Project Red Book vol 6 no 11

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol 6, # 11
Publisher: YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society)
Date: 2003
Price: £1:50

This issue of Project Red Book, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, is a compilation of articles covering a range of Fortean and UFO-related topics. The cover features a striking image of a monstrous jaw with a skeleton inside, and highlights key articles including investigations into 'Ghost Bears,' the 'Cannock Croc,' the 'Dartmoor Light,' and 'Clapham Wood,' as well as discussions on lake monsters and Australian government UFO policy.

Articles

1) UFO'S AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT: AN EARLY INVESTIGATION

By Nick Redfern, this article delves into the history of British government investigations into UFO phenomena. It highlights that official investigations predated the modern era of UFO sightings, with the British Air Ministry investigating 'Foo Fighter' sightings during World War II and the 'Ghost Rocket' phenomenon of 1946. More notably, it presents a 1915 report from the British Admiralty concerning a 'Dartmoor Floating (or Balloon) Light.' Lieutenant Colonel W.P. Drury and Lieutenant C. Brownlow investigated reports from witnesses like Miss Cecilia Peel Yates and Mrs. Cave-Penny, describing a bright white light observed over Dartmoor. Despite initial skepticism, further reports led them to believe the phenomenon was not a simple fire balloon but potentially illicit signaling or something stranger. The article also touches upon the possibility of 'earthlights' or 'spooklights' as explanations, but emphasizes the apparent intelligent control suggested by the precise and repeated movements of the lights. The investigation was never fully resolved, leaving questions about potential involvement of 'un-naturalized Germans' at Buckfast Abbey or other unknown factors.

4) THE CASE OF THE CANNOCK CROC

Mark P Martin of YUFOS and CFZ recounts his investigation into sightings of a cryptid, described as a seven-foot crocodile, in a lake at Roman View, Churchbridge, Staffordshire. Armed with a digital camera, binoculars, sound recorder, and an EMF meter, Martin surveyed the lake. He discusses the possibility of 'Zooform Phenomena' and notes the area's reputation as a 'Paranormal "window area"' associated with alleged UFO crashes. While his EMF meter did not register significant fluctuations, he explored various explanations for the sightings, including exotic pets (dwarf crocodiles, caimans, alligators) that are illegally dumped, misidentified large fish like Sturgeon, or even a large Pike. The article includes interviews with local people and an official from Dudley Zoo, who leaned towards the creature being a large fish. John Mizzen and Linda Charteris provided a detailed account of seeing a large, dark-headed creature, which they initially believed to be an alligator after it appeared near cygnets. Martin concludes that while the possibility of a crocodile exists, other explanations like a large Sturgeon or an exceptionally large Pike are also plausible.

7) UFOS-SUB ROSA (PART 7) THE AUSTRALIAN MILITARY & GOVERNMENT ROLE IN THE UFO CONTROVERSY

By Bill Chalker, this installment examines the Australian government's handling of UFO reports. It details a 1966 Department of Air minute paper that revealed no specific responsibilities for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in investigating UFOs, but noted a functional 'Ad Hoc' system. A subsequent directive in March 1966 emphasized that the primary purpose of UFO investigation was to determine security threats, with identification being secondary. Public inquiries were to be handled by the Department of Air's Public Relations Directorate. A conflict arose between the Directorate of Air Force Intelligence (DAFI), which favored a low-key approach ('soft-pedal the UFO business'), and the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR), which advocated for a more open approach to satisfy public interest. The DPR director argued that maintaining secrecy fostered incorrect beliefs about hidden information and national panic. The article also references a 1966 minute paper that highlighted confusion and inconsistency in RAAF UFO policy, despite a ministerial statement suggesting that synopses of UFO sightings and probable causes were available upon request.

12) TOO MUCH MONKEY BUSINESS (PART 3)

This article by Jon Downes of the Centre for Fortean Zoology investigates claims of 'Ghost Bears' in the UK. The piece focuses on cryptozoological phenomena and the investigation of unusual animal sightings.

15) CLAPHAM WOOD INVESTIGATION (PART ONE)

Gary Crompton of YUFOS recounts his investigations with the COTC (Centre Of Traditional Cryptozoology) into the 'ominous and infamous Clapham Wood.' This is the first part of a series detailing these investigations.

18) LAKE-MONSTER-MANIA

Dave Baker provides a round-up of aquatic cryptids, including mentions of Nessie (Loch Ness Monster), Champ (Lake Champlain Monster), and a Chinese lake creature. The article explores various theories and sightings related to these mysterious aquatic beings.

Editorial and Production Information

Yorkshire UFO Society is located at 224 Bellhouse Road, Firth Park, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S5 6HT. Contact numbers are (0114) 2497270, with emails [email protected] and [email protected]. Their website is www.yufos.org.uk. Subscriptions are available for 12 issues (1 year) at £14.00, 6 issues (6 months) at £8.00, and a sample issue for £1.50.

Dave Baker is listed as Editor, Chairman & He-Who-Speaketh-The-Most. Richard Moss is the Web-master, Group-secretary & Chauffeur to the Editor, Chairman & He-Who-Speaketh-The-Most. Slater Publications handles the printing. Cover illustration is by Dave Baker, and Jacqui Baker is the Treasurer. 'Lil' Matthew' is the Group Mascot.

Contributions for the magazine come from Dave Baker, Bill Chalker, Gary Crompton, Jon Downes, Mark Martin, and Nick Redfern. All articles are copyrighted by their respective authors and require express permission for republication. A disclaimer states that the views expressed in the magazine, particularly those of 'Tom Bolloxinski,' do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or YUFOS members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Project Red Book include historical UFO investigations, government secrecy surrounding unexplained phenomena, and the exploration of cryptids and other Fortean mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting detailed accounts and investigations from various contributors while acknowledging the complexities and often unresolved nature of the cases. The inclusion of a disclaimer regarding the views expressed suggests an editorial policy that encourages diverse perspectives within the UFO and Fortean communities.

This issue of PRB, Volume 6, Issue 11, dated around 1970 (based on content referencing 1969/1970 events), focuses on UFO investigations and cryptozoological phenomena. The magazine features articles on Australian RAAF UFO reports, the 'invisible college' of scientific researchers, and extensive coverage of unexplained animal sightings and paranormal activity in the United Kingdom, particularly concerning Clapham Wood.

RAAF UFO Investigations and the 'Invisible College'

The article details the RAAF's handling of UFO reports, starting with the 'Summary' documents that became the public face of their involvement. These summaries, initially covering 1960-1968, evolved into a more structured, albeit erratic, annual affair. A significant development was the involvement of scientists like Dr. Michael J. Duggin, a physicist with CSIRO, who was part of Dr. Allen Hynek's 'invisible college' of international scientists investigating UFOs. Dr. Duggin's 1967 report on a close encounter in Sydney was directed to Dr. Hynek, who acted as a scientific advisor on UFOs to the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Duggin sought official cooperation from the RAAF, leading to a review by the Directorate of Air Force Intelligence (DAFI). While DAFI acknowledged the scientists' interest and the potential for assistance, concerns were raised about Dr. Duggin's unofficial capacity and the risk of duplicating investigations or increasing public interest. Despite these reservations, the RAAF sanctioned, to some extent, the activities of the 'invisible college'.

By 1968, Harry Turner, who had prepared a classified 1954 report on DAFI UFO reports, was working within the Joint Intelligence Bureau (JIB). Turner sought access to DAFI's UFO reports and, in May 1969, suggested a new RAAF UFO report form to improve scientific data collection. He also proposed a 'rapid intervention' team within the Defence Science and Technical Organisation (DSTO) to investigate UFO physical evidence, with plans to include scientists like Dr. Morton, Dr. John Symonds, and Dr. Mike Duggin. However, these plans were reportedly interrupted by fate.

A notable incident discussed is a radar visual event in Western Australia on May 23rd, 1969, involving a major UFO flap. The Director of Air Force Intelligence requested assistance from the proposed 'intervention' group. The article also touches upon the RAAF's system for UFO investigations, where reports were investigated by the nearest RAAF Base and passed up through Command Headquarters to the Department of Air, with a recommendation to maintain this system to avoid concurrent investigations.

Cryptozoological Phenomena: Ghostly Bears and Mystery Cats

The magazine features a section titled 'TOO MUCH MONKEY BUSINESS (PART 3)' by Jonathan Downes, exploring various unexplained animal sightings. This includes reports of ghostly bear sightings, such as those in Hackney Marshes in the mid-1970s and an episode near Kings Nympton involving a large ape or bear-like creature with green eyes. These sightings are linked to historical bear baiting or dancing bears. The article also recounts an investigation by David Farrant near Salisbury in 1969 involving a bipedal ghostly bear. Further accounts describe a 'mystery cat' or 'para-ursine' creature in The Cotswolds in 1988, and a brown bear sighting in Oxfordshire in the mid-1990s. Residents of Charlbury have taken a lighthearted approach to bear reports, with local businesses playing on the theme. The article contrasts these with the escape of a wallaby named 'Skippy' in 1985 and a wolf incident in 1935.

John Blackwell, a farmer from Dean, Oxfordshire, provides detailed accounts of sightings of an unusual animal, initially thought to be a wallaby, but later identified as a bear-like creature. He describes its size, appearance, and behaviour, noting its curiosity rather than aggression. Indications of its presence included large prints and disturbed vegetation. The article also mentions other strange creatures, including a fox-sized, silvery animal with a black stripe and a bushy tail, and a sheep killed and 'ripped to shreds'. The appearance of a bear in Oxfordshire led to discussions about EC legislation regarding protected species, even in countries where they are extinct.

The article also touches upon reports of large, tailed or tail-less black mystery cats seen walking on their hind legs. While acknowledging that Felis concolor can walk bipedally for short distances, the authors express skepticism, categorizing these reports and the ghostly bear sightings under 'BHM Zooform Phenomena'.

Rendlesham Forest and Paranormal Activity

The magazine links the cryptozoological phenomena to UFOs, specifically mentioning the Rendlesham Forest incident in December 1980. This event involved UFO reports linked to USAAF Bentwaters and Woodbridge bases, with eyewitness accounts of an alien spacecraft landing and occupants disembarking. The area between Orford Ness and Rendlesham Forest is described as a place of bizarre paranormal activity, including historical accounts of a 'wild man' caught near Orford Castle in the 13th century. The area is also reputedly haunted by spectral black dogs and a disturbing creature called the 'shug monkey', a combination of mastiff and ape, as well as mysterious black panthers.

Maxine Pearson is mentioned as possessing video tape showing a large paw print, possibly from an alien big cat or a 'shug monkey'. A link is drawn to a bizarre dog/ape hybrid seen in conjunction with UFO activity and animal mutilations in Miami. The article suggests a connection between hairy humanoids and UFOs, but posits that the truth is more subtle and that both phenomena are symptoms of something greater.

Clapham Wood Investigation

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an investigation of Clapham Wood in Sussex, a location known for paranormal activity since the late 1960s and early 1970s. This period saw local pets going missing, and people experiencing unexplained collapses, panic, and seeing unusual lights. The 'Friends of Hecate', a black occult group, is suspected of being behind these events, allegedly practising dark magic and harnessing ley lines.

The investigation, conducted on May 4th, 2002, involved the author, Gavin Moulson, a Sussex-based paranormal team (C.O.T.C.), and local researcher Charles Walker. The team experienced unusual phenomena, including a draining of energy, mobile phones losing power, and the wood appearing 'dead' and rotten. They discovered an ancient 'worshiping tree' with ribbons tied around its branches, possibly linked to Pagan offerings or the Hecate connection. The investigation also noted unusual 'archways' formed by bent trees, a phenomenon known as 'tree hexing'.

During the investigation, the team encountered two men with shotguns who warned them to leave the woods, which Charles Walker interpreted as locals being 'in on it' to protect the occult group's activities. The team also experienced a persistent feeling of being followed. Mediums Andy and Stacy sensed 'evil' presences, and orbs were captured on digital cameras, appearing as glowing balls of light invisible to the naked eye. The investigation continued into the night, with the team experiencing intense cold spots, visible breath in the air, and a pervasive sense of unease. Despite ending the investigation early due to Stacy's intense feelings of pain, the team remained intrigued and planned further visits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, cryptozoological creatures, and paranormal activity. There is a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry, as seen in the RAAF's efforts and the 'invisible college', but also an acknowledgment of the limitations of conventional explanations. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open-mindedness towards these phenomena, presenting detailed accounts and investigations without necessarily providing definitive answers. The Clapham Wood investigation, in particular, highlights the blend of folklore, potential occult involvement, and unexplained occurrences, suggesting a complex interplay of factors contributing to the area's reputation.

This issue of PRB, dated July 16, 2003, is titled "LAKE-MONSTER-MANIA!" and focuses on reports and investigations into mysterious aquatic creatures. It features articles on China's 'Lake Tianchi Monster,' 'Champ' from Lake Champlain, and a BBC investigation into the Loch Ness Monster.

China's 'Loch Ness' Monster Resurfaces

An article from CNN.com reports that China's legendary "Lake Tianchi Monster" has resurfaced, with local officials in northeastern Jilin province reporting sightings of as many as 20 of these mysterious creatures in a lake near North Korea. These sightings date back over a century, but reports vary and remain unconfirmed. On July 11, several local government cadres reported seeing a school of creatures swimming in the Changbai mountains. One official, Zhang Lufeng, stated that the monsters appeared five times within about 50 minutes, with numbers ranging from one to twenty. The creatures appeared as distant white or black spots, but ripples in the water suggested they were living beings. Officials were not available for comment. Historical records from 1903 mention a creature resembling a buffalo with a loud roar that emerged from the water. A more recent sighting described the monster's head as human-like with large round eyes, a protruding mouth, and a neck 1.2 to 1.5 meters long, with a white ring separating its neck and torso and smooth grey skin.

Champ, The Famed "Monster" of Lake Champlain, Might Be For Real After All

This section, attributed to The Anomalist, discusses research conducted in the Button Bay area of Lake Champlain. Scientists using highly sensitive sonar equipment on their boat captured underwater sounds similar to those emitted by a Beluga whale or dolphin. Elizabeth von Muggenthaler, president of Fauna Communications Research, stated that the sounds indicated a biological creature producing biosonar at a high level. Her team was on the lake at the request of the Discovery Channel for a television show about 'Champ.' The biosonar noises were described as a rapid series of ticks, unusually loud and with an irregular sequence that ruled out mechanical devices or fish finders. The readings were recorded on multiple instruments between June 3-10, with one episode suggesting the creature came within 30 feet of the boat. Von Muggenthaler noted that the data analysis by National Instruments Inc. would help determine the creature's speed. She declined to speculate on the creature's size or physical characteristics, acknowledging there is no evidence of a freshwater whale or dolphin in the lake. She also mentioned that the sounds were picked up by equipment designed to detect creatures searching for food.

Von Muggenthaler expressed hope that her discovery would not lead to excessive 'Champ hunting,' emphasizing that the creature, if it exists, is protected by New York and Vermont law and should be left alone. Her recordings are considered a significant development since the 1977 publication of the Sandra Mansi photograph. Hundreds of Champ sightings have been reported over the years, though skeptics attribute them to folklore and misinterpretation. Von Muggenthaler, originally from Charlotte, was skeptical of Champ's existence growing up in Vermont, stating, "To me, you had to see it to believe it." Steve Smith, director of facilities at ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, found the discovery intriguing but uncertain, acknowledging familiarity with von Muggenthaler's respected work in bioacoustics.

BBC 'PROVES NESSIE DOES NOT EXIST'

An article from http://news.bbc.co.uk dated July 27, 2003, reports that a BBC team claims to have shown there is no such thing as the Loch Ness monster. Using 600 sonar beams and satellite navigation, the team surveyed the waters of Loch Ness but found no trace of the creature. While acknowledging that an animal like a plesiosaur could theoretically survive in the cold waters, the researchers found no evidence. Ian Florence, one of the specialists, stated, "We went from shoreline to shoreline, top to bottom on this one, we have covered everything in this loch and we saw no signs of any large living animal in the loch." Hugh MacKay added that the data showed a steep-sided, flat-bottomed loch with nothing unusual. The BBC team concluded that the persistence of the myth is due to people seeing what they want to see. To demonstrate this, they hid a fence post in the loch and raised it in front of tourists, who then described observing a square object or monster-shaped heads.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to cover unexplained phenomena and mysteries, particularly those related to aquatic creatures. The articles present eyewitness accounts and scientific investigations, contrasting claims of sightings with evidence-based research. The tone suggests an interest in the possibility of undiscovered species while also critically examining the evidence and the persistence of folklore and myth. The inclusion of a BBC investigation that debunks the Loch Ness Monster myth alongside reports of new sightings indicates a balanced approach, presenting both the sensational and the skeptical perspectives.