield UFO Research Association). They produced a magazine called "Area S19" and held monthly meetings. However, as the initial hype around "The X-Files" faded, public expectations for concrete answers from UFO groups increased, leading to disappointment when only talks and discussions could be provided.

When Martin Jeffrey withdrew from the UFO scene in April 1997, SUFORA ceased to exist. Baker, still driven by his interest, founded YUFOS in May 1997.

Baker's essay is interspersed with footnotes, including humorous asides about movie editions, personal experiences with alcohol, and a reference to the TV show "Scrooged."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on UFO phenomena, space exploration, and related research. The main article presents scientific findings that support the reality of the Apollo moon landings, while the "Last Words" section delves into the personal journey of a UFO enthusiast, highlighting the cultural impact of UFO-related media and the challenges faced by UFO organizations in meeting public expectations. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting both scientific evidence and personal experiences within the UFO field.