SVL Tijdschrift - Jaargang 2 No 07 - juli 1983

Magazine Overview

This issue of SVLT, a quarterly journal from the Study Group for Strange Aerial Phenomena (SVL), dated July 1983, focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and related hypotheses. The cover prominently features the headline "UFO and occupants in Schiedam?" and an illustration of a UFO. An English summary is available on page 21.

Editorial: General Meeting of March 26, 1983

The editorial discusses a meeting initiated by Marc Broux of the UFC 21 association, inviting various Dutch-speaking UFO and parapsychology groups to Hasselt. The meeting aimed to foster cooperation and discuss the organization of the second UFC 21 UFO congress. Key outcomes included the proposal for a mutual copyright agreement among participating groups (SVL, CBOS, UFO 21, UROS, USMZ), allowing them to reprint articles from each other's publications. Additionally, the SVL proposed using a standardized questionnaire for collecting witness testimonies, with the SOBEPS/SVL questionnaire serving as a model, noted as potentially the most extensive in Belgium. Preparatory discussions for the 1984 UFC congress also took place. The editorial also introduces the Gentse Werkgroep voor Parapsychologie, a group seeking scientific evidence for paranormal phenomena, and highlights their initiative to investigate such experiences in Flanders, an area previously dominated by Dutch research.

The CASH-LANDRUM Incident

This section details the experiences of Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Vickie's seven-year-old grandson, Colby, on December 29, 1980, in Texas. While driving, they witnessed a bright light and then a large, diamond-shaped object hovering above the trees. The object emitted regular yellow flames and a blinding light. The witnesses exited their car to observe it more closely. Colby and Vickie returned to the car, but Betty remained outside for several minutes. The car door handle was so hot that Betty used her coat as protection. Despite the cold night, the object emitted intense heat. The object ascended and moved southwest, then reappeared with over twenty helicopters present. The sound of the helicopters was compared to a tornado. The object then ascended high into the sky and disappeared.

Subsequent investigation by John Schuessler of MUFON and Project VISIT identified at least two types of helicopters, including a Boeing CH-47 Chinook. Schuessler's research suggested significant Pentagon interest in the case. A local policeman and his wife also reported seeing numerous CH-47 helicopters searching an area around the same time.

The incident had severe medical consequences for the witnesses. Betty experienced intense headaches, swelling, red spots, and hair loss. Vickie suffered from headaches, nausea, and deteriorating eyesight, possibly becoming blind in one eye. Colby also experienced facial burning and developed a fear of helicopters and bright lights. Medical specialists from Project VISIT concluded that the symptoms were likely caused by radiation, possibly from an experimental flying platform or a military vehicle with a malfunctioning reactor. The witnesses themselves suspected a government-subsidized operation rather than a typical 'flying saucer with little green men' scenario.

CE-Report from Estonia

This report, translated from the AFU-Newsletter, describes a sighting in Estonia in August 1980. A witness checking equipment near a factory saw a colorful object resting on the ground, approximately 200 meters away. Approaching closer, he observed a cylinder with sloping ends and a second, smaller black cube on top, with a thin, rotating pipe attached. The object moved, and the upper cube rotated horizontally, revealing two holes from which an orange beam emerged. The beam struck the witness, causing a sensation of warmth but no injury, and he felt as if he fell onto a soft surface. The object then changed shape, resembling a classic saucer, and rotated. The witness was unsure what happened to the black cubes but assumed they merged into the saucer. He felt unwell and nauseous for about twenty minutes afterward.

The Birth Trauma Hypothesis: New Findings

This section revisits the hypothesis proposed by Alvin H. Lawson and Dr. William McCall, suggesting that UFO abduction experiences might be linked to repressed memories of the birth process. Dr. McCall has hypnotized and interviewed 35 alleged abductees and other witnesses. Experiments involving individuals who had not reported UFO sightings but were asked to imagine an abduction revealed that these "imagined abductions" shared significant similarities with "real" abduction accounts, including tunnels, red colors, and an instinctive urge to enter the craft. The hypothesis posits that these experiences mirror the sensations and emotions associated with birth. Current experiments are focusing on individuals with known birth complications. One such experiment with a 25-year-old woman who had a difficult birth (breech presentation, low-lying placenta) revealed that her imagined abduction experience mirrored her birth, including coming out of the UFO backwards, similar to her partial placenta previa.

The SVL Research Network: Members and Their Activities

This section profiles the five core members of the SVL research network and their contributions.

• Ronny Blomme: Studies UFO phenomena for years, previously worked with GESAG-SPW, and has produced high-quality research reports. He is a doctoral student in astronomy at the Vrije Universiteit van Brussel.
• Luc Devine: Has published local research findings in SVLT and previously proposed establishing a "Belgian UFO Center." He has conducted numerous local investigations and was formerly a researcher for SOBEPS.
• Pieter Hendrickx: The newest member, he contributes to local research, international correspondence, translation of French and English texts, and writing articles. He also corresponds with the Australian Co-Ordination Section.
• Martin Holwerda: Authored the book "De Reconstructie van TRECOROSS" based on his own UFO sighting in Rotterdam in 1979. He has experience with image processing computers.
• Nestor Libert: Has been interested in UFO phenomena for about 10 years and has investigated two sightings in East Flanders.

The section also mentions the cooperation with EXOBIOS, a group studying exobiology, which can assist with physical effect reports and soil samples. Other contributors like Fredi Dewindt, Rudy De Groote, Dirk Haertjens, and Dirk Van Looy are also acknowledged for their information, photographic equipment, and technical assistance.

Important Note Regarding the BUFORA Congress

An announcement clarifies that the third international UFO Congress, previously scheduled for Buckinghamshire, will now take place in London on August 27, 28, and 29. Readers interested in attending are advised to contact the SVL study group for further information and updates on the precise location.

No "Recent Sightings"...

Due to a lack of reported UFO/IFO sightings since the previous issue, the "Recent Sightings" section is postponed to the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena through witness testimonies, investigative reports, and theoretical hypotheses. There's a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and detailed analysis, as seen in the CASH-LANDRUM investigation and the discussion of the birth trauma hypothesis. The SVL group appears dedicated to fostering cooperation among different UFO organizations and promoting thorough research within the Dutch-speaking community. The editorial stance seems open to unconventional explanations, including the possibility of advanced terrestrial technology or extraterrestrial origins, while maintaining a critical and evidence-based approach.

This document is an issue of a Dutch-language magazine focusing on UFO phenomena, specifically detailing a sighting in Schiedam, Netherlands, on July 14, 1979. The issue is titled 'SCHIEDAM (Z-HOLLAND): 14-7-1979' with the subtitle 'CE III-MELDING UIT EEN DICHTBEVOLKT GEBIED' (CE III-Report from a Densely Populated Area). It is authored by Wim van Utrecht and Martin Holwerda, who also conducted the investigation.

1. Introduction

The introduction recounts how a UFO group received a letter in the summer of 1979 from a witness, Ms. B., who, along with her friend Mr. A., had witnessed a strange phenomenon. Unfortunately, the initial UFO group did not pursue the case. Three and a half years later, Ms. B. contacted UFO 21, and investigator Marc Broux sent a questionnaire. Ms. B. filled it out and sent it back with a report detailing her observation of a peculiar object flying low. In the questionnaire, she also mentioned seeing "black shadows" through the object's hull. To clarify the situation, an on-site investigation was conducted by Martin Holwerda and Wim van Utrecht on April 9, 1983.

2. Observation Site

Schiedam is described as a densely populated municipality in the province of Zuid-Holland, located west of Rotterdam on the Nieuwe Maas river, with over 80,000 inhabitants. It forms a cohesive urban area with Rotterdam and is integrated into its public transport system. Historically known for its jenever distilleries, Schiedam's economy is now more focused on shipbuilding, metal industry, construction, printing, paint factories, and the chemical industry, as well as a glass factory. The former municipality of Kethel is now part of Schiedam, with a new district called Kethel in the north. The center of this new district is Bachplein, surrounded by five large apartment buildings that obstruct the view of the adjacent polder landscape. The witness, Ms. B., lives in flat building number 1, but her exact address is withheld for anonymity. The observation was made from the balcony of her apartment.

3. The Witnesses

Ms. B., born June 1, 1961, works at the Academic Hospital in Rotterdam and was a new employee at the time of the observation. Her hobby, along with her friend Mr. A., is karate. She claims to have had premonitions of deaths in her family and social circle, often accompanied by physical sensations. She also reported having precognitive dreams about UFOs, where a newspaper article or a documentary about UFOs would appear the following morning. She believes these experiences are separate from her UFO sightings. At around 14 years old, she saw a "spierwitte ovaal" (spindle-white oval) in the sky, which her brother also witnessed disappearing. Ms. B. is described as having a calm personality and is open to the possibility of an extraterrestrial origin for the UFOs she observed. She was wearing contact lenses at the time of the sighting.

Mr. A., born June 12, 1959, was working as a chauffeur in 1979, transporting documents. Currently, he repairs television, radio, and video equipment. His interests include photography, swimming, and motorcycling, and like Ms. B., he practices karate. Mr. A. is described as having a more outgoing personality. His enthusiastic recounting of the events sometimes overwhelmed the investigators. The credibility of the witnesses is discussed later in the report.

4. The Facts According to Ms. B.

This summary is based on Ms. B.'s report from the morning after the sighting, her interview on April 9, 1983, and her questionnaire filled out on February 19, 1983.

First Phase: On the night of July 13-14, 1979, around 00:45 AM, after Mr. A. said goodbye to Ms. B. and was walking down the stairs, Ms. B. noticed two orange lights hovering motionlessly in the sky to her left. She had previously observed strange lights. These lights were between flat 4 and flat 5, clearly outlined, and resembled small headlights. It was unclear if there was one or two objects. The lights blinked at regular intervals of about one second and were positioned at the height of the fourth or fifth floor of flat 4, behind the building, likely above the polder landscape. Ms. B. called for Mr. A., who had already reached the ground. From his position, the view was obstructed by classrooms on the square. Ms. B. returned to the balcony to join Mr. A. By then, the orange lights had moved slowly and disappeared behind flat 5 (to the east). The observation lasted about one minute.

Second Phase: The witnesses decided to wait a few more minutes. Instead of the orange lights reappearing, they saw another peculiar phenomenon: a "very large and wide flash" that illuminated the sky for a fraction of a second, from flat 5 to beyond the Kethel church. Shortly after, a second, narrower flash occurred. Ms. B. stated it was not ordinary lightning, as the weather was good and it was not raining. Mr. A. recalled a strange object appearing in the same location a few weeks prior, emitting similar light.

5. The Facts According to Mr. A.

Mr. A. remembers very little of the events, which occurred four years prior. He stated that there were multiple sightings spread over several weekends. In the weeks leading up to the July 14, 1979, events, an oval-shaped object, described as "spindle-white" and "reasonably large but smaller than the moon," appeared at least five times above the horizon. These sightings typically occurred between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, appearing from behind flat 5. The object would descend slowly until it disappeared behind trees and buildings on the horizon, leaving a faint glow that seemed to illuminate the landscape. The witnesses reportedly took a polaroid photo of the object, but it was too dark and misty, and the UFO did not appear on the photo, leading to its disposal.

Mr. A. also recalled that his mother had witnessed these regularly occurring phenomena. The Schiedam police were informed but took no further action due to time constraints.

Mr. A. suggests a helicopter as a possible explanation for the sightings, noting that the bright lights and unusual maneuvers of aircraft can often lead to UFO reports. He mentions "strobe-lights" visible from afar and "anti-collision-lights" on larger aircraft. He believes the first phase of the sighting could be explained by these lights, and the blinking might have been an optical illusion. The lights moving towards the airport could have been from a landing aircraft using its anti-collision lights due to the mist. The mist could also explain why navigation lights were not noticed.

The Saturn-shaped Object and the Shadows: Mr. A. remembers the fourth phase of the sighting as the most spectacular. He describes the object not as a sphere but as an elliptical, orange-red zeppelin-like shape with a ring of a similar color around it. He saw several portholes or windows through which he could discern three to four dark, slender figures. He could only see their heads and upper bodies, and they appeared to be looking around. He described their silhouettes as facing away from him, and he didn't think they saw them. He did not observe any equipment inside the object, nor any windows or portholes. He admits that his sketch of the object shows rectangular portholes, but he is unsure of their exact shape, suggesting he might have unconsciously added them to make the story more plausible. He estimates the object's speed at about 5 to 10 km/h, moving in a straight line at a low altitude of about 5 meters above their position, possibly to avoid radar. He estimates the object's diameter at approximately 15 meters, larger than Ms. B.'s estimate. The UFO was visible for at least 20 seconds before disappearing behind flat 5 at the fourth or fifth floor level.

6. Meteorological Data

The KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute) provided detailed meteorological data for July 13 and 14, 1979. The weather station closest to Schiedam was at Rotterdam Airport. At the time of the observations (between 24:00 and 02:00 AM CET), there was light altocumulus and cirrus cloud cover, with the lower cloud base at approximately 3,500 meters. Only 1/8 of the sky was covered by clouds. The wind was light and variable, between 1 and 3 knots (0.515 m/sec). Horizontal visibility was up to 800-900 meters. The weather was not rainy, but a light mist had set in. The temperature ranged between 9.9°C and 11.6°C. The atmospheric pressure was 1023.7 mbar, and relative humidity was 96%. The witnesses' recollections of good weather, no rain, and little wind align with these data. Mr. A.'s mention of regular mist setting in also matches the KNMI information.

7. Astronomical Data

Ronny Blomme, a doctoral student in astronomy, calculated the astronomical data for July 14, 1979, using a computer program. The calculations were for 01:10 AM, at a location with coordinates similar to Schiedam (51°N, 4°E). The star chart indicated that no bright stars could have caused the observed phenomena. The brightest stars were outside the observers' field of vision. Arcturus was the only exception, appearing almost directly west at an altitude of nearly 30° above the horizon, to the right of flat 5. However, Arcturus is ruled out as an explanation due to its brightness and the witnesses' descriptions. The moon was at an altitude of 10° and an azimuth of 292°, meaning it was 77% illuminated and nearly full. The moon was behind the witnesses. Ms. B. thought it was to her right, but she was unsure. Venus and Mars were not visible at that time. Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn were below the horizon. Therefore, an astronomical explanation is definitively ruled out.

8. Possible Explanations

Rotterdam Airport is located 4.5 km northeast of Bachplein, meaning aircraft and helicopters frequently fly at low altitudes over the area. The bright lights and unusual maneuvers of these vehicles are often the basis for UFO reports. Even experienced individuals can be surprised by them. Aircraft often have "strobe-lights" visible from afar and "anti-collision-lights." These lights can appear as a "white oval" when viewed from a certain angle. The movements of the "UFO" are consistent with those of a helicopter. The portholes might have been imagined over the years. The "lightning flashes" during the second phase are interesting, as the KNMI reported no lightning at that time, although it had rained earlier. The brief duration of this phenomenon (one second) makes it less significant. The third phase, a small, slow-moving light, is also considered less significant due to the limited details. The fourth phase, involving the Saturn-shaped object, is deemed the most important, with clear details and an unusual shape that makes misinterpretation unlikely. The investigators conclude that it is premature to link all the phases together, but the Saturn-shaped object warrants further attention.

9. Credibility of the Witnesses

Ms. B. presented her account calmly and credibly, patiently answering questions and referring to her written report. Mr. A.'s account was more confusing due to his enthusiastic delivery. The investigators found it difficult to reconstruct his testimony from their notes. Despite some discrepancies between their individual accounts, both witnesses largely stuck to their stories. Mr. A. admitted that Ms. B. likely remembered the event more accurately than he did. He also mentioned that his original report, written the morning after the sighting, was lost. Ms. B. stated that his report was so similar to hers that it convinced them they had both witnessed the same event and not dreamt it. Both witnesses emphasize that the events are four years old and some details may be uncertain.

Negative and Positive Aspects: Neither Ms. B. nor Mr. A. have had any further sightings since July 14, 1979. Their experience with the Saturn-shaped UFO was the peak of several "introductory" sightings. The investigators ponder whether the witnesses' desire to see a UFO up close might have influenced the appearance of the Saturn-shaped object. A point of concern is that Ms. B. had purchased a "UFO photo album" by Malthaner and Schneider, which contains cases with striking similarities to her own experience, including descriptions of occupants. The investigators question whether these similarities are coincidental or if the witnesses used the book as inspiration for a fabricated story. They believe it's unlikely the witnesses invented the story, but it's possible they consciously or unconsciously embellished details from a real UFO experience after reading the book.

Another negative aspect is the absence of other witnesses, a common issue in CE (Close Encounter) reports. Despite distributing flyers to approximately 2,000 potential witnesses in the surrounding apartment buildings, no one responded. However, the investigators note that the lack of additional witnesses does not automatically discredit the primary witnesses. It's possible that UFOs are a "personal" phenomenon, or that the event was specifically for Ms. B. and Mr. A. The positive aspect is the meteorological data, which perfectly matches the witnesses' recollections of the weather, suggesting they were indeed outside and experienced something memorable.

The witnesses made a sympathetic and credible impression during the interview, and Ms. B.'s mother confirmed that they had witnessed strange phenomena at the time. The report concludes by stating that further calculations will be made to assess the reliability of the witnesses' estimations.

Conclusion

It is premature to establish a direct link between the different phases of the sighting. The observation of the Saturn-shaped object is particularly interesting and deserves full attention.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly focuses on a detailed, investigative approach to a specific UFO sighting. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical but open-minded inquiry, meticulously analyzing witness testimony, corroborating it with scientific data (meteorology, astronomy), and considering various explanations, including conventional ones like aircraft. The magazine emphasizes the importance of witness credibility and the challenges inherent in UFO research, such as the lack of corroborating witnesses and potential psychological influences. The Saturn-shaped object is highlighted as a particularly compelling and unexplained phenomenon that warrants further investigation.

This issue of SVL Magazine, identified as NO 2/7 and published by the Studiegroep voor Vreemde Luchtverschijnselen (SVL), focuses on UFO phenomena and investigations. The magazine is presented in English with summaries for foreign researchers, reflecting the SVL's role as a sister organization to GESAG. The issue is dated around July 1979, with specific articles referencing events from that period and earlier.

Key Articles and Investigations

CE III IN SCHIEDAM ON JULY 14, 1979 ? (p. 10 and cover)

This article details a Close Encounter of the Third Kind reported from Schiedam, Netherlands. Two witnesses, an 18-year-old girl and her 20-year-old boyfriend, claimed to have observed a saturn-shaped object on the night of July 13-14, 1979. The object, described as a round orange body with a yellow rim, floated slowly over a parking place at an estimated altitude of 60 to 130 feet, emitting a snoring sound. Recent statements from the witnesses mentioned two or three dark, slender silhouettes inside the UFO, a detail not included in their original accounts due to fear of ridicule. The investigators, Wim van Utrecht and Martin Holwerda, visited Schiedam on April 9, 1983, and interviewed the witnesses. They noted that the female witness's mother had recently purchased a UFO book, potentially influencing the recollection of details. The investigators found discrepancies in distance and dimension estimates, suggesting that memories might have been affected by the four-year gap between the event and the investigation. However, they also found elements supporting credibility, such as the mother confirming strange phenomena and the witnesses' exact recollection of the weather. Despite the lack of corroborating witnesses from surrounding buildings, the Schiedam case is classified as 'INTERESSANT' and one of the most well-documented CE III incidents from Holland.

ENKELE GETALLEN (A Few Figures)

This section provides numerical data related to the Schiedam sighting, including estimates for the visible distance traveled (150m - 500m), closest approach (45m - 70m), longest distance (100m - 400m), object dimensions (3.50m x 3.50m to 15m x 7.50m), speed (10 km/u - 30 km/u), height (40m), and duration of observation (18 sec - 60 sec). The text notes that the wide range of these estimates offers little concrete evidence and that the data provides little certainty.

SLOTEVALUATIE (Final Evaluation)

The researchers consider it highly probable that witnesses B. and A. observed a strange phenomenon on the night of July 13-14, 1979. However, doubts exist regarding the details provided, with the possibility that memories have been altered over time, particularly due to the 'UFO-fotoboek' purchased by the female witness. Questions remain about the UFO's actual appearance, distance, and whether beings were inside. Despite negative aspects, the CE III-melding from the Netherlands is considered well-documented and classified as 'INTERESSANT'.

AANVULLENDE NOTA: GETUIGEN B. EN A. VOOR DE RADIO (Additional Note: Witnesses B. and A. on the Radio)

On June 20, 1983, 'Radio Veronica' featured witnesses B. and A. discussing their UFO experience. New details emerged, including descriptions of the occupants as slender, dark silhouettes, 'slightly larger than normal people', standing in a bent posture. The witnesses confirmed the saturn-shaped object. The program also mentioned the full names of the witnesses, though it's uncertain if this was with their consent.

THE CASH-LANDRUM INCIDENT (p. 3)

This article describes the well-known Cash-Landrum case from Texas, USA, on December 29, 1980. Three witnesses, two elderly women and a young boy, were exposed to radiation from a low-flying UFO accompanied by helicopters. The principal investigator was John Schuessler of MUFON, who also founded 'Project VISIT'. The radiation caused health damage to the women. The article in SVLT was compiled from 'the MUFON UFO Journal' and 'OMNI-magazine'.

CLOSE ENCOUNTER IN ESTHONIA, USSR (p. 6)

Translated from the Swedish magazine 'AFU-Newsletter', this article recounts the experience of an Esthonian workman in August 1980. He observed a shape-changing object and a robot-like creature that emitted an orange beam of light, causing him to fall backward without shock. The case was investigated by Esthonian ufologists and reported to AFU by Finnish researchers.

MORE ON THE BIRTH-TRAUMA HYPOTHESIS (p. 7)

This article discusses investigations by Alvin H. Lawson and Dr. William McCall, proposing a link between birth trauma and UFO abduction tales told under hypnosis. Experiments suggest that individuals can produce 'imaginary abduction' stories that mirror real ones, and these can incorporate elements related to their birth experiences, such as breech presentation.

THE SVL INVESTIGATION NETWORK (p. 8)

This section introduces the five regular on-site investigators of the SVL network: Ronny Blomme, Luc Devine, Pieter Hendrickx, Martin Holwerda, and Nestor Libert.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on detailed case investigations, particularly Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and explores various hypotheses related to UFO phenomena, such as the birth-trauma theory. There is an emphasis on the challenges of witness testimony, memory distortion, and the rigorous process of investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, classifying significant cases as 'INTERESSANT' and aiming to inform a wider audience of researchers. The magazine also highlights the collaborative nature of UFO research through its network and international connections.

FAQ

• What is the SVL? The SVL (Studiegroep voor Vreemde Luchtverschijnselen) is a Dutch investigation group founded in 1979, publishing a trimonthly magazine on UFO phenomena.
• What was the Schiedam CE III incident? On July 14, 1979, two witnesses in Schiedam, Netherlands, reported observing a saturn-shaped object with internal silhouettes, accompanied by a snoring sound and pulsating light.
• What is the birth-trauma hypothesis? The birth-trauma hypothesis suggests a link between birth trauma and UFO abduction tales, where people under hypnosis can produce similar abduction stories that reflect their birth experiences.
• How can I subscribe to the SVL magazine? An annual subscription costs 300 Belgian Francs for 4 issues, with payment to be sent via Giro to Wim van Utrecht, Oever 28, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.