UFO Mail - No 110 - 2009

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 110
Date: 8. juli 2009
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, dated July 8, 2009, revisits the infamous 'BT-scam' of July 8, 1959, exactly 50 years later. The cover story, written by Ole Henningsen, details how two students, Ole Strandgaard and Jørgen Ekvall, fabricated a story and photographs of a flying saucer over Amager, which was prominently featured on the front page of the Danish newspaper B.T. The issue also includes related news, official reactions, and reflections on UFO phenomena.

The BT-Scam of 1959

The main article recounts the events of July 8, 1959, when students Ole Strandgaard and Jørgen Ekvall approached B.T. with an undeveloped film and a sensational story. They claimed to have photographed a flying saucer while birdwatching on Amager. Press photographer Tage Nielsen developed the film and found no issues with it, leading B.T. to run the story on its front page with the headline "Tallerken over Amager" (Saucer over Amager).

The students described the object as appearing suddenly, hovering near a weather balloon, and then moving away at high speed. They estimated its size as very large and noted a black, round shape with a dull sheen. They also mentioned a faint, humming sound. The story quickly gained traction, with B.T. dedicating multiple pages to it and other media outlets picking it up.

Media Frenzy and Official Reactions

The story was widely reported, with Ritzaus Bureau (RB) sending out a telegram that appeared in most provincial newspapers. However, skepticism began to surface. Observator Axel V. Nielsen noted that he had never observed such phenomena, and astronomers worldwide had not reported anything similar. The head of SUFOI, Captain Lieutenant H. C. Petersen, initially called the photos sensational but later expressed that he hadn't seen them himself and was awaiting further investigation.

The Danish Air Force chief, Lieutenant General Kurt R. Ramberg, stated that while they had reviewed their observations, nothing confirmed the published photos. He suggested possible explanations like atmospheric disturbances or low-flying aircraft that could affect radar. He did not rule out the possibility of experimental aircraft but was cautious about drawing conclusions.

The Forsvarets Forskningsråd (Defense Research Council) also expressed interest but emphasized the need for expert evaluation. Engineer Fabricius noted that while they were investigating, they would not issue a statement without a more thorough assessment. They expressed a desire to examine the photos and speak with the students.

The Confession

By July 9, 2009, the story took a turn as the students confessed to the hoax. They revealed that they had constructed a model saucer using plastic plates, a paper hat, and tennis balls, which they then photographed. They admitted that the story had gotten out of hand, and they were invited on a trip to Stockholm by Swedish television, which they would likely miss. They stated they were not sorry for the prank, as it demonstrated how easily the media could be fooled.

B.T. reported the confession under the headline "Holdt landet for nar" (The country was fooled). The students explained that they had never dreamed the prank would escalate so far. They had initially considered the idea as a joke among friends, but when Ole Strandgaard joined in, they proceeded with the plan.

Further Investigations and Skepticism

Even after the confession, the media continued to explore the story. Berlingske Aftenavis reported that the Forsvarets Forskningsråd had expected the confession and that the photographs were "too good" given the students' equipment. Captain von Linstow commented that the prank was "too coarse."

AKTUELT reported on the meeting with Jørgen Ekvall at the location of the staged photos, noting that Ole Strandgaard had been retrieved by his father. The issue also mentions other alleged UFO sightings and investigations, including a report of a similar phenomenon over Nørrebro.

Expert Opinions

Magister K. A. Thernøe from the University of Copenhagen Observatory stated that the observatory had not observed any unusual phenomena and had received no reports. He added that scientists are often quick to dismiss UFO reports, but acknowledged that unknown types of aircraft could exist. He estimated that 90% of reported "flying saucer" sightings could be explained by natural causes or misidentification.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information focuses on a well-known UFO hoax from 1959, highlighting the role of media in sensationalizing events and the public's susceptibility to deception. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination of UFO reports, acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena while also scrutinizing hoaxes and misidentifications. The article emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation and evidence-based conclusions, as demonstrated by the reactions of the Danish authorities and scientific community to the Amager incident.

Title: AKTUELT
Issue Date: July 10, 1959
Document Type: Magazine Issue

The "Flying Saucer" Hoax and Media Frenzy

This issue of AKTUELT details the sensational "flying saucer" incident that captivated Denmark in early July 1959. The story centers on two young students, 21-year-old Ole Strandgård (son of a pharmacist from Nakskov) and 23-year-old Jørgen Ekvall from Copenhagen, who staged a UFO sighting on Amager Fælled. They constructed a "flying saucer" from two plastic discs and four half tennis balls, suspended by a string from a tree, and photographed it.

The staged event quickly became a national sensation, with B.T. prominently featuring the story. The students, initially intending to prove that UFO talk was "pure humbug," found themselves caught in a media storm they hadn't anticipated. Jørgen Ekvall expressed deep regret, stating he had barely slept for two days due to stress and excessive smoking. He lamented that the prank had escalated far beyond their intentions, with the "avalanche rolling" and making it impossible to stop.

The Students' Perspective

Ole Strandgård and Jørgen Ekvall confessed that their goal was to debunk the myth of flying saucers. They felt that if they could fool people with such a simple prank in a populated area like Amager, it explained how individuals like "Adamski" could claim to have flown saucers after venturing into the desert. They recounted the intense pressure when the media, including Danish television, contacted them. Jørgen Ekvall described the experience of lying on camera to millions of viewers as "terrible" and a significant "nervous strain."

They also revealed that Swedish television had offered to fly them to Stockholm for an appearance, an offer they declined, emphasizing they did not want to be seen enjoying the spotlight when the entire event was a fabrication.

Media Reaction and Criticism

The incident triggered a wide range of reactions from the Danish press. B.T. published an editorial titled "Om forladelse" (About Forgiveness), acknowledging their role in the sensationalism. The newspaper stated that the 500 kroner they had paid for the story would be donated to a children's summer camp, and they extended their apologies to their readers for publishing a sensation based on a falsehood.

Other newspapers, such as Information and Land og Folk, used the event to critique media practices and discuss the broader implications, particularly in the context of the Cold War. Information's editor, Børge Outze, suggested that such phenomena, while often explainable by military experiments or misidentifications, could also be exploited for political purposes, potentially fueling anxieties about arms deliveries and defense strategies, such as the Nike missile system.

Land og Folk was particularly critical of B.T.'s handling of the story, accusing journalist Bertel Thomsen of being a specialist in "tall tales" about flying saucers. They argued that B.T.'s leadership lacked the necessary sense of responsibility and that the media's eagerness for sensational news sometimes overshadowed thorough investigation.

Aarhus Stiftstidende expressed skepticism about the credibility of UFO reports, noting that even military experts acknowledged the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena but stressed the need for verifiable evidence. The newspaper also questioned the role of organizations like SUFOI (an acronym not fully explained in the text but implied to be related to UFO research) and its chairman, Captain Lieutenant H. C. Petersen, suggesting that their enthusiastic endorsement of such stories, even when proven false, undermined their credibility.

The "Saucer" and its Fate

The physical "saucer" itself became a point of interest. The article mentions that the model was eventually donated to the Press Museum (Pressemuseet) as a reminder of the sensational event. However, a later note indicates that the model was apparently lost or misplaced during the museum's turbulent history.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights themes of media sensationalism, the public's fascination with the unexplained, the role of skepticism in reporting, and the underlying anxieties of the Cold War era. The editorial stance, particularly from publications like Information and Land og Folk, is critical of irresponsible journalism and emphasizes the need for factual reporting over sensationalism. The incident is framed as a "prank in the land of smiles," but one that exposed the media's susceptibility to unverified stories and the public's willingness to believe extraordinary claims, especially during a time of global tension.

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: Nr. 6/1969
Date: June 1969
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

The "Amager Plate" Case: A 50-Year Anniversary

The article reflects on the 50th anniversary of a UFO case, referred to as the "Amager Plate" incident, which gained attention through sensational photographs published in the newspaper B.T. The author, Ole Henningsen, expresses his continued personal interest in the case, noting that it would be interesting to interview one of the main figures, Ole Strandgaard, who is now retired. However, Strandgaard has declined an interview.

Henningsen highlights that the case offers a valuable glimpse into the prevailing attitudes of the press, authorities, and researchers during that era, particularly within the context of the absolute Cold War. He recounts finding the story incredibly interesting back in 1959, the year of the incident, when Ole Strandgaard's father was an apothecary in Nakskov, and Henningsen's workplace was located directly across the street.

Furthermore, this story was the direct catalyst for Henningsen's subsequent contact with H. C. Petersen and, through him, the organization SUFOI. This connection sparked a personal interest and engagement in the investigation of UFO reports that has lasted for 50 years.

Context and Cold War Influence

The incident is framed as a time-typical case from the Cold War period, underscoring how the geopolitical climate influenced the handling and perception of such phenomena. The article implies that the case serves as a historical artifact, revealing the mindset of the time.

Personal Journey and SUFOI Connection

Ole Henningsen's personal narrative is central to the article. His initial encounter with the "Amager Plate" story in 1959 was not just a fleeting curiosity but a pivotal moment that led to a lifelong dedication to UFO research. The connection made with H. C. Petersen and SUFOI is presented as a direct consequence of his investigation into this specific case, establishing SUFOI as a key organization in the field of UFO reporting in Denmark.

Visuals and Supporting Material

The accompanying image shows Ole Henningsen studying archival material related to the "Amager Plate" hoax photos. The newspaper clippings visible in the image, notably from B.T., feature headlines such as "Tallerken over Amager" (Plate over Amager) and "Sensationella fotogratier" (Sensational photographs), along with "Alle tiders billede af mystisk runskë" (All-time picture of mysterious craft).

Cited Sources

The article lists several sources used in its research, including:

• Ole Henningsen: "Tallerkensvindel holder 10 års jubilæum, UFO-Nyt nr. 6/1969"
• "Flying Saucers, A Look Special", New York, 1967
• "SUFOI-Reporter, No. 3, Vol. 1, 1969"
• "Billed Bladet, 9. marts 1978"
• Willy Wegner: "UFOer over Danmark, bind 1, 1989"
• Willy Wegner: "UFO-bogen, Mysteriet i Ballonparken", www.skeptica.dk
• Preben Wilhjelm: "Fra min tid, Gyldendal, 2005"

Call to Action

The issue concludes with an invitation for readers to share "ufo-mail" with family and friends, encouraging them to stay informed about UFO-related news, observations, photographs, and special offers on UFO materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the investigation of UFO phenomena, the historical context of such reports (particularly during the Cold War), the role of media in sensationalizing events, and the personal dedication of researchers like Ole Henningsen. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO reports, acknowledging the historical significance of cases and encouraging public engagement and information sharing within the UFO community.