SVL Tijdschrift - Jaargang 3 No 10 - april 1984 INCOMPLETE

Magazine Overview

Title: SVLT TIJDSCHRIFT
Issue: No. 10
Volume: 3
Date: April 1984
Publisher: SVL-GESAG Belgium
Language: Dutch

This issue of the SVLT journal, published quarterly by the study group for strange aerial phenomena (GESAG), presents a comprehensive look at UFO reports, with a particular focus on Belgian and Dutch sightings from the period 1980-1983. The editorial team expresses hope that the new printing process will be well-received by readers, acknowledging the technical challenges faced.

UFO-PROFIEL (2): 1980-1983

The central feature of this issue is the "UFO-PROFIEL (2)" section, which provides a statistical overview of UFO/IFO (Identified Flying Object) sightings reported in Belgium between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 1983. In collaboration with GESAG, SVL documented 104 such reports. These reports were gathered through various channels, including other organizations, newspapers, and personal contacts. The cover graph visually represents these sightings over time, categorized into different types.

The article details the methodology used for cataloging these reports, explaining the meaning of various symbols and abbreviations used in the tables. These include:

• Date and Time: Including day, month, year, and time of observation, with notes on potential inaccuracies and the use of summer time in Belgium.
• Location: Specifying the place and province (e.g., ANT for Antwerp, WFL for West Flanders).
• Number of Witnesses: Indicating the count or 'S' for several witnesses.
• Type of Observation: Using symbols to denote different phenomena, such as star-shaped lights, single or multiple lights, unclear phenomena (like luminous mist or flashes), reflections, or objects appearing darker than their background.
• Evaluation: The SVL's personal assessment of the reported phenomena, marked as "insufficient" (if too few details are available) or "interesting" (if not adequately explained after investigation).
• Sources and Investigations: Citing the origin of the report and indicating if the organization conducted an investigation, including interviews.

Key terms are translated from English, such as "insufficient" (onvoldoende) and "interesting" (interessant). The article also clarifies potentially confusing terms like "lightning," "airplane," and "searchlights."

A call is made to readers and other UFO groups (SOBEPS and UROS) to submit any unreported sightings to complete the catalog.

Vreemde verschijnselen boven Vlaanderen (deel 3)

This section, authored by Jacques BONABOT, continues a series examining strange aerial phenomena reported in Flanders. This installment covers the period up to 1931-32, following previous articles that documented sightings from 1384 to 1918. The author appeals to other Flemish organizations and readers to search their archives for older observations to enrich this historical overview, including religious apparitions and "sun miracles."

Two specific cases are detailed:

1. November/December 1929, Weelde: Edgar Simons reported seeing a large, green light with a long trail moving south around 2 AM. He and his Brigadier observed it for several minutes. The author suggests this could be explained as a meteor, noting that the duration might be overestimated due to the time elapsed since the event.
2. A few months later (likely 1930), Essen: A bright light beam was seen shooting from the ground into the sky, disappearing quickly. This occurred in an isolated area.

1931/1932, Melle (near Ghent): Four men fishing by the Schelde River witnessed a peculiar phenomenon on a dark, windless night. Around 1:15-1:30 AM, a "fireball" descended from the northeast, illuminating the surroundings intensely. The object, described as the size of a full moon but incredibly bright, moved in a straight line, then performed a "cross-shaped movement" before receding. The witness, a retired metalworker, recounted the event to Freddy Botte. He emphasized the object's sharp outline, unlike a star. The event lasted about one and a half to three minutes. The witness expressed a desire to have photographed it to prove its reality.

Onkerzele Apparitions (August 1933 - February 1934)

This section details a series of religious apparitions that occurred in Onkerzele, Belgium, centered around Leonie Van den Dyck. Born in Idegem in 1875, she was a mother of thirteen children. She reportedly predicted that her body would be found intact 23 years after her death in 1949, which was allegedly confirmed in 1972.

The article highlights characteristics of these apparitions, referencing a report from the newspaper "Het Volk" dated December 19, 1933. It describes a peculiar solar phenomenon observed in the afternoon: a silver-matte disc positioned in front of the sun, rotating rapidly, leaving only a thin red band visible for 7-10 minutes. This was distinguished from a cloud effect. Later, a similar event occurred with a broader, fading illumination instead of a sharp edge.

On August 4, 1933, Leonie Van den Dyck and neighbors witnessed a silvery light from the small chapel near the Onkerzele cemetery, which intensified and appeared as a gray sphere with a light on top. Doctor Frans Jacobs noted similar phenomena on August 5 and 8, 1933, and Christiane Piens reported "light rays."

Another phenomenon described in "Het Volk" from December 18, 1933, involved a light-purple sphere seen from a distance. Other light effects reported by Christiane Piens include a blue, red, and silver sphere on August 14, 1933, a luminous ball on September 7, 1933, and a white glow above a tree on September 19, 1933.

Prinses M. de Croy reported observing a "gramophone record"-like object around midday on December 18, 1933, which vibrated and partially obscured the sun, creating a silvery halo. She also witnessed a similar phenomenon on January 6, 1934.

The article also includes a testimony from A.V. regarding events on February 23, 1934, the day King Leopold III ascended the throne. Amidst a large gathering in Onkerzele, amidst prayers and religious fervor, a voice reportedly proclaimed "Tragic death of the king and the queen... disappearance of the dynasty..." followed by calls of "Rose scent, rose scent!" and thousands singing "Magnificat."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue demonstrates a strong focus on cataloging and analyzing UFO sightings, both contemporary (1980-1983) and historical. The editorial stance emphasizes a serious, investigative approach, as evidenced by the detailed explanations of symbols, evaluation criteria, and the call for contributions. The inclusion of historical religious phenomena alongside UFO reports suggests an open-minded perspective on unexplained aerial and celestial events. The magazine aims to provide a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share and analyze data, fostering a collaborative effort in understanding these phenomena.

This issue of the SVL Tijdschrift, specifically focusing on "NIEUWE CE-MELDING UIT SCHIEDAM" (New CE-Sighting from Schiedam), dated December 24, 1983, delves into various UFO and anomalous aerial phenomena reports, primarily from the Netherlands and Belgium. It also includes critical commentary on the UFO research community.

Article: New CE-Sighting from Schiedam

The main article details an investigation into a UFO sighting that occurred on July 14, 1979, over the Bachplein in Schiedam, Netherlands. Initially reported by a couple (Ms. B and Mr. A), the SVL study group distributed 500 leaflets to residents of the Bachplein building to solicit further witnesses. After a delay of seven and a half months, a response was received from Dick van Belle, whose mother and daughter (Suzanne, aged 8 at the time of the sighting) had witnessed a phenomenon. Suzanne provided a detailed account of a brightly lit, spherical object, approximately the size of the moon, with multiple colored facets (white, purple, red, yellow, blue, dark green, black, dark brown) that rotated and changed colors. The object moved slowly and hovered at a low altitude. While her father is an artist, the description did not directly align with his artistic style. The investigation faced challenges due to the young age of the primary witness and the lack of a precise date for the event, making it difficult to correlate with other reports or environmental data. The article notes that the phenomenon was observed from the same location as the initial report, though the researchers acknowledge their search was limited to the Bachplein area.

Article: Esneux (November 11, 1979)

This section reports on a sighting by an 11-year-old girl, Sylvie, in Soumagne, Belgium, on November 11, 1979. No information supporting this claim was found in local newspapers. However, another report from the same day, but from Esneux (about 15 km away), was published in the newspaper 'Le Soir.' A reader from Brussels, who owned a house in Esneux, described a large, brilliant, white object with eight points of light (four white, four red) that moved slowly, much slower than an airplane. The object emitted a soft humming sound. It appeared around 21:11 and was observed for approximately three minutes. The article highlights the coincidence of two independent sightings in geographically close locations on the same day, despite a 12-hour difference between the events. The Esneux sighting is noted as not having been investigated on-site, and the article suggests a plane as a possible explanation.

Article: Onkerzele Apparitions

This section discusses the apparitions of Onkerzele, linking them to Marian apparitions and 'sun miracles.' It draws parallels with similar events in Banneux and Fatima, noting that the testimonies come from pilgrims who attended the visions of Leonie Van den Dyck. A specific account describes a 'sun miracle' where a grey, closed sky opened up to reveal three round clouds. A pearly grey disc descended, obscuring the sun, and began to rotate, emitting light rays that formed a large 'Y.' Red blood-like drops then fell from the sky. The event lasted about 10 to 15 minutes. The article cites various sources and references for these events, including publications from GESAG and 'Het Volk.'

Letter from Jan Heering

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a letter from physicist Jan Heering, dated February 11, 1984. Heering expresses his withdrawal from UFO research due to a perceived lack of seriousness and responsibility among many ufologists. He claims that numerous reports and photos are known within small circles to be partially or wholly fabricated, yet they continue to be circulated. He criticizes the UFO community for prioritizing sensationalism over truth, referring to it as a 'UFO-maffia.' He argues that this phenomenon has obscured the real UFO phenomenon and is driven by the desire for sensation rather than a pursuit of truth. Heering mentions that organizations like FSR and The MUFON UFO Journal are not interested in publishing corrections. He points to spectacular South American cases and a color photo on the cover of LDLN N° 138 as examples of fabricated material. He concludes that while there are serious and honest researchers, the overall situation is somber.

Debunked Cases

Following Heering's letter, the magazine presents a list of 'classic' UFO cases that have been declared as deliberate mystifications or are highly questionable. These include:

• The case of the abducted cow in Leroy, Kansas (1897).
• The Monguzzi photos from Italy (1952).
• The French UFO wave of 1954.
• The Ubatuba magnesium case from Brazil (1957), likely from a crashed army rocket.
• Photos from San Jose de Valderas, Spain (1967).
• The Nagora photos from Germany (1971), likely a thrown model.
• Most astronaut sightings.

Recent Sightings

This section provides brief reports of recent UFO/IFO sightings, primarily from the Netherlands, dating back no more than six months before the publication date. These include:

• Dordrecht (South Holland): October 10, 1983, around 21:30.
• Zeeland: October 24-25, 1983, between 23:00 and 01:00. A large, star-shaped object emitting bright yellow light was seen.
• Middelburg (Zeeland): October 25, 1983, around 23:30. A witness reported seeing a group of 'stars' fall, forming a red glow and then an oval object with changing lights, described as being the size of a small football field. Silver flakes were reportedly ejected, causing a tingling sensation. The witness felt the event was 'higher' or 'holy.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the importance of rigorous investigation and critical evaluation of UFO reports. It contrasts detailed witness testimonies with the challenges of verification, especially when dealing with young witnesses or lacking precise data. The magazine appears to adopt a cautious stance, presenting various sightings but also emphasizing the need for scientific scrutiny and acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and misidentifications. The inclusion of Jan Heering's critical letter suggests an editorial leaning towards a more skeptical and truth-oriented approach within UFO research, warning against sensationalism and fabricated evidence. The magazine aims to provide a platform for reporting and discussing these phenomena while encouraging a discerning perspective from its readers.

This issue of the SVL Journal (N° 3/10), published by the "Studiegroep voor Vreemde Luchtverschijnselen" (SVL), is a trimonthly journal focusing on UFO phenomena. The issue is dated December 1982 and includes English summaries of articles to reach a wider audience. The price for an annual subscription is 400 Belgian Francs.

Editorial

The editorial welcomes Mr. Luc VAN BIESBRUCK as a new field-investigator and notes the contribution of SVL-investigator Ronny BLOMME, who has made his Apple II computer available for UFO research, aiming to produce skymaps for chosen times and places. The editorial also stresses the importance of GEPAN's "Note Technique N° 16" concerning a landing-case from Trans-en-Provence.

Profile of Belgian UFO-Reports for the Period of 1980 Until 1983

This section, compiled by Wim VAN UTRECHT, presents a list of Belgian UFO reports from January 1980 to December 1983. It provides explanations for the compiled data, including time notations, province abbreviations (e.g., ANT for Antwerp, EFL for East-Flanders), and symbols used to describe phenomena (e.g., '*' for starlike light, 'o' for clearly visible single light, 'oo' for formations, '§' for not clearly defined light, and '•' for light-reflecting or obstructing objects). The journal's personal evaluation of each case is also included, with '=' indicating a definite explanation and '-' indicating uncertainty. Reports are classified as 'interesting' if no explanation was found after thorough investigation, and 'insufficient' if data is too poor for evaluation. The source of the report is also indicated, with underlined sources implying a lengthy interview with the witness(es).

Strange Phenomena Above Flanders - Part 3

Authored by Jacques BONABOT, this is the third article in a series detailing strange phenomena in Dutch-speaking Belgium. This chapter covers events collected by GESAG, SVL, and the former SPW from 1929 to 1934. Notable events include:

• November/December 1929 (Weelde, Antwerp): A "great green light with a long trail" was observed, possibly a meteor.
• 1930 (Essen): A "clearly defined ray of light" was seen, resembling a light flare.
• 1931/1932 (Melle, near Gent): Four men fishing witnessed a "ball of fire" from the northeast that descended towards them, appearing as bright as the full moon and performing a cross-shaped manoeuvre before disappearing.
• August 1933 - February 1934 (Onkerzele, East-Flanders): A series of religious apparitions were reported, including solar phenomena, lights, predictions, stigmata, and contacts with the Virgin Mary. A "dancing sun" on December 18, 1933, and February 23, 1934, were notably supported by reliable individuals.

Dordrecht, Holland: 10-10-1983

Martin HOLWERDA reports on a NL-report from Dordrecht where two acquaintances claimed to have seen an unusual phenomenon on October 10, 1983. The phenomenon was described as a "motionless configuration of red, green and white lights" that later moved towards the witnesses and changed into a triangle of three white lights. The report suggests this might be a hoax.

Esneux, Belgium: 11-11-1979

Rudy DE GROOTE provides details of a sighting in Esneux that occurred about 12 hours after a report from Soumagne. The sighting in Esneux is suggested to be a misinterpretation of an airplane.

Another CE-Report from Schiedam, Holland

Wim VAN UTRECHT discusses an in-depth investigation into a CE III-report from Schiedam. A couple claimed to have observed a luminous saturn-shaped object with dark silhouettes. While no additional testimonies were found for the July 14 sighting, a man reported that his daughter and mother saw a multicoloured ball of light around 2-4 years prior to the report. The girl described the object as a giant "marble" that continuously changed colours and moved erratically, and she felt it was not a solid substance.

Letter from Jan Heering

Jan HEERING, a Dutch physicist and author, explains why he is no longer involved in UFO research. He criticizes the lack of responsibility towards truth among many ufologists, citing numerous faked reports and photographs that receive extensive publicity. He argues that the UFO phenomenon has been obscured by a "UFO-industry" that prioritizes sensationalism over truth, comparing it to the boulevard press. He concludes that the real problem lies not with UFOs, but with ufologists themselves.

Recent Sightings from Belgium and Holland

This section by Wim VAN UTRECHT presents nine recent cases, six of which are nocturnal lights classified as "insufficient data." Two reports were identified as photographic hoaxes, and one described a cigar-shaped object. A preliminary inquiry by SVL indicated that the lone witness in this case was not very reliable.

The issue also includes a table correcting errors in a previous list of Belgian UFO-reports, detailing dates, locations, and classifications such as "Venus," "satellite," "flare," and "airplane."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SVL Journal consistently emphasizes rigorous investigation and critical analysis of UFO reports. There is a strong focus on distinguishing between genuine sightings, misinterpretations (such as aircraft or natural phenomena), and deliberate hoaxes. The journal appears to adopt a skeptical but open-minded stance, valuing evidence and reliable testimony. The critique by Jan Heering highlights a recurring theme of concern within the UFO community about the integrity of research and the potential for sensationalism to overshadow factual investigation. The publication aims to provide a platform for detailed case studies and analysis, contributing to a more accurate understanding of the UFO phenomenon.