UFO Brigantia issue 27

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: No. 27
Date: September/October 1987
Publisher: The Journal Of The West Yorkshire UFO Research Group

This issue of UFO Brigantia, the journal of the Independent UFO Network (I.U.N.), delves into various aspects of ufology, with a strong emphasis on UFO sightings and the phenomenon of 'earthlights'. The magazine is published bi-monthly and aims to provide a platform for evidence-oriented research.

Editorial Stance

The editorial, titled 'All the UFO news filtering through from America this summer seems to indicate that the symptoms of two chronic complaints which ufologists and ufology suffer from are having their periodic resurgence; abduction fever and cover-up fever,' expresses a critical view of the prevailing ufological trends. The editor argues that many US ufologists are too convinced of extraterrestrial origins and government cover-ups, suggesting that this focus distracts from hard data. The editorial advocates for a more grounded approach, comparing the study of government interest in UFOs to studying frogspawn in a jam jar. It also touches upon the 'Eisenhower Briefing' documents, questioning their authenticity and the rush to believe them. The piece concludes by suggesting that ufologists would be better employed spending their limited time and resources on collecting and analyzing hard data rather than pursuing speculative theories.

Articles and Features

UFO's From Planet Earth by David Clarke

This article explores the connection between UFO phenomena and folklore, particularly the concept of 'earthlights'. It draws parallels between modern UFO sightings and ancient beliefs in 'devil-fires' and 'little men' from folklore in India and the Pacific islands. The author suggests that societies have intuitively known for ages that strange lights in the night sky have origins in the earth itself, even if they lack a scientific explanation. The article also discusses the 'mountain peak discharge' phenomenon and its potential link to UFO sightings, ghosts, and apparitions. It references the fire at York Minster in 1984 as an unusual example of a ground-based energy phenomenon, with some witnesses reporting a Zeppelin-shaped object. The piece concludes by suggesting that 'proto-entities' and UFO 'occupants' might be formed from the same energy matrix, capable of metamorphosis into various shapes, and that individual and cultural perception plays a role in interpreting these phenomena.

Independent UFO Network (I.U.N.)

This section announces the dissolution of the West Yorkshire UFO Research Group (WYUFORG) and the Yorkshire UFO Network (YUFON) and the formation of the Independent UFO Network (I.U.N.). The I.U.N. aims to be a loose network of active researchers and investigators, providing quick response to and effective investigation of UFO cases. It emphasizes a lack of dogma and a willingness to cooperate with other researchers, regardless of their views. The journal UFO Brigantia will become the official publication of the I.U.N., with changes to its format and layout planned for the next issue. The I.U.N. also plans 'spin-off' publications, including studies on the Rowley Regis contact case and 'Foo-fighter' phenomena.

Reviews

UFO's 1947-1987: The 40-Year Search For An Explanation by Hilary Evans and John Spencer is reviewed by Robert Moore. The book is praised for being the first professionally printed book on behalf of a British UFO Group, featuring articles by various ufologists covering a wide range of topics. Despite some typographical errors, it is considered a landmark publication and a worthy addition for serious ufologists.

Strange Sheffield: Legends, Folklore & Mysteries of Hallamshire by David Clarke and Rob Wilson is reviewed by Andy Roberts. This book is described as a comprehensive exploration of Sheffield's mysteries, including folklore, legends, and customs, and is recommended for its detailed research and contribution to a new approach to folklore studies.

Above Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Cover-up by Timothy Good is also reviewed by Andy Roberts. The reviewer acknowledges the book's extensive documentation of US intelligence agencies' involvement in the UFO enigma and its convincing portrayal of a cover-up. However, the reviewer notes a lack of hard facts to prove extraterrestrial origin or government knowledge beyond confusion, and points out an error regarding German involvement with 'foo-fighters'. Despite these criticisms, the book is deemed essential reading for ufologists.

Brief Reports

This section compiles a list of 29 UFO sighting cases reported to WYUFORG/YUFON during August and September 1987. The reports detail sightings from various locations across the UK, including Bradford, Batley, Ludham, Solihull, Bromsgrove, Chesterfield, Nottingham, Burnley, Wakefield, Leeds, Derbyshire, and Halifax. The descriptions include a variety of objects and phenomena, such as bright lights, circular objects, football-shaped objects, and objects emitting light or smoke. Many cases are classified as 'UNDER INVESTIGATION' or 'OPEN/INSUFFICIENT DATA', with some noted as probable aircraft or satellites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate about the nature and origin of UFOs, the role of government in UFO secrecy, and the connection between UFO phenomena and folklore or 'earthlights'. The editorial stance, as expressed in the leading article, is one of critical skepticism towards sensationalism and speculative theories, advocating for a focus on empirical data and evidence-based research. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of independent investigation and a move away from what the editors perceive as dogma within the ufology community, as evidenced by the formation of the I.U.N.

This issue of UFO Brigantia, dated October/September 1987, features a collection of letters and articles that critically examine UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on the Rendlesham Forest incident and the nature of abduction accounts. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet analytical approach, questioning prevailing narratives and exploring alternative explanations.

Letters to the Editor

The issue opens with a letter from Hilary Evans, who recounts his experience at a FUFOR/MUFON conference in Washington D.C. He expresses concern that leading spokespersons were committed to the tenets that UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft and that abduction accounts are to be taken at face value, without considering psychological or alternative explanations. Evans criticizes the lack of critical thinking and the tendency to dismiss any possibility of being wrong. He likens the phenomenon to a 'Salvation Army meeting' and suggests that some researchers, like Budd Hopkins, may inadvertently be creating the phenomenon they investigate by focusing on personal acquaintances of abductees. Evans also notes the poor organization of the Washington conference, describing it as the 'worst-organised UFO conference I have ever attended' and observing the 'birth-pangs' of a 'new mythology'. He questions whether the wave of abduction stories will spread beyond the United States.

A second letter, from Malcolm Robinson of Sauchie, addresses the attitude within ufology. He criticizes senior ufologists for mocking those who attempt to unravel the UFO enigma, citing remarks made about Steuart Campbell's 'mirage theory' at the International UFO Congress in London. Robinson argues for an open-minded approach, suggesting that all avenues, including less conventional theories, should be explored. He draws parallels with historical figures like Galileo and John Logie Baird, who were ridiculed for their groundbreaking ideas. Robinson emphasizes that ridiculing researchers for their theories, even if they seem improper, is counterproductive and that people should be free to conduct their research without scorn.

The Rendlesham Forest Incident: An Xstraordinary Solution!!

This lengthy article, authored by Robert Moore and attributed to BUFORA, delves into the Rendlesham Forest incident, aiming to provide an alternative explanation to the UFO narrative. The article begins by examining the claims of 'alien spacecraft' and 'spacemen' associated with the incident.

Close Encounters of a Confused Kind

Moore highlights the stark contradictions in witness accounts of the Rendlesham incident, particularly concerning the appearance and behavior of the object. He presents three differing accounts: one describing a domed disc with tripod legs, silver-suited beings, and telepathic communication; another detailing a 'large' object that rose and was chased; and a third that initially described an aspirin-tablet-like object emitting mist, which later transformed into a domed disc with fins.

Moore points out several inconsistencies, including variations in the object's size (from 'small plane' to 'large'), the presence or absence of aliens, and whether the object was stationary or moving. He suggests that these contradictions cast doubt on the reality of the incident as described by UFO proponents. He dismisses explanations involving hallucinations or drugs, as the imagery does not align with typical hallucinogenic experiences and the accounts are too consistent in their initial stages.

Why Sham About Rendlesham?

Moore proposes that the Rendlesham 'UFO' stories may have served as a 'cover' for an actual incident of a different nature. He notes that the base was aware of 'leaks' but took no action to suppress them, contrasting this with the case of a civilian technician who lost his security clearance after speaking about an experimental Anglo-American aircraft. Moore suggests that the 'secrecy factor' often cited by UFO proponents is not a proof of alien involvement but rather a tactic to obscure the true nature of the event.

He argues that linking the incident to UFOs renders a politically embarrassing or sensitive situation harmless, as UFOs are often dismissed as 'childish, far-fetched nonsense'. This allows for the possibility of a classified military aircraft malfunction without attracting serious scrutiny from politicians or journalists.

The Rendlesham Forest Incident: A Possible Scenario

Moore presents a scenario where the incident was caused by the malfunction of an experimental stealth aircraft, such as the XST (Experimental Stealth Technology) or an F-19. He notes that the XST existed from 1977, predating the F-19, and that stealth concepts were experimented with as early as the 1940s. He highlights that stealth aircraft are strategically based in the Norfolk-Suffolk area, making an incident there plausible. Moore shares a rumor about an American serviceman who described an object that malfunctioned during an exercise and attempted an emergency landing at Woodbridge, but 'did not make the runway' and 'pranged'. This object was described as small and triangular, carrying one or two men, and was quickly removed.

Moore also considers the possibility that a 'UFO' seen later at Shingle Street on October 7, 1983, a dark triangular shape, might be related to the Woodbridge incident. He questions whether the Woodbridge object was following a military radio navigation beacon network (TACAN).

Moore concludes that the Rendlesham Forest UFO landing allegations are not convincing evidence. He suggests that the 'fudging' of details might be intended to conceal the identity of the object, possibly a top-secret military aircraft. He posits that the 'UFO' explanation was a deliberate 'kiss of death' to ensure the incident would not be seriously considered by those with political influence, making the 'UFO' smokescreen almost 100% successful.

Postponed Events and Publications

The issue also contains brief notices about a postponed Scottish UFO Open Day and the availability of a booklet titled 'CATFLAPS!' by Andy Roberts, which deals with mystery felines. There is also a request for information regarding the whereabouts of Billy Gibbons, a former colleague of Malcolm Robinson.

Books for Sale

Several duplicate books are offered for sale by VYUFORG, including titles on UFO studies, 'Sky Crash', 'Intercept UFO', 'New Lands' by Charles Fort, and 'Operation Trojan Horse' by John Keel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Brigantia strongly advocates for a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena. It challenges the uncritical acceptance of UFO and abduction claims, urging researchers to consider psychological, sociological, and technological explanations. The magazine highlights the importance of logical consistency and evidence-based reasoning, particularly in the analysis of witness testimonies. The Rendlesham Forest incident is presented as a case study where a plausible, non-extraterrestrial explanation can be found by examining the contradictions and potential motivations behind the UFO narrative. The editorial stance appears to favor debunking sensational claims and promoting a more grounded, scientific investigation of unexplained phenomena, while acknowledging the possibility of genuine, albeit not necessarily extraterrestrial, events.