Project Red Book vol 5 no 5

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol 5, # 5
Date: November 2001
Publisher: YUFOS Yorkshire UFO Society

This issue of Project Red Book, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, features a prominent interview with UFO researcher Kevin Randle, alongside articles on the Northumbrian UFO Crash of 1969, and other UFO-related topics.

An Interview with Kevin Randle

The interview, conducted by Dave Baker, delves into Kevin Randle's extensive involvement in ufology. Randle attributes his initial interest to his mother's fascination with science fiction. He discusses his time as a Captain in the USAFR, stating he saw no evidence of military cover-ups within the Air Force, though he acknowledges external indications of government interest in UFOs, citing the Roswell reports as an example. Randle believes a successful government cover-up of the kind suggested by conspiracy theorists is unlikely, given the public nature of discussions and the inherent difficulty in maintaining such secrecy.

He addresses the concept of secret government groups, mentioning the 4602nd Air Intelligence Service Squadron, whose mission was to capture downed enemy air crews and interrogate them, and which also gathered UFO-related materials as a training exercise. Randle expresses skepticism about the 'Little Green Men' belief, suggesting that many people are hesitant to risk their reputations by pursuing such topics.

Regarding the Roswell incident, Randle, a primary investigator of the case, explains his involvement stemmed from a realization by CUFOS that someone with a military background was needed to better understand witness testimonies. Initially skeptical, he was convinced by the weight of credible witness testimony, including that of Bill Brazel and Edwin Easley, who confirmed aspects of the crash retrieval story. He notes that while investigators agree on the core event (something fell, it was extraterrestrial, the Army retrieved it, and covered it up), they disagree on specific details.

Randle discusses the reliability of witnesses, emphasizing the importance of military personnel like Jesse Marcel Sr., Walter Haut, and Edwin Easley. He dismisses Glen Dennis's importance as a witness, citing a lack of direct knowledge and the disappearance of his nurse. He also addresses criticisms of Jesse Marcel Sr., suggesting that attacks on his integrity are based on poor information and a desire to discredit him.

He refutes the 'lost nuclear weapon' theory for Roswell, citing the lack of a paper trail, and dismisses the Mogul theory, arguing that its components were identifiable and that Mogul project officials had to announce launches. Randle believes Roswell was an extraterrestrial crash, explaining the government's subsequent actions and lack of information.

When asked about other crash/retrieval cases, Randle praises Leonard Stringfield's pioneering work and highlights Shag Harbour as a well-documented case. He is skeptical about Kecksburg having a terrestrial explanation. He also discusses his opinions on various UFO staples, calling MJ-12 and the Ray Santilli 'Alien Autopsy' footage hoaxes, and believing Gulf Breeze to be a hoax. He finds the Shuttle/NASA footage persuasive evidence for extraterrestrial UFOs, and does not believe animal mutilations are related to UFOs. He leans towards an extraterrestrial explanation for the Socorro landing and finds pelicans an unlikely explanation for the Kenneth Arnold sighting.

Randle expresses reservations about Dr. Steven Greer's 'Disclosure Project,' suggesting the message might get lost in the noise and that political arenas like free energy and banning weapons in space dilute the core message. He believes government records can be expunged but not completely, and that gaps in assignments or credentials can hint at clandestine activities. He respects witnesses who maintain their oath of silence but requires evidence before accepting claims, particularly regarding Clifford Stone's alleged involvement in crash recovery teams.

Randle also discusses his career as a science fiction author, noting that it is sometimes used to dismiss his UFO research, despite many science fiction writers having scientific backgrounds.

The Northumbrian UFO Crash of 1969

This article by Andy Roberts details a UFO crash case from 1969, based on files from the Public Records Office (PRO). It begins with a handwritten letter dated January 12th, 1969, from a witness named D. Robson. Robson claims to know the whereabouts of an 'Alien Craft' that crashed about two weeks prior, on December 29th, 1968. While on patrol near Haltwhistle, he observed a silvery disc spinning rapidly and trailing smoke, descending fast before leveling off and then nose-diving out of sight.

Intrigued, Robson investigated the site on January 5th, 1969, and found a large, silver disc, approximately 100ft in diameter, half-submerged in a bog. He described it as a 'huge spinning top' with a doorway that was open. Inside, he found a mass of equipment, lights flashing, and weird noises, but no sign of life. As he exited, the door became half submerged, and the craft continued to sink, leaving about two feet sticking out of the marsh. Robson was disappointed he could not retrieve any part of the craft.

The letter was received by Len Akhurst of the Air Ministry's S4f department. Akhurst contacted P.C. Milburn of Haltwhistle Police, and later confirmed the conversation by letter.

Spies Admit It: There Are No Aliens Out There

This article, by Paul Harris from The Observer (November 4, 2001), reports that Britain's spies have ceased investigating UFO sightings after over fifty years. The Ministry of Defence's Directorate of Intelligence, Scientific and Technical concluded that the logged reports, from both the public and service personnel, had not proven valuable. Dave Clark of the National Centre for Folklore Studies commented that this decision effectively means fifty years of investigation were considered a waste of time. The article notes that a 1951 government study concluded no UFO sightings were genuine but attempted to suppress reports to avoid panic during the Cold War. The Ministry will maintain a small internal UFO desk for logging purposes, but intelligence experts are no longer interested, with the operation now seen as a PR stunt. Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO Magazine, expressed surprise, emphasizing that UFOs are still being seen and reported.

Other Articles and Sections

• Pascagoula Revisited: A new witness to the infamous Mississippi abduction case comes forward.
• MOD Reveal "Top Secret" Rendlesham Documents: Dr. David Clarke examines newly released documents.
• From Around the World...And Beyond!!!: This section covers various topics including a 'Thunderbird' in West Virginia, a Crop Circle movie, an explanation for Tunguska, and Chupacabras.
• Important Notice!!!: A general notice for readers.
• Psychics Join Manhunt: A brief mention of remote viewers looking for Bin Laden.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores classic UFO cases, particularly Roswell, through the lens of witness testimony and potential government cover-ups. There is a strong emphasis on critical analysis, with the editor and contributors often debunking or questioning certain phenomena (e.g., MJ-12, Gulf Breeze, alien abductions) while remaining open to the possibility of genuine extraterrestrial craft. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions, even when challenging popular beliefs within the ufology community. The publication also highlights the ongoing nature of UFO sightings and the importance of continued research, despite official disinterest from some government bodies.

PRB, Volume 5, Issue 5, dated November 2001, is a magazine focused on UFOs, conspiracies, fortean, and paranormal events. This issue features a compilation of articles by various contributors, including Dave Baker, Stan Gordon, Dr. David Clarke, and reports from BBC News and Associated Press.

The Haltwhistle UFO Case

The issue opens with a letter from L.W. Akhurst of the MOD to Mr. Milburn, following up on a report from Mr. Robson of Haltwhistle concerning an alleged alien craft. Police Constable Milburn interviewed Douglas William Robson, who repeated his story about seeing an object land. However, Robson later admitted to P.C. Milburn that he had lied about going to the object or being inside it, stating he did not know why he had fabricated the story. Robson's statement detailed seeing a disc-like object with vapour coming from it on December 29, 1968, near Whinshields Crag, Bardon Hill. He initially claimed to have gone to the object and been inside it. P.C. Milburn forwarded the details to his HQ, which were then sent to Akhurst at the MOD. The MOD replied that they did not propose to take further action, thanking the police for their trouble. The article notes that it is not recorded whether Robson was charged for wasting police time. The author finds the case instructive, questioning why the MOD, instead of dispatching experts, relied on local police. The article contrasts this with claims that the MOD should react immediately to saucer crashes, suggesting a lack of evidence for such a capability in this instance.

Psychics Join the Manhunt

An article from The Sunday Times (November 11, 2001) reports that US intelligence agencies are recruiting psychics, or 'remote viewers,' to predict future attacks and locate individuals like Osama Bin Laden. This practice stems from the 'Stargate' program established in the 1970s at the Stanford Research Institute, which was shut down in 1995 but is now being reactivated. Prudence Calabrese of Transdimensional Systems confirmed the FBI's interest in predicting terrorist targets, with one report suggesting a sports stadium as a likely target. Former 'Stargate' members Angela Thompson-Smith and Lyn Buchanan also confirmed being approached.

Pascagoula Revisited

This section, by Natalie Chambers of Associated Press, revisits the 1973 Pascagoula abduction case involving Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker. A retired Navy chief petty officer, Mike Cataldo, has come forward 28 years later, claiming he also witnessed a strange object on the horizon near the Pascagoula River in October 1973. Cataldo described the object as going fast, hovering over a tree line, and then vanishing. He also reported a second sighting shortly after. Cataldo stated he contacted Keesler Air Force Base but received no follow-up. He has never met Hickson. Hickson stated that he and Parker initially wanted to notify authorities, not the media, to avoid being called crazy. He described the abductors as pale, ghostlike creatures with crab-like claws and rounded feet, who appeared to glide. Hickson claimed he was taken aboard an oval-shaped craft and examined. He expressed a desire for another encounter. Glenn Ryder, the sheriff's department shift captain on duty that night, recalled Hickson's call and their subsequent questioning of Hickson and Parker, including an attempt to catch them in a lie. Ryder noted that no physical evidence of a landing was found. Calls were received from across the US, England, and Canada, but only Hickson and Parker reported being taken aboard a spacecraft.

Ministry of Defence Release "Top Secret" Rendlesham Documents

By Dr. David Clarke, this article details the release of previously withheld Ministry of Defence (MOD) documents concerning the alleged UFO landing at RAF Woodbridge in 1980. Following an application by David Clarke under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, the MOD agreed to release the file. Five documents were initially withheld under national security exemptions. An appeal led to the release of two documents previously kept secret. The released documents do not provide evidence of a cover-up but illustrate how secrecy can lead to such claims. They reveal that the RAF checked radar records for December 29, 1980, based on information from Lt Col Charles Halt. The article notes that Halt's sighting occurred on the night of December 27/28, 1980, implying incompetence by the MOD for not making further inquiries. A former Commanding Officer of RAF Watton confirmed that radar scans for the area found no targets, despite reports of flashing lights in the Rendlesham Forest area. The article debunks the rumour that USAF intelligence officers confiscated radar tapes, stating that the tapes were removed by a joint RAF/USAF team due to being faulty, as part of standard procedure. The author clarifies that the release was not due to pressure from Lord Hill-Norton or Georgina Bruni, but rather a result of a specific request made under the Code of Practice.

From Around the World... And Beyond!!!

This section compiles several shorter reports:

• Did a Thunderbird Visit Southwest Pennsylvania? (by Stan Gordon, September 30, 2001): A 19-year-old witness reported seeing a large bird, estimated to have a wingspan of 10-15 feet, near South Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The bird was described as black or dark greyish-brown, flapping slowly and gliding. Researcher Dennis Smeltzer investigated but found no evidence.

• UK Government Helps Fund Blockbuster Crop Circle Film: M. Night Shyamalan's upcoming film 'Signs' will focus on the crop circle phenomenon, though it will not feature aliens directly, only communication through mathematics. The film stars Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix.

• Mystery Space Blast 'Solved' (BBC News Online, October 30, 2001): Italian researchers believe the 1908 Tunguska event was caused by a low-density asteroid that exploded in the atmosphere. Analysis of seismic data and eyewitness accounts suggests an object approached from the southeast at approximately 11 km per second. The research will be published in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

• What's That Noise? (Laura Barton, The Guardian, October 18, 2001): This article discusses the 'Largs Hum,' a constant, irritating noise affecting residents in Largs, Scotland. Georgie Hyslop describes symptoms including headaches, chest aches, ear popping, stabbing pains, nosebleeds, memory loss, and nausea. The hum has also interfered with her spinal column stimulator. The article notes that similar hums are reported worldwide and tend to affect females over 50. Examples from Taos, New Mexico, and Hueytown, Alabama, are mentioned.

• Are Mysterious Goat-Suckers Killing Sheep? (Associated Press, October 31, 2001): Farmers in northern Chihuahua, Mexico, report that mysterious vampire-like creatures, known as 'chupacabras' or 'goat-suckers,' have killed over 60 sheep, draining them of blood and leaving bite marks. This marks the third such attack on the Parra Gonzalez family. Local police are investigating, though officials have suggested wolves, dogs, or coyotes as alternative causes.

• Unidentified Flying Creatures Terrify Chilean Driver (Dr. Virgilio Sanchez-Ocejo, November 1, 2001): A woman and her daughter reported seeing a flock of oval-shaped, grayish creatures flying over their vehicle near Antofagasta, Chile. The sighting lasted about 15 seconds. The Calama UFO Center received the report, noting it was the first describing such entities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PRB magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, from alleged UFO sightings and abductions to mysterious noises and creatures. There is a clear emphasis on official investigations and releases of information, particularly concerning the MOD and the Rendlesham Forest incident. The magazine appears to adopt a critical stance towards official explanations when they seem inadequate or dismissive, as seen in the analysis of the Haltwhistle case and the Rendlesham document release. The inclusion of reports on psychics, crop circles, and the Tunguska event broadens the scope of paranormal and unexplained phenomena covered. The editorial stance seems to favor presenting witness testimony and investigative details, while also offering commentary on the potential for government secrecy and the challenges of verifying such claims. The magazine encourages readers to stay informed through its website, www.flyingsaucery.com.

This issue of UFO NEWS, Volume 5, Issue 5, dated November 2001, focuses on recent UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings and clarifies a potentially misleading news story.

Witness Accounts

Calama, Chile Sighting

Jaime Ferrer of the Calama UFO Center recounts a frightening experience where he and his daughter observed what they described as a flock of about 20 'flying creatures.' The sighting occurred on a dangerous section of road, and the creatures were described as oval-shaped, grayish, and moving at high speed with 'wobbling movements' rather than a straight course. Ferrer initially hesitated to report the incident but felt compelled to share his experience after a driver from his center reported seeing similar beings. He expressed fear and relief at not losing control of his vehicle.

Winster Driver's Near-Miss Photograph

Reported by the Matlock Mercury, this article details an incident on Halloween where Derek Holmes (66) was driving home from Cromford when he spotted a 'very big, bright, white object' in the sky. He initially mistook it for a car but soon realized it was an airborne object with curved edges. As he slowed down to find a place to stop and take a photograph, the object's light dimmed, turning yellow, and it moved into the distance before disappearing. Despite having a camera in his car, Holmes was too slow to capture the image.

UFO Footage Deal Clarification

Bonsall Footage Controversy

This section addresses a story that appeared in the UK's Daily Star and The Sun newspapers regarding a £20,000 deal for UFO footage. Santiago Yturria, who supplied UFO footage from Mexico to Los Angeles-based Kiveat Productions, contacted Robert Kiveat after reading the newspaper reports. Kiveat stated that the story was a 'big mistake' and that no money had changed hands for the Sharon Rowlands Bonsall (UK) UFO footage. Kiveat Productions was unaware of the footage, and an agent had reportedly been acting on their behalf in the UK. The deal allegedly folded when newspapers became involved, and no one had been offered the 'crazy amount' mentioned; Kiveat himself had not even seen the footage.

Announcements

Next Meeting

A 'STOP PRESS' announcement indicates that a UFO group is moving and announces their next meeting. It is scheduled for Tuesday, 11th December 2001, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at a new location: The Moseley's Arms, 81, West Bar, Sheffield City Centre. The event is also described as a 'party night,' and interested individuals are advised to 'Ring Dave for details.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features eyewitness accounts of UFO and UAP sightings, emphasizing the personal experiences and testimonies of individuals. There is a clear effort to investigate and clarify potentially sensationalized or inaccurate reports, as demonstrated by the article debunking the £20,000 UFO footage deal. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, balanced with a commitment to factual reporting and debunking misinformation. The inclusion of meeting announcements suggests an aim to foster a community of UFO enthusiasts.