UFO Brigantia issue 15

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: No. 15
Volume: 1
Date: January 1956
Publisher: WEST YORKS UFO RESEARCH GROUP
Country: UK
Price: 50p

This issue of UFO Brigantia marks a significant transition with Andy Roberts assuming the role of editor from Paul Bennett, who has edited the magazine for the past twelve months. Roberts expresses his intention to maintain the magazine's established format, which includes a mix of current and historical West Yorkshire UFO cases, articles, and reviews. He also plans to introduce new features, such as guest articles from experts in related fields like religion, occultism, and folklore, aiming to provoke discussion.

Editorial Stance and Ufology in the North

In his first editorial, Andy Roberts offers his perspective on the state of ufology, particularly in the north of England, but also extending to the national and global scene. He laments the persistent lack of cooperation between UFO research groups and individual investigators, citing two recent examples: the failure of WYUFCRG to liaise with YUFOS, and the attempt to reform the defunct NUFOIS group. Roberts argues that this fragmentation hinders the ability to gather and correlate valuable information, potentially leading to missed opportunities for understanding UFO activity. He emphasizes that WYUFORG is committed to offering help and information to anyone with a serious interest in ufology.

Case History: Paralysis in Poland

The magazine presents a case history from 1938 in Poland, involving a Mr. Kovac (pseudonym). While in bed, Kovac reported seeing two dark-skinned men outside his window carrying heavy machinery. He experienced a sensation of paralysis, describing it as being in a 'force field.' The following morning, he discovered a flattened area in a nearby rye field with four holes in the center, which he believed were caused by supporting legs of a machine. A later medical examination revealed complications potentially linked to the event. Despite efforts, Mr. Kovac could not be traced for further investigation. The author, H.T.G., notes that the case contains elements of contemporary UFO landing and contact scenarios, including physical traces and paralysis, predating similar reports from the 1950s.

Brief Reports

Several brief sighting reports are included:

• Brighouse, December 18, 1985: A witness saw a bright disc-shaped object over the town center.
• Scotland, 1982: A witness initially dismissed a silver sphere as a balloon but later saw a large black object hovering overhead.
• Baliff Bridge, November 1985: Three people observed yellow lights moving up and down above Wyke Woods.

Letter to the Editor

Mr. F. Turnbull of Bradford expresses his appreciation for UFO Brigantia, calling it a 'breath of fresh air' for providing an unbiased account of UFOs, explaining sightings, and investigating alternative theories. He commends the magazine's format, wit, and humor, wishing the staff well for the coming year. The editor acknowledges his comments, particularly regarding cooperation, and notes that some individuals and groups treat UFO sightings as personal property.

My Name Is Legton: The El Legions

This article critically examines the beliefs of a UFO cult known as 'The El Legions,' whose proponents, Aurora and Micheal El Legion, recently toured the UK. The article describes their belief system as extraterrestrials from the planet Orion, sent to enlighten humanity. Their doctrine aligns with millennialist themes, predicting global catastrophe unless humanity is saved by the 'Galactic Federation.' This federation, led by 'Lord Sananda' (Jesus), is said to have witnessed the destruction of a planet between Mars and Jupiter 6000 years ago. The article dismisses their claims, particularly their reliance on Billy Meir's 'photos' and their inclusion of various esoteric concepts like ley lines and crystals. It criticizes their belief that an external force will save Earth, calling it dangerous escapism.

Case History: Medium Definition UFO Over Brighouse West Yorkshire

Investigated by Andy Roberts, this case details an event in the summer of 1975 when Mr. Alderson witnessed a red/orange ball of light with a vivid green trail approaching Brighouse. The object hovered for about thirty seconds before moving off at 'fantastic speed.' Alderson estimated its travel direction and elevation. During interviews, Alderson's recollection of the date varied, but he eventually settled on 1974 or 1975. Investigations ruled out a hoax. Astronomical societies suggested a freak effect from sunlight on ice crystals or no explanation. The report classifies the sighting as 'Medium Definition' due to its impressive nature and duration, yet the lack of other witnesses raises the possibility of a subjective experience. The article also touches upon theories linking UFOs to earth fault systems or electrical energy from high-voltage pylons.

Journal & Magazine Reviews

• Magonia: Reviewed by Andy Roberts, this publication is described as well-written but sometimes overly skeptical. Issue 21 is noted for a possible Men in Black case and an article on Rendlesham Forest.
• Northern UFO News: Reviewed by Darren P. Chanter, this bi-monthly publication covers various UFO cases, including a North Wales landing and a supposed UFO-aircraft collision.
• Forteau Times: Reviewed by Andy Roberts, this journal is described as covering a wide range of strange phenomena, from ice falls to unicorns, with excellent writing and a sense of humor.

Book Review: "Beyond Explanation" by Jenny Randles

Reviewed by Andy Roberts, this book explores paranormal experiences of famous people. It introduces the concepts of Normal Reality Mode (NRM) and Synchronistic Reality Mode (SRM) to explain how paranormal events are experienced. While not entirely new, the book is praised for its fresh presentation and as an introduction to anomalous phenomena.

UFO Research News - Article by Andy Roberts

An analysis of UFO cases from the past two years reveals no discernible patterns in reported facts like color, shape, or periodicity. This lack of pattern is considered disturbing, suggesting either investigative shortcomings or the inherently random nature of the phenomena. A notable observation is that in three cases, witnesses reported a 'lightning flash' before the subsequent UFO sighting. Flashing red and white lights were also seen after lightning in two cases. The article raises the question of whether this phenomenon has been overlooked and notes that contactee Paul Bennett has also experienced similar flashes prior to his sightings.

Editor's Comment: Sky Flashes

The editor adds a comment on the phenomenon of 'sky flashes' preceding UFO sightings. He first noticed this in the March-April-May 1980 Bradford/Baildon Moor flap and later during the 1981 Bradford flap. Initially considered an external agent, the phenomenon was later explained by 'piezoelectrical earth lights.' However, the editor notes that some 'sky flashes' were followed by phenomena difficult to explain solely by this hypothesis.

Cartoons

The issue includes two cartoons: "GALAXATIVE... By Iain J...." depicting a series of UFO-related scenes, and "OG and The Ancient Astronauts by Eric Von Jerrican."

The Visions and the Voices: The Strange Case of the Yorkshire Ripper

This section delves into the alleged experiences of Peter Sutcliffe, the 'Yorkshire Ripper.' In 1965, while in a Bingley graveyard, Sutcliffe reported hearing 'mumbling voices' and experiencing a profound sense of importance, which the author likens to the 'Oz Factor.' He also claimed to have had visions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The article then shifts to stories from Bingley about a 'hooded, black-cloaked' spectre seen around the graveyard. A specific account describes a tall figure with brilliant red glowing eyes that vanished abruptly. The author contrasts these accounts with the psychiatric diagnosis of Sutcliffe as a paranoid-schizophrenic, suggesting that the 'voices' might have been simply.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the challenges of cooperation within the ufology community, the critique of cult-like belief systems, and the investigation of specific UFO sightings and alleged paranormal experiences. The editorial stance, as expressed by Andy Roberts, is one of open inquiry, a desire for better data collection and analysis, and a critical yet engaged approach to the subject matter. There is a clear emphasis on evidence and investigation, balanced with an acknowledgment of the more unusual and esoteric aspects of the paranormal field.

Title: UFO Brigantia
Issue: 11
Volume: 2
Date: December 1978

This issue of UFO Brigantia features several articles focusing on UFO sightings and paranormal experiences, with a particular emphasis on the Kaikoura radar/visual case and an account of an alien encounter in the UK.

Article: Peter Sutcliffe and UFOs

The first section discusses Peter Sutcliffe, known for his crimes, and draws parallels between his alleged experiences and UFO phenomena. It posits that the 'strange-goings-on' around areas like Bingley Cemetery, and the 'hollow, disembodied voices' he heard, do not necessarily indicate paranoid-schizophrenia, as this would implicate many spiritualists. Sutcliffe reportedly heard a 'very high, spiritual deity' which identified itself as God, leading to meetings with spectral entities of Jesus and Mary, who manifested in 'blinding white auras' and communicated via telepathy. The article highlights the similarities between these 'high, spiritual deities' and entities described by UFO contactees. It is further noted that after Sutcliffe's arrest, these manifestations continued, including one where an entity appeared accompanied by the smell of hydrogen sulphide ('bad eggs'), a phenomenon also associated with UFOs. The article suggests that whatever entities are manifesting to Sutcliffe are likely the same ones ufologists chase and label 'spacemen.'

Since his imprisonment in 1981, Sutcliffe has reportedly had multiple visitations from 'Jesus,' who has allegedly told him to 'continue with the mission' of murder if released. The article contrasts this with another individual in Bradford who walks in robes and sandals, speaking of the coming of Christ or God, but with a message of 'Love and the Coming Age.' This contrasts with Sutcliffe's voices, which reportedly tell him to 'Destroy and mutilate.' The article concludes this section with a question posed by author Paul Bennett: 'Quite simply: what the hell is going on around here...?'

Article: FOR SALE...FOR SALE...FOR SALE...

Following the main article, there is a classified advertisement section offering a wide range of books and magazines on topics including UFOs, ESP, reincarnation, magick, archaeology, wicca, mysticism, space travel, astronomy, monsters, demonology, folklore, mythology, ancient astronauts, parapsychology, and spiritualism. The seller, Paul Bennett, is seeking specific works and lists prices for various magazines such as Fate, Unexplained, Prediction, BUFORA Bulletins, and Quest. The advertisement emphasizes 'many bargains' and urges readers to 'call or write now.'

Article: WYUFORG CLASSIC CASE - THE KAIKOURA RADAR/VISUAL AFFAIR 1978

This article details the Kaikoura radar/visual case from New Zealand, considered one of the best of its kind. The incident began on December 21, 1978, when an Argosy freight plane crew observed unusual lights upon takeoff from Blenheim Airport. Ground staff confirmed tracking objects on radar that appeared to be moving at 1250 mph. A second Argosy plane was dispatched to investigate and its crew also observed a bright red light, confirmed by radar, which could not be explained. This light stayed with the second Argosy for twelve miles before vanishing.

An Australian TV company became interested, and reporter Quentin Fogarty was involved. A flight was planned for December 30 to 'reconstruct' the sightings. During this flight, the crew filmed various lights, some in a row of five and pulsating, appearing to change size from very small to the size of a balloon. Wellington's radar confirmed an unknown target on radar following the plane. Fogarty famously stated, 'Let's Hope They're Friendly,' a phrase that later became the title of his book. The object was described as having a brightly lit base and a transparent dome, resembling a 'flying saucer.' The Argosy landed at Christchurch for refueling and, upon taking off again, saw more unidentified lights, also tracked by the plane's weather radar for four minutes.

The article notes that over fifteen explanations were suggested, ranging from Venus to lights reflecting on a cabbage patch. However, it concludes that no single conventional reason can be truthfully stated to explain the object seen on film and radar, as well as the visual observations. The consistency of witness accounts leads the article to classify it as a UFO, specifically an 'Unidentified Flying Object,' rather than a 'flying saucer' or 'alien craft.' The term UAP (Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomenon) is suggested as a less emotive alternative. Current theories involving piezo-electric phenomena caused by a geological fault are mentioned but remain unproven, leaving the Kaikoura case as a classic radar visual UFO case.

Article: ALIEN FRIENDS (Part One)

This section, authored by Nigel Watson, introduces the first part of a story concerning the Sunderland family encounters, which were later written about by Jenny Randles. Watson notes that this article was written before Paul Whetnall and Jenny Randles' account and includes points not previously raised. He recommends Whetnall and Randles' book 'ALIEN CONTACT' for further details.

The article focuses on the alleged experiences of 12-year-old Gaynor Sunderland and her 11-year-old brother Darren, who lived in Oakenholt, Flint, North Wales. Darren reported having a UFO encounter in late July 1976, two years prior to the general release of Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.'

Darren's account, as interviewed by Paul Whetnall, describes walking down Coed On Road when he noticed something in a field. He saw a 'shiny piece of metal' and then 'some sort of men in a field' who moved as if 'crippled.' He also observed 'poles in the ground with bulbs on them' from which 'electricity coming out of the ground.' These men were reportedly trying to stop the bulbs from working and fired a gun at them. The men were described as 'tough,' with pink faces, and there were five or six poles and five or six men. The gun had a 'blue button' instead of a trigger. When the bulbs were hit, they did not go out. Suddenly, one of the men turned and looked at Darren, making him feel as if his 'spine was made of ice.' The man then went into the ship and returned with a gun, pointing it at Darren and then at a bulb. A red ray came out but did not work, causing the man to become angry and hit the bulb, making it turn off. The others were then also angry and started hitting the remaining bulbs, leaving only one.

Something green with two small legs emerged from the ship; it was green except for its red neck and head, with long floppy cheeks and no ears. A man inside the ship made a sound described as a 'roar or growl,' and the creature looked at him with a 'sad expression' before returning to the ship. Inside the ship, Darren saw a picture of a human head, which reminded him of the man next door, and other men pressing controls. From behind a wall, a 'very human like man' with a pink face and fine hair appeared, unlike the others who had strands of hair sticking up. This man had five fingers, whereas the others had four, with three pointed ones and a wobbly thumb. He had difficulty pressing controls and used his wrist. He wore a white suit and a 'T' shirt with no buttons. He looked at controls, smiled, and went back behind the wall.

Writing on the side of the ship was shown to Darren, which his mother identified as being the same as writing found on a stone in 'The Sirius Mystery' by Robert K.G. Temple. The men had two joints in their legs and moved jerkily. Their arms were not moved properly, described as 'like a bird moves its wings.' The ship itself resembled a 'silver airplane' with a tailplane. People inside looked very small. When they exited, a sort of elevator appeared, and they seemed to grow to about 12 feet taller, as if passing through something that made them bigger. The top of the ship was a half-circle with all colors, with a blank color and a cross in the middle, and a cross with a periscope on top of the dome. Horses were seen in nearby fields jumping on each other and fighting. Darren hid behind a lamp post, thinking he would become the 'bionic man.'

The description suggests the aliens were 'playful yet menacing,' wearing green trousers and a mottled silver top, with eyes that opened and closed like a camera lens.

Article: Alien Friends (Continued)

The second part of the 'Alien Friends' article discusses the aliens' apparent technological inferiority in this instance, as they struggled to extinguish the blue bulbs and seemed vandalistic. The human-like man also had difficulty with the ship's controls, and the animal tried to escape.

Later that evening, Darren felt frightened and closed his curtains, only to see the 'same ship' climbing away into the sky from behind houses in the southeast. This time, he only saw the illuminated cross shape from the ship's dome.

The article then shifts to Gaynor Sunderland's encounter, which took place around late July 1976, possibly on the same day as Darren's. Since her sighting, Gaynor's schoolwork has improved significantly, and she is described as unusually intelligent, excelling in biology and language. Although she initially worried it might have been a dream, her story has remained consistent. On April 21, 1978, Gaynor wrote an account for Terry Bellio of the Wirral UFO Society, describing a silver object with a red light in a nearby field while riding her bicycle down Coed On Road.

Part two of 'Alien Friends,' detailing Gaynor Sunderland's experiences, is promised for the February issue of UFO Brigantia. The editor apologizes for the disjointed nature of the issue due to an unexpected change in editorship and the lack of drawings or diagrams, promising improvements for the next issue, which will also include answers to a crossword puzzle.

Map: Kaikoura New Zealand December 1978

A map is included illustrating the events of the Kaikoura UFO sightings in December 1978. It shows Blenheim, Clarence (where UFOs were first seen), Kaikoura (where many UFOs were seen), and Christchurch. The map indicates three journeys on December 30th and 31st, with objects seen on the night of December 21st, some followed by aircraft, and lights seen immediately after landing in Kaikoura.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with paranormal experiences, alleged psychic abilities, and even criminal behavior, as seen in the discussion of Peter Sutcliffe. There's a clear interest in unexplained aerial phenomena and extraterrestrial encounters, presenting witness accounts and investigative reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to engage with the material and offering resources for further exploration through book sales and future articles. The magazine aims to present detailed accounts of classic cases and new investigations within the UFO field.