Swamp Gas Journal - 1983 Volume 3 Number 1

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SWAMP GAS JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 3, Number 1
Date: August, 1983
Publisher: Ufology Research of Manitoba
ISSN: 0707-7106

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal features an investigative report titled "Tracking the Wild UFO," detailing an investigation into a UFO sighting that occurred in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on May 17, 1983. The magazine also includes a personal account of the author's experiences researching UFO files in Ottawa, book reviews, and a list of recent acquisitions.

Tracking the Wild UFO

The lead article by Chris Rutkowski details his investigation into a UFO sighting reported by two witnesses, D.S. and E.H., in Winnipeg. The incident occurred on May 17, 1983, around 10:00 PM, after a Stanley Cup playoff game. The witnesses described hearing a loud rumbling noise, "as if a plane was going to crash nearby," and then observed two rings of lights, each containing 10-12 smaller lights, flying overhead "three or four telephone poles high." D.S. attempted to imitate the noise, describing it as a "rumbling roar." He noted that the lights did not resemble any aircraft he had seen before, and within six seconds, the object(s) had disappeared behind trees.

Rutkowski interviewed both D.S. and E.H. separately. E.H., an older woman, provided a sketch nearly identical to D.S.'s, and her account corroborated his details, despite D.S. being present during her interview. Both witnesses expressed perplexity and were glad to have their sighting taken seriously.

Rutkowski's subsequent investigation explored potential explanations. He discovered a heliport located a few blocks from the sighting location, but it had been grounded by dusk. Aerial spraying planes were also absent. Attempts to obtain information on other low-flying planes from air traffic control were met with the response that it was "impossible to find out that information."

The report traces the sighting's journey through various agencies: D.S. initially reported it to radio station CKRC, then to CFB Winnipeg, which forwarded it to the Department of National Defence (DND), and finally to the National Research Council (NRC) in Ottawa. Rutkowski notes that after this long chain, the case remained without a positive identification.

He concludes that while it "sure appears to have been an aircraft of some sort," the pattern of lights is curious, leaving open the question of whether the witnesses were fooled by a low-flying airplane. The official conclusion is listed as "Possible Aircraft."

The Ufologist on Vacation

This section details the author's experiences during a trip to southern Ontario, primarily focusing on his involvement with the 1983 Canadian Student Pugwash Conference in Ottawa. The conference addressed topics like nuclear arms and military involvement in space. Following the conference, the author explored Ottawa and its surroundings, including visiting the Space Shuttle Enterprise display and experiencing the local science fiction and bookstore scene.

A significant part of this narrative involves the author's quest to access the NRC "UFO files" in Ottawa. He was directed to the Planetary Sciences Division, specifically to Room 2026, managed by Mrs. Denise Cardinal. There, he examined the "Non-Meteoric" file, which contained approximately thirty reports from January to June 1983. These reports included submissions from pilots, air traffic controllers, and the RCMP. The author notes that the NRC files appeared to be largely intact, unlike some DND files which had been "sanitized."

He learned that earlier files were stored at the National Archives. At the Government Documents section, assisted by Mr. Hillman, he found information sheets on NRC files and those of Projects Magnet and Second Storey. He reviewed data for about fifty cases from Manitoba from the years 1967, 1975, 1980, and 1981.

The author also recounts visiting a UFO group in Toronto hosted by Bonnie Wheeler, where he and George shared their experiences and theories. He also had a brief meeting with Pat De la Franier, director of the Southern UFO Research Team, who was working on a UFO Investigators' Manual.

The narrative concludes with his return to Winnipeg, reflecting on his experiences and thanking those who hosted him.

Book Reviews

UFO Dynamics: Books 1 and 2 by Berthold Eric Schwarz, M.D.

Reviewed by Conrad Fort, this section discusses Schwarz's two-volume work, which is described as an indexed collection of his writings from professional and lay journals, including material from Flying Saucer Review. The review highlights Schwarz's psychiatric approach to ufology, suggesting that not believing witnesses may lead to psychosis and that "UFO symptoms" are rare in psychiatric institutions. Schwarz's work emphasizes the importance of recording witnesses' feelings and background. He believes psychic phenomena, such as telepathy and precognition, are integral to the UFO phenomenon, a stance that the reviewer, while agreeing that psychic phenomena overlap with ufology, does not fully share, citing cases where psi phenomena were not claimed by witnesses.

Insights Into Prehistory by Michael Baran

This review, also by Conrad Fort, assesses Baran's book, which delves into the esoteric and mystical elements of human heritage, drawing heavily on the writings of Madame Helene Blavatsky. Baran explores legends and traditions worldwide, seeking common themes related to Atlantis, Mu, and Lemuria, and posits that Genesis might describe early human mutations. The review notes Baran's belief in "Earth core gravitational energy" and connects it to mystic and psychic origins of man and ancient sciences. The book is recommended for those interested in esoteric origins and potential UFO explanations related to Atlantis and Mu.

Recent Acquisitions

A list of books recently acquired by the journal is provided, including titles on UFOs, psychic phenomena, and esoteric subjects, acquired during the author's trip to Ontario. Notable titles include "MIB: The Secret Terror Among Us" by Gray Barker, "Le Mystere des OVNI" by R. Jack Perrin, and "Insights Into Prehistory" by Michael Baran.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the investigative aspect of ufology, attempting to find rational explanations for reported phenomena while acknowledging the perplexing nature of some sightings. The author's personal involvement in research, including accessing official files and interviewing witnesses, is a prominent theme. There is an emphasis on the human element of witness testimony and the challenges of inter-agency communication in UFO investigations. The book reviews introduce broader themes of psychic phenomena, esoteric history, and the intersection of science and belief. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to understand UFO reports through investigation and analysis, while remaining critical and acknowledging the possibility of misidentification, particularly with aircraft.