SIGAP Newsletter No 09 1968-02

Magazine Overview

This document is Newsletter No. 9 from The Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (S.I.G.A.P.), dated February 9, 1968. S.I.G.A.P. is affiliated with the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association, with the shared goal of promoting unbiased investigation and research into Unidentified Flying Object Phenomena.

UFOs over Tobruk

The newsletter leads with a report of a globular object sighted over Tobruk, Libya, during the Second World War. The sighting was made by Mr. D. Butcher, a sapper in the 54th Field Company, Royal Engineers, on approximately December 11, 1941. While driving into Airente, he and other soldiers observed five soldiers gazing at the sky. Upon investigation, Mr. Butcher, using field glasses, identified a 'silvery globe' hovering at an estimated altitude of 30,000 to 50,000 feet. He described it as appearing 'alien, remote and fairy-like' and felt it was 'observing'. He noted that two other globes had moved off towards the south-east. The object remained stationary for about half an hour, positioned about 85° above the south-east horizon. Mr. Butcher initially considered it a parachute but ruled it out. Other explanations discussed by the witnesses included a meteorological balloon, though the presence of three and the departure of two were unexplained. He found it too large to be Venus and doubted his own capacity to distinguish Venus in the glare of the desert sky. The object appeared more like a balloon than a planet.

Mr. Butcher recounts that after waiting for the object to show signs of mobility, they returned to their camp. The object was pointed out to about 50 men, and it was assumed hundreds of the Tobruk garrison may have seen it. It remained immobile throughout the day, confounding those who suggested it was Venus or a meteorological balloon. Some speculated it might be a secret weapon left by Italian Savoias. Eventually, the mystery remained unsolved. Mr. Butcher noted that towards the end of the afternoon, the object had declined slightly, and at dusk, it shone like a star, golden in colour. He did not see it disappear as he was asleep. The next morning, it was gone.

Mr. Butcher compares this sighting to one at Quellan in the French Sahara some five months later (April 1942), noting both were witnessed in North Africa, were long-term sightings, and involved a globe-shaped object. The Quellan sighting is described as particularly well attested and observed.

Choir boys see lights in sky over Sutton

Another report details a sighting on November 12, in Sutton, UK. Three choir boys from St. Nicholas' Church and the director of music witnessed a number of lights in the sky around 8 p.m. Timothy Jackson, aged 12, described one light as brighter than a star, which began to move across the sky in a north-west direction, zig-zagging for about three minutes. He ruled out a shooting star due to its duration and speed, and also a plane due to its manoeuvres.

Timothy and his friends, Geoffrey Davis and Steven Prince, reported the sighting to the police. Mr. David Squibb, the director of music, verified the boys' account, stating the light zig-zagged for about five minutes. He initially thought it was a shooting star, then a meteorological balloon reflecting moonlight. However, he added, 'I've never seen a balloon move about like that,' and was sure it was not a plane, as the outline and navigation lights would have been visible on a clear moonlight night. He described the light as white and bright, concluding, 'But something was there'.

UFOs or mirage?

A third November sighting involved retired engineer Mr. E.C. Steele, aged 77, of Reigate, UK. On November 4, at 8 p.m., he observed what appeared to be a rift in the sky containing five very bright horizontal lights. The spaces between the lights were about twice their diameter, and they were shimmering as if in heated air. The surrounding space was indistinct, but the lights were clear. Through binoculars, the lights appeared larger but no more distinct. Mr. Steele later suggested it might have been a mirage caused by street lights in a layer of heated air, which would explain the shimmering effect.

The satellite that never was

This section reports on a sighting by Epsom architect Mr. Roy Mortlock on January 10. He saw what he described as 'a green ball of fire' appearing to travel towards Epsom Downs. Initially, he thought it might be a meteorite or satellite. The Ministry of Defence identified it as the Russian satellite Cosmos 197 re-entering the Earth's atmosphere. However, the Space Department of the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, stated that this particular satellite was still orbiting the world.

S.I.G.A.P. Officers

• The newsletter lists the officers of S.I.G.A.P.:
• Chairman: Omar Fowler, 149 Mytchett Road, Mytchett, CAMBERLEY, Surrey.
• Secretary: Dick Beet, 195 Epsom Road, GUILDFORD, Surrey. Phone: Guildford 63381.
• Treasurer: Tony Wake, 32 Canning Road, ALDERSHOT, Hants.
• Newsletter Editor: Ron Toft, 14 Buckhurst Road, Frimley Green, CAMBERLEY, Surrey.
• Librarian: Mrs. A. Pierce, 8 Beechcroft Drive, GUILDFORD, Surrey.
• Photographic Analyst: Norman Wynn, 13 Binscombe Crescent, Farncombe, GODALMING, Surrey.

Chairman's Chatter

Omar Fowler, the outgoing editor, expresses pleasure in handing over the newsletter's production to Ron Toft, a newspaper reporter who has been instrumental in several mentions of S.I.G.A.P. in national papers. Fowler intends to focus more on UFO investigation and analysis. He also notes with deep regret the tragic loss of Mr. Peter Seal, who died in a road accident on January 30. Although not a member, Mr. Seal was known for his sighting of the 'Double Bubble' UFO over Guildford on November 15, 1966, and had attended many S.I.G.A.P. meetings.

Mr. John Adams, a physicist and S.I.G.A.P. consultant, gave a talk on spectroscopic analysis, demonstrating how to build a compact spectroscope. The aim is to use these instruments on UFOs. Mounted diffraction gratings are available from Mr. Adams.

Ron Toft gave a talk on the basic facts of astronomy and the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. He has been asked to speak again at the next S.I.G.A.P. meeting on February 15, at the 'Plastic Coatings' factory.

Notes from the Secretary

Dick Beet reports correspondence with the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society, publishers of UFOLOG, a monthly bulletin detailing UFO sightings investigated by various groups. S.I.G.A.P. is subscribing to UFOLOG. Beet also requests the return of his copy of 'Guide to UFOs' by Lloyd Mallan.

Editor's Comments

Ron Toft acknowledges the difficulty of finding material for the newsletter and encourages members to submit letters and articles. He suggests topics such as ideas for S.I.G.A.P. projects, general letters, features on ufology, interesting extracts from UFO books and magazines, and personal accounts of becoming a UFO believer. He mentions that if S.I.G.A.P. acquires more funds, a proper magazine might be possible.

Another Surrey UFO Group!

S.I.G.A.P. has been contacted by The Society For The Investigation of Unidentified Flying Object Phenomena, based in Tolworth, Surrey. They hope to exchange UFO data and co-operate on sighting reports. The Chairman of this group is Mr. I. Mackinlay and the Secretary is Mr. P. Jones.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this newsletter are the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, with a focus on detailed witness testimony and attempts at scientific analysis. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the collection of data and the pursuit of unbiased research into aerial phenomena. There is a clear effort to document sightings from various locations and time periods, including historical accounts from WWII. The newsletter also highlights the activities and organizational structure of S.I.G.A.P., fostering a sense of community among its members and encouraging participation.