Project Red Book vol 5 no 11

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol 5, # 11
Date: May 2002
Publisher: YUFOS Yorkshire UFO Society

This issue of Project Red Book, published by YUFOS, presents a diverse range of UFO-related content, including a significant interview with author John Keel, a look at early Australian UFO encounters, and a column by Jenny Randles on the evolution of UFO conferences.

The John Keel Interview (Part 1)

The issue features the first part of an interview with John Keel, conducted by Andy Roberts. Keel discusses his lifelong fascination with Fortean subjects and UFOs, stemming from his reading of Charles Fort and early UFO reports predating the Kenneth Arnold sighting in 1947. He recounts how the Arnold sighting felt like the beginning of a new era of unexplained phenomena. Keel details his early writing career, starting with a humorous column in his hometown newspaper and later moving to New York to pursue writing full-time. He shares anecdotes about his experiences in the army, including being assigned to a radio station in Germany and his self-initiated assignment to broadcast from the Great Pyramid in Egypt. His travels led him to live in Egypt for a year, where he witnessed a spinning, circular UFO at the Aswan Dam in 1954, an event that solidified his belief in flying saucers. Keel also recounts his travels through Baghdad and India, where he explored street magic and snake charming, and his subsequent journey into the Himalayas and Tibet. He touches upon his experiences with what he describes as 'remote viewing' by monks and his encounter with a seemingly naked lama. The interview also delves into his experiences with the Yeti and his explanation for the 'Devil' anecdote in 'The Mothman Prophecies', attributing it to a misidentification by locals after a car accident.

The View From Britain - The Jenny Randles Column

Jenny Randles, in her column originally published in The MUFON JOURNAL, discusses the current state and future direction of UFO conferences. She notes that while she enjoys attending and lecturing at conferences, she believes the standard format often undersells the opportunity to advance the subject due to catering to a general audience. Randles advocates for a 'next phase' of conferences that are more scientifically structured, with a specific agenda and working specialists focused on furthering research in narrowly defined areas. She highlights the challenge of funding such events, contrasting them with professional subjects that have established agendas. Randles references the 1992 MIT conference on the abduction phenomenon as an example of a scientifically structured event, made possible by substantial funding. She also discusses the concept of a 'code of practice' for UFOlogists, developed in the UK in the early 1980s, aimed at establishing ethical interaction with witnesses, media, and authorities. Additionally, she recounts a 1986 BUFORA event focused on the crop circle mystery, which brought together various proponents and skeptics, and a 1983 BUFORA venture discussing the Rendlesham Forest Incident.

Other Articles

The issue also includes:

• REVIEWIN' BOLLOXINSKI: A review by Dave Baker of Tom Bolloxinski's latest book on the Rendlesham Forest Incident.
• EARLY AUSTRALIA HISTORICAL UFO ENCOUNTERS (part one): Bill Chalker's study of Australian UFO cases, including 'alien abduction' and CE3K accounts.
• WARSHIPS SHOT DOWN UFO and "GULF WAR UFO" SHOT DOWN IN FLAMES?: Articles investigating a YUFOS case from 1998 concerning a UFO allegedly shot down during the Gulf War.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Project Red Book showcases a commitment to in-depth investigation and discussion within the UFO community. The interview with John Keel provides a personal and historical perspective on ufology, while Jenny Randles' column offers a critical look at the methodology and future of UFO research. The inclusion of specific case studies, such as Australian UFOs and the Rendlesham Forest Incident, alongside a re-investigation of a military-related UFO event, highlights the magazine's focus on both historical and contemporary UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous research and open debate, as evidenced by the discussion on conference formats and the 'code of practice' for researchers. The magazine aims to provide a platform for serious UFOlogy, encouraging critical analysis and the exploration of complex phenomena.

This issue of Project Red Book, Volume 2, Issue 4, dated October 1998, features a review of Tom Bolloxinski's book "Rendlesham: The Elvis Connection." The magazine also delves into historical UFO encounters in Australia and New Zealand, as well as a significant military encounter during the Gulf War.

Review: Rendlesham: The Elvis Connection

The cover story reviews Tom Bolloxinski's book, which proposes an astonishing link between the military UFO sightings at Rendlesham Forest in December 1980 and the alleged faked death of Elvis Presley. The book claims that Elvis, obsessed with UFOs, faked his death to escape pressures and was involved in a secret concert in Rendlesham Forest that went awry.

Bolloxinski's theory suggests that Elvis's interest in UFOs led him to be shown classified government documents. His music was allegedly intercepted by aliens, leading to their interest in him. The book posits that an attempted alien abduction of Elvis at Gracelands was thwarted when he was not in his bedroom. To escape further attention from 'The Grays,' Elvis allegedly faked his death with the help of the CIA and other government forces.

After years in hiding, Elvis supposedly returned to England to perform a Christmas show in Rendlesham Forest as a thank-you to the people transferred to Woodbridge and Bentwaters. Bolloxinski interprets the Rendlesham sightings, including the "glowing, triangular object," as a result of dry ice and lasers used for Elvis's concert, with the 'alien mist' being a stage effect. The military's pursuit of the UFOs is explained as them chasing the 'alien' object, which was actually Elvis, whose rhinestone-studded jumpsuit reflected lights.

The review highlights Bolloxinski's claim that Elvis's fascination with UFOs led him to ask questions at the highest levels of government, resulting in him being made an 'honorary sheriff' in many towns to stop him from pestering officials. The book suggests Elvis was shown 'Top Secret documents' proving UFOs were real.

Historical Australian and New Zealand UFO Encounters

The magazine presents a series of historical UFO cases, primarily from Australia and New Zealand:

Australia's First Official UFO Investigation? (1930)

In 1930, an RAAF officer, Squadron Leader George Jones, investigated reports of mystery aircraft over Warrnambool, Victoria. No explanation was found. Further reports were made in the Pacific and Papua New Guinea area in 1930 and 1931.

"ET" in a Mandurah Humpy (1930)

A 67-year-old woman recalled an experience from her youth in Mandurah, Western Australia. While sitting in a humpy by lamplight, a small, pink creature, about 24 inches tall with large ears and bulbous eyes, walked in. The creature was described as elf-like and was briefly captured in a prawning net before being put outside. The encounter terrified her and her father.

1931: "The Lonely Sea and the Sky"

During his solo flight across the Tasman Sea on June 10th, 1931, adventurer Francis Chichester encountered a "dull grey-white airship" of ghost-like manner. He described seeing bright flashes and a nosing airship that seemed to disappear and reappear, sometimes becoming transparent. He noted its uncanny ability to vanish and reappear in the same spot.

A Mini UFO Near Nambour (1932/3)

A man recounted an encounter from his childhood near Nambour, Queensland. He saw a round object, about 12 inches in diameter, hovering three inches above water. The object emitted a low humming sound and caused a shiver in the water. A whitish mist formed between him and the object, and he felt a tight feeling in his head. Later, he noticed large white blisters on his hands.

A UFO Abduction in 1933

Researcher Rex Gilroy records a tale from 1933 involving an aboriginal woman near Discovery Well, Western Australia. She claimed her tribe was scared off by a "large shiny egg" that descended from the sky. Strange, grey-skinned, man-like beings emerged. The woman was reportedly "stunned" by an object carried by one of the beings and was taken aboard the "egg," where she was strapped to a shining table and "experimented with."

Military Matters (October 10th, 1935)

An off-duty military man in Nobby's Head, Newcastle, NSW, took what is believed to be Australia's first UFO photograph. Investigators who saw the photo reported it showed a "definite circular object with details seen well at enlargement."

1944/5: "The Little Fellas" at the Sign of the Takahe

In August 1944 or 1945, Mrs. E. Church in Christchurch, New Zealand, encountered a bizarre sight near the Sign of the Takahe. She saw an "upturned saucer"-like object, about 18 to 20 feet wide and 8 to 9 feet high, constructed of vertically laid tiles. Small, green-coloured entities, about 4 feet tall, were observed inside and outside the object. The object rose vertically into a cloud.

1949: A Strange Aerial Construction

In October 1949, two fishermen near Townsville, Queensland, observed a UFO described as a "bright, shining, metallic cigar-shaped construction," over 100 feet long, poised motionless over the sea. It had no visible wings or propellers and disappeared instantaneously without a contrail.

Military UFO Encounters

Bass Strait EM Case (February 1944)

The crew of a Beaufort bomber flying over Bass Strait encountered a "dark shadow" that kept pace with the plane. Radio and direction-finding instruments failed to function. The object accelerated away at three times the bomber's speed. The pilot's report was dismissed by superiors.

"Gulf War UFO" Shot Down in Flames? (October 1998 article, referencing a 1991 event)

This article, by Dave Baker, revisits a case from Vol. 2, #4 of Project Red Book. It details an encounter during the lead-up to Operation Desert Storm in January 1991. A 12-man recon unit witnessed a disc-shaped object, approximately 20 meters in diameter, hovering near their stronghold. The object resisted tracking by various military equipment, including anti-tank launchers, laser designators, and Rapiers. It was described as blue/grey with a soft luminescence and no visible means of propulsion. The object moved in a semi-circle around the camp. When F-15s arrived, the UFO shot vertically upwards at high speed, and the F-15s attempted to follow but lost it. The military's official explanation later suggested a temperature inversion or ball lightning. The article notes that the object did not register on radar or heat-seeking equipment, suggesting it was at the same temperature as the surrounding air.

Early Flourishes

The article notes that widespread public interest in "flying saucers" in Australia began in 1950, with reports from Geelong and Avoca, Victoria. The earliest extant military sighting report in DAFI files was a nocturnal light account at Bass Point, NSW, on July 16, 1950. Official interest grew, involving the RAAF and the Department of Civil Aviation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue covers a wide range of UFO phenomena, from historical sightings and alleged alien encounters to modern military observations and speculative theories linking UFOs to famous figures like Elvis Presley. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various accounts and investigations, encouraging readers to consider the evidence, as exemplified by the concluding note on the Gulf War UFO story: "As yet, I have not been able to verify it, so accept it on face value until further notice. Tom believes it, though."

This issue of PRB, identified by its page number '19', focuses on an in-depth investigation into a UFO sighting and testimony provided by an individual referred to as 'B'. The article details the process of interviewing 'B', the analysis of his account, and the researchers' attempts to corroborate his story through external research.

Interview with Witness 'B'

The interview began with the author and Richard taking notes and recording the conversation with 'B's' consent. The primary objective was to identify any inconsistencies in 'B's' previous testimonies. However, the authors noted that no significant changes were made to the story during this interview.

Point: Military Knowledge

'B' appeared to possess detailed knowledge of military terminology, equipment, and techniques. The interviewers had to interrupt him on several occasions to clarify terms, and 'B' used military vernacular with apparent ease, similar to how enthusiasts discuss their interests.

Counterpoint: Military Knowledge

Richard and the author admitted to having limited knowledge of military matters. They acknowledged that jargon could sound authentic and that an obsessive individual might acquire such speech patterns from books or media, citing Star Trek fans as an example of people who can effectively use technical jargon from fictional sources.

Point: Time Factor

The radio show's host, DJ Tim Shaw, had only decided on the UFO subject the day before the broadcast. 'B' was not scheduled to appear until halfway through the show, and his call came through the queue during their segment. This meant 'B' had approximately 20-30 minutes to concoct a detailed story, including the time he waited in line. The authors questioned if such a meticulous narrative could be created in such a short timeframe.

Counterpoint: Time Factor

It was considered that 'B' might have been circulating the story for weeks or months. Additionally, the possibility of individuals possessing an incredible imagination and the ability to create detailed fictions rapidly was acknowledged, drawing a parallel to acclaimed authors writing short stories quickly.

Point: Witness's Role

'B's' personal involvement in the story was described as negligible. The authors noted that liars or 'spinners of tall-tales' often make themselves the focal point of their narratives. In this case, 'B' played a minor role, primarily standing and observing the UFO and the ensuing mayhem, despite his military training.

Counterpoint: Witness's Role

This non-involvement was seen as making his account more 'waterproof,' allowing him to be vague about important details. It was also suggested that this might explain why 'B' changed his role from radar operator to the more ambiguous 'recon' position, possibly to avoid technical questions he couldn't answer.

B's Sketch

Upon arriving at 'B's' home, Richard and the author found that he had already drawn a sketch of the object and a map of the camp. This meant they did not witness him drawing it, leaving open the possibility that he could have copied it.

Point: Sketch Comparison

The sketch, including the angle at which it was drawn, was noted to be remarkably similar to a UFO that appears in classic photographs taken by Rex Heflin on August 3, 1965, in Santa Anna, California. These photos, branded a hoax by the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book, were believed to be of a model no more than 3 feet in diameter. The photo, or similar ones from the series, appear in numerous UFO books and magazines, suggesting it could have been the source for 'B's' idea.

Counterpoint: Sketch Comparison

It was acknowledged that the resemblance of 'B's' sketch to the Heflin photo does not definitively prove that 'B' saw or copied it. However, the author found the sketch intriguing, particularly the underside of the object, which was unlike anything previously seen in UFO literature. This uniqueness could indicate a real, unique event or simply a product of 'B's' strong imagination.

Investigation into 'The Desert Rats'

Before contacting the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the author decided to investigate 'B's' story by trying to find other individuals who were present at the time and location of the alleged encounter. If that proved impossible, the goal was to find someone knowledgeable enough to critique 'B's' story, not necessarily on the event's occurrence, but on his usage of terms, words, and details concerning the 7th Armoured Brigade.

An internet search for "The Desert Rats" provided background information on the Brigade and their involvement in the Gulf War. Researching war diaries, including one on the "Desert Rats" website, allowed the author to pinpoint the Brigade's movements in the Gulf, though specific dates related to the alleged encounter were not immediately available. The author also clarified that "The Desert Rats" is the nickname for the 7th Armoured Brigade, not the 7th Armoured Division.

Contacting Gulf War Veterans

More productively, the author contacted Gulf War veterans via a website dedicated to the study of Gulf War Sickness. After some time, a message was posted to the website's mailing list seeking veterans from the 7th Armoured Division who were positioned on the Iraq/Kuwait border on January 10/11, 1991. The author requested assistance in finding newsletters or websites for further research.

Emerging Discrepancies

Within hours, the author was contacted by several veterans. Combined with his own research into the history of the Gulf War and the "Desert Rats," a number of discrepancies began to emerge, casting doubt on the veracity of 'B's' story. These discrepancies are to be revealed in the second part of the article.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO witness testimony, the challenges of verifying accounts, and the role of media and personal imagination. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, employing a rigorous investigative approach that seeks corroboration and identifies potential flaws or alternative explanations for witness claims. The article emphasizes the importance of detailed research, cross-referencing information, and considering psychological factors that might influence testimony. The comparison of 'B's' sketch to the well-known Rex Heflin photo highlights the magazine's tendency to explore the possibility of hoaxes or misinterpretations in UFO reports. The promise of revealing discrepancies in the next issue suggests a commitment to uncovering the truth, whatever it may be.