Saucer Forum vol 4 no 4 1966 10-12

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER FORUM
Issue: Vol. 4, No. 4
Date: October-November-December 1966
Publisher: Jimmy Goddard
Country: U.K.

This issue of Saucer Forum delves into various UFO sightings, theories, and related phenomena, with a focus on reports from the United Kingdom. The editorial section addresses the ongoing Warminster mystery, suggesting a possible extraterrestrial probe has been deposited in the area. Other articles and letters discuss sightings of unusual aerial objects, the potential influence of ley lines on UFO activity, and speculative theories about life on other planets.

Editorial: The Warminster Mystery and Beyond

The editorial, written by Jimmy Goddard, discusses the Warminster mystery, referencing information from Ken Rogers. A source suggests a spacecraft deposited a projectile near Cley Hill in May 1965 for information gathering, with UFOs returning to retrieve data. This probe is expected to cease functioning in May 1967, potentially leading to an expedition to recover it. The editor notes the authenticity of this story is uncertain but highlights its significance as potential 'physical evidence'.

A report from a radio program mentions plans for a 'flying saucer landing pad' at Canada's World Fair, indicating a high belief in UFOs among Canadians. The editor also notes that some doubt has been cast on a previous report of a Warminster landing incident, with Eileen Buckle reportedly not seeing the object.

Letters to the Editor and Sightings

Several correspondents share their experiences and theories:

• (bh) Dear Mr. Goddard: The writer agrees with Goddard's ideas about ley lines, suggesting they may be affected by saucer force fields. They propose navigating along leys and speculate that ancient trackways might have originated from this.
• Sighting (September 2, 1954): An iridescent giant yellow 'egg' shaped object was seen sailing past a bedroom window, moving directly over a ley in a west-to-east direction. A similar object was seen by a friend over Caxton sixteen days later.
• Ley Lines and Megaliths: The writer notes that Kent has few burial chambers and megalithic monuments, but two sites (Kits Coty and the Coldrums) are oriented east-west and at the same altitude as Stonehenge, suggesting a possible connection to ancient coastlines.

• (bi) Dear Mr. Goddard: R.K. Proctor reports a bright flash in the sky on July 20, which blinded him momentarily. Upon looking through his telescope, he saw an oval-shaped object that appeared motionless and was visible for about five minutes, resembling looking at the sun. This was later reported in the local paper.

• (bj) Dear Jimmy: J. Cowley and others witnessed a UFO on Saturday night (September 17) around 11:45 PM to 12:00 AM. The object moved irregularly, hovered, and sped up. They also observed Arthur Shuttlewood's 'space stations', one of which moved around. They spent time at Cradle Hill.

• Editor's Note: Activity around Warminster continues, with reports of UFOs seen at Cradle Hill. Dr. Cleary-Baker reportedly saw a bright object on October 14 that seemed to respond to light signals.

• (hk) Dear Mr. Goddard: John Harney responds to a letter about possible explanations for UFOs, suggesting Venus or a weather balloon. He argues Venus is more likely, especially given its position in the sky at certain times.

• (bl) Dear Jimmy: William J. Trotter recounts a journey to Warminster on October 28. He observed a bright light in the southeast, described as the size of a cricket ball. Upon arriving at Cradle Hill, they witnessed multiple UFOs: a bright light to the south (cigar-shaped, white center, red ends, flashing), another in the southeast (orange, with a slight haze, flashing), and a third in the south-southeast. The objects appeared to be communicating, and one was described as a 'mother-craft type'. They also saw a high 'star' brighter than Jupiter that moved independently of other stars.

• Keith Palmer: Invites interested individuals to contact him for skywatching at Warminster.

Operation Bongo by Ken Rogers

This article speculates that 'Operation Bongo' is the name given to the RAF's procedure for responding to unidentified flying objects detected on radar. It describes a protocol involving sirens and the scrambling of at least fifteen Lightning P.1 aircraft within 2.5 minutes of a second siren. A quote from a Ministry of Defence official states that the department takes UFO reports seriously for defense purposes but considers 99% of public reports explainable, and has never believed them to be extraterrestrial craft. The author offers a personal opinion that the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors has not had to be considered by the Defence Department. However, the author suggests the USAF might be hiding facts, either due to knowing more or to avoid admitting their defense system's fallibility.

Have the Venusians Blown Themselves Up? by Ken Rogers

This piece discusses theories about life on Venus, referencing a National Geographic Society claim that living things might float in Venus's thick clouds. One theory suggests life once existed but was annihilated, possibly by Venusians themselves through a hydrogen bomb-like development. Soviet astronomer Dr. Nikolaj Kozyrev's observation of a flare on Venus in 1964, comparable to a nuclear explosion, is cited as supporting evidence. The article humorously notes the lack of recent news about blond-haired, blue-eyed Venusians.

Balloon Satellite Can Be Seen With The Naked Eye by Ken Rogers

This article introduces America's newest satellite, Pageos 1, a passive communications balloon launched in the summer of 1960. It is described as being visible to the naked eye and similar to the Echo 1 satellite. Pageos 1, made of Mylar plastic coated with aluminum, was inflated in orbit and is being photographed by 41 ground sites to map the Earth's surface. It reflects sunlight, providing an orbiting light source for a five-year period. The satellite orbits at 13,700 miles per hour with a three-hour orbital period, circling the Earth every twelve hours.

ABC of UFOLOGY: Astrocompass

The 'Astrocompass' is defined as a device used on skywatches to find the bearing and elevation of objects in the sky. It consists of two gauges, one horizontal for bearing and one vertical for elevation, mounted on a tripod. The article notes that while theoretically useful for gauging UFO height with two instruments, it is cumbersome and impractical without two-way radio communication, as demonstrated during 'Warminster Week'. Further aspects of skywatching and UFOlogy will be covered in the 'Sky Scouts Handbook'.

Salisbury Star Map?

Mr. Chaundy of Burnham-on-Sea has reportedly found that long barrows on Salisbury Plain, when mapped, form patterns similar to constellations. The writer intends to verify this with a star map, noting that Ursa Minor and the Pole Star are clearly visible on Mr. Chaundy's map. The discovery, if authentic, is considered amazing due to the scale and the difficulty of seeing such patterns even from the air.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saucer Forum consistently explores the unexplained, with a strong emphasis on UFO sightings and potential extraterrestrial activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and theories while maintaining a degree of skepticism, particularly regarding official explanations. The magazine encourages reader participation through letters and reports, fostering a community of UFO enthusiasts. The recurring themes include the investigation of specific UFO cases (Warminster, Cley Hill), the exploration of unconventional theories (ley lines, Venusian life), and the practical aspects of UFO observation (astrocompass, skywatching). The publication aims to document and analyze phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific understanding.