Spacelink 1965 vol 2 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: spacelink
Issue: No. 3
Volume: Volume 2
Date: Autumn 1965 (Quarterly, 1965)
Publisher: JOURNAL OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT INVESTIGATION SOCIETY
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of *Spacelink*, the journal of the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society (IWUFOIS), presents a comprehensive look at recent UFO activity, with a strong focus on the widely publicized "Warminster Thing" incident. The magazine aims to provide an unbiased investigation into UFO phenomena, with views expressed not necessarily those of the Society or the Editor.

Editorial

The editorial by F.W. Smith highlights the significant UFO activity of the period, particularly the nationwide publicity surrounding the Warminster meeting. It notes a growing public realization that the reported phenomena were not mere illusions. The editorial praises Leonard Cramp, an analytical mind on the subject, and mentions his upcoming book. It also touches upon the ongoing debate surrounding the George Adamski case, suggesting that the classic 'Scoutship' configuration continues to appear in sightings. A recent report from a Hampshire schoolgirl describing a shape similar to the 'Warminster Thing' is also mentioned.

Smith reflects on the public's fascination with flying saucers and the potential for UFO enthusiasts to be vindicated in the future. He views the Warminster incident as a portent of "things to come." The editorial also notes the demand for the Society's input on television, with the Chairman and Secretary appearing on local TV stations. Despite challenges, the Society is seeing a shift in public attitude towards the subject, allowing for more open discussion.

Warminster Meeting Special Report

By F.W. Smith, Editor 'SPACELINK'

This report details the events of Friday, August 27th, 1965, in Warminster, Wiltshire, England, describing it as a "red letter day" and a potential "breakthrough" in UFO research. The meeting, called to address the growing public concern about the "Warminster story," was attended by the Editor and Will Hannam, Programme Secretary of IWUFOIS.

Mr. Inlyn Ross, Chairman of the Council, briefly explained the reason for the meeting. The event, held in the ancient Town Hall, was attended by approximately 300 people, with an estimated 200-300 unable to get in. The press and national media were present, anticipating something unusual.

The report recounts the background to the meeting, including a previous *Spacelink* article about "menacing noises that can kill a bird" reported by David Holton. Holton claimed to have startling evidence but later dramatically burned his files to avoid betraying confidences. He described himself as a herbalist and consultant in medical jurisprudence, stating the phenomena were "interference from outer space."

The Editor appeared on Southern Television with Holton, but had limited opportunity to question him. The report emphasizes that readers are left to judge Holton's motives.

At the meeting, Mr. Smlyn Rees, the Chairman, opened by assuring the population they had "nothing to fear." Mr. John Cleary-Pater, evolution officer of the British U.F.O. Research Association, provided a history of similar occurrences and stated that witnesses had not hallucinated and were not being hoaxed. He suggested the "thing" might be interested in military and research establishments on Salisbury Plain, possibly using Clay Hill as a homing beacon. He concluded that if harm was intended, it would have already occurred.

Attendees were encouraged to set up observation posts. Military authorities were invited but did not attend. Several witnesses came forward, including a lady who described a terrifying noise and a brilliant light. Mr. Cleary-Baker suggested the sound might have been beamed directionally. Another witness described roof tiles being lifted and rattled. A local reporter stated he had personally interviewed 49 witnesses, including 8 children.

The report mentions a story about a vicar's wife and son who saw a cylindrical thing hovering. It also notes Holton claimed to have had 200 reports, which he "burnt." The Athenrius Society was represented, with a spokesman claiming knowledge of cigar-shaped mother ships from inhabited planets like Mars and Venus, and alleging an official government embargo on UFO information.

A humorous telegram was read out, and Rev. Maurice Inge explained how conventional objects orbiting Earth can appear as UFOs. Dr. G. Deel, Chairman of the British UFO Research Association, congratulated Mr. Rees and appealed to witnesses who had not come forward. The report concludes that a puzzling phenomenon is occurring in Warminster, and the UFO subject was given an "excellent unbiased hearing."

Other Reports and Articles

'UFOLOG': A monthly publication by I.W.U.F.O.I.S. is mentioned, available for 10/5d. for 12 issues.

Mr. Leonard Cramp Interview: Cramp, author of 'Space Gravity and the Flying Saucer', was interviewed on B.P.C. T.V. Southampton and believed a photograph to be genuine, despite controversy and hoax reports.

Cross-section of press reports on Warminster incidents: This section lists several witness accounts from the Warminster area:

1. Mrs. Dere Horlock saw a "Blood-red ball of light" that revolved.
2. Mrs. Graham Phillips and her son saw a "glowing cigar-shaped object" that hovered and disappeared.
3. Twenty-two people reported seeing an object like "two red hot pokers on top of each other."
4. Mr. Roger Rump heard a rattling noise described as "tiles falling off the roof."
5. A lady reported hearing a humming sound like "grit being unloaded from a lorry."
6. Mr. & Mrs. Bill Maison heard "crackling sounds" and found dead mice with tiny holes.
7. A family reported a noise that partially paralyzed a young daughter.
8. A witness described a noise similar to a telephone crackling, accompanied by a persistent hum, which caused birds to drop lifeless.
9. Major Bill Hill's car was mysteriously halted and surrounded by vibrations.

'WARMINSTER'S THING': A report from Germany by a former investigator for S.A.P.I.G. (Southampton Aerial Phenomena Investigation Group) who felt compelled to submit a piece to *Spacelink* due to recent developments in the Warminster area.

The Case for George Adamski by David Rudman: This article examines the claims of George Adamski, a pioneer in UFO research. Rudman acknowledges Adamski faced criticism but rarely retaliated. The article references a previous piece by J. Cleary-Baker and states that this article is presented without editing. It aims to review Adamski's story, starting with his first claimed contact on November 20th, 1952, in the Californian Desert. Adamski, with six companions, reportedly saw a "gigantic cigar-shaped silvery craft" that stopped and hovered. The article disputes Cleary-Baker's "plane theory" and mentions that a U.S. Air Force report from November 20th, 1952, from the vicinity of Desert Centre, California, was found.

THREE SAY THEY SAW A FLYING SAUCER IN QUEENSLAND: A report from THE NEWS, Adelaide, dated 27.5.65, detailing a sighting by three men, including a commercial pilot, near Mackay, North Queensland. The object, described as circular with about 30 lights, landed and was observed for about 40 minutes. Evidence of scorching on treetops and grass was found. The object reportedly had three legs upon departure.

'The Wiltshire Crater Mystery': Mentioned as the first 'thing' to hit the Warminster area in recent years, occurring two years prior to this issue (July 1963), followed by numerous "mystery holes" appearing across the country.

Photographs: The article discusses photographs, including one by Roy Coombe resembling the "Adamski Saucer" (noted as an admitted hoax) and one by George Faulkner taken at Warminster on August 29th, 1965, which the author finds difficult to reconcile with newspaper reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of *Spacelink* demonstrates a strong commitment to investigating and reporting on UFO phenomena, particularly the Warminster incident. The journal adopts an unbiased stance, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions while encouraging readers to form their own conclusions. There is a clear theme of public interest growing in UFOs, and the Society aims to be a credible source of information. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, willing to consider evidence for or against prominent figures like George Adamski, and to report on significant sightings from around the world. The magazine also highlights the challenges of funding and producing such a journal on a "shoestring budget," urging readers to support it through subscriptions.

Title: SPACELINK
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 6
Date: Spring 1955

This issue of SPACELINK, a publication focused on UFO phenomena, delves deeply into the controversial claims of George Adamski, a prominent contactee. The content critically examines the evidence presented in his book 'Flying Saucers Have Landed,' including photographic evidence, witness testimonies, and the analysis of symbols. It also addresses skeptical viewpoints and explores other related sightings and investigations.

Adamski's First Contact and Photographic Evidence

The article begins by recounting the initial skepticism from authorities regarding UFO investigations, citing a letter from Mr. Ogden that was met with a policy of non-disclosure. It then moves to Adamski's famous contact, detailing how his visitor's footprints approached and left the scene, but abruptly halted, implying an unusual departure. A key piece of evidence discussed is a filmholder dropped by the visitor, from which Adamski took four photographs of the craft. Ex-Sgt. Jerrold B. Baker also took a photograph of the craft using a Kodak Brownie.

The Baker Photograph Controversy

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the controversy surrounding Jerrold B. Baker's photograph. While initially credited to him in 'Flying Saucers Have Landed,' Baker later made a sworn statement asserting that the photograph was actually taken by George Adamski. This statement aimed to separate fact from fiction and address the claims made in the book.

Independent Testimonies and Similar Sightings

The issue presents further evidence and related sightings to support the authenticity of Adamski's claims. Independent testimony regarding the footprints was available several days later. The case of Stephen Darbishire, a thirteen-year-old boy who, along with his eight-year-old cousin Adrian Myor, saw and photographed a 'Scoutship' near his home in Coniston, Lancashire, is detailed. Stephen felt a strong compulsion to go to the hill where the sighting occurred. His mother also experienced a sense of unease, feeling that 'something terribly important was going on outside.'

Stephen's statement described the craft as being made of a plastic-like metal through which light could travel but was not transparent. He noted three landing wheels or domes and a cabin with portholes. His drawing of the object closely resembled the Adamski 'Scoutship.' Desmond Leslie, who spent time with the Darbishire family, was convinced of Stephen's truthfulness.

Another case involves Mr. Paul Green, a forklift truck driver, who reported his motorcycle cutting out after seeing a saucer-shaped object with a dome emitting a blue light. He described the object as being about the length of two houses and appearing to land on the marshes. He also noted a pulsating bluish light and a strange humming noise.

Mrs. Elisabeth Klarer's experience is also recounted, where she was taken into a Scout Ship that took off. She described the occupants wearing dark brownish, close-fitting suits. An identical craft returned later, and Mrs. Klarer photographed it. Her description of the craft's interior reportedly matched Adamski's.

Analysis of Symbols and Skeptical Counterarguments

The issue highlights the analysis of symbols found on the re-impressed photographic plate from Adamski's filmholder. Mr. Basil von den Berg, a South African engineer, discovered that these symbols, along with those on the 'footprints,' revealed details about propulsion and magnetic motors, and provided plans for the craft. Professor Marcel F. Homet, a French archaeologist, found similar ancient symbols in Brazil, suggesting a possible extraterrestrial origin dating back thousands of years.

J. Cleary-Baker is presented as a prominent skeptic, whose assertions are described as 'staggering.' He is criticized for his 'Case against George Adamski' and 'Obituary' in the EUFORA Journal, which the author suggests are compounded of prejudice and ignorance. The article argues that Adamski's early claims should not be dismissed based on automatic rejection of his later works.

Related Information and Late News

The issue includes a fold-out sheet with a list of satellite frequencies agreed upon at the Space Communications Conference in Geneva in November 1964. This list is intended for radio amateurs and space listeners. A reverse side provides a list of Meteorological Balloons, useful for skywatchers in identifying known objects and eliminating them from potential UFO sightings.

In 'Late News,' a bulletin from NICAP Headquarters in Washington is mentioned, indicating a significant increase in UFO sightings, described as the biggest wave since 1957, and possibly the greatest on record. The organization has been inundated with letters and requests for interviews.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the presentation and analysis of evidence related to UFO sightings, particularly those involving George Adamski. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of investigating these phenomena seriously, while also acknowledging and discussing skeptical viewpoints. The importance of documented evidence, witness testimony, and the potential for misidentification are highlighted. The publication seems to advocate for a thorough and open-minded approach to the study of UFOs, presenting detailed accounts and encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions while providing context and analysis.