Veronica - No 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "GROUPE VERONICA BULLETIN D'INFORMATION" (Issue No. 2) focuses on UFO investigations, with a strong emphasis on a reported landing in Fabrègues, France, on December 6, 1973. The bulletin is published by GROUPE VERONICA and appears to be from early 1974, with a cover date of February 3, 1974, and articles referencing events from late 1973.

Investigations and Eyewitness Accounts

Fabrègues Landing (December 6, 1973)

The primary focus is on the Fabrègues incident, where teenagers Fernand Perez (14) and Jean-Paul Dazevedo (15) reported seeing a circular object land near the Saint-Baudile chapel. Their account, detailed in the "MIDI-LIBRE" newspaper and further investigated by the Veronica Group, describes an object of aluminum-like color, approximately 10-13 meters in diameter and 3.5-4 meters high, with flashing red and white lights and a dome-like structure. They reported hearing a humming sound and seeing a door open with a descending ladder, which prompted them to flee.

Several other individuals, including Jean Rodriguez (son), Thierry Castel (15), and Jean Yunta (15), also investigated the area later that evening after hearing the initial reports. They reported seeing an intense light that prevented them from distinguishing an object but confirmed the initial witnesses' fear.

Later, adults, including M. Rodriguez (father) and M. Azema, accompanied by other family members, visited the site. They observed four rectangular traces, approximately 30 cm by 40 cm, imprinted in the ground, and two smaller holes between them. The soil in the area was noted to be warm.

Scientific Analysis and Corroboration

Claude Carries, a technician from the Sète Oceanographic Laboratory, conducted a lentil germination test using soil samples from the alleged landing site and a control sample taken 10 meters away. The soil from the landing site showed no germination, while the control sample grew normally. This test is presented as significant evidence supporting the landing claim.

Claude Poher, head of the rocket and probe section at C.N.E.S. (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales), is quoted as confirming the reality of the Fabrègues landing, stating that witness testimonies were not hallucinations. He also commented on a UFO photograph taken from the Concorde, deeming it inconclusive due to insufficient data.

Francis Attard, a journalist for "Midi-Libre," is credited with an objective report on the Fabrègues incident. His article notes the psychological impact on the witnesses, with Fernand Perez experiencing nightmares and headaches for three days.

Other Incidents and Observations

Fourmies Landing (November 7, 1973):

An investigation by J.-M. Bigorne and J.-L. Chappat details an incident in Fourmies, Nord, where ten children (aged 7-12) reported seeing a luminous, disc-shaped object with a dome land in a field. They described a white metallic light emanating from the object and a yellow-orange glow from two square portholes. One child's watch stopped functioning during the observation and resumed normal operation after the object departed.

Livourne Anomaly:

A brief mention is made of mysterious traces appearing on radar near Livourne, Italy. The air traffic control attributed these to natural phenomena occurring at sunrise, but a pilot's conversation suggested otherwise.

General Observations and Theories:

The bulletin discusses potential explanations for UFO phenomena, including electromagnetic fields and radioactivity. It also notes that UFOs are sometimes reported near geological faults, high-tension lines, and ancient places of worship, referencing the historical significance of the Saint-Baudile chapel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the Veronica Group's bulletin strongly advocates for the reality of UFO phenomena, presenting eyewitness testimonies and scientific investigations as evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, aiming to provide factual accounts and analysis. The group seems dedicated to collecting and verifying reports, encouraging further investigation, and sharing findings with the public. There is a clear emphasis on corroborating evidence, whether through witness accounts, physical traces, or scientific tests like the lentil germination experiment. The bulletin also highlights the psychological impact of such encounters on witnesses.

This document is an investigative report by the Group "VERONICA" concerning a purported UAP landing in Fabregues, France, detailed in issue No. 1, dated February 1974. The report focuses on an incident that allegedly occurred on December 6, 1973.

Investigation Details

The investigation was initiated following an article in the newspaper "MIDI-LIBRE" on December 22, 1973. The Group "VERONICA", comprising investigators Denis Boissier, Charles Gouiran, and Gilbert Grondin, visited Fabregues on December 29, 1973, and again on December 31, 1973, to gather information.

Eyewitness Accounts

Two primary eyewitnesses, Jean-Paul Davezedo and Fernand Perez, provided detailed accounts. They reported seeing lights around 6:45 PM while on a moped. The lights were described as yellow and yellow-orange. As they approached the location, they saw an object, which they described as a "soucoupe" (saucer).

Jean-Paul Davezedo described the object as egg-shaped, slightly higher on the top than the bottom, with a sliding door and a descending ladder. He estimated the distance to the object at about 300 meters. He also mentioned a brief whistling sound and a radar-like or electric motor sound.

Fernand Perez, who later joined Davezedo, provided further details and made a drawing of the object. He described it as having a central bulge and three or possibly four tubes, which he interpreted as landing gear. He estimated the height of the object at 3.50 meters and its diameter at 11 to 12 meters. He also noted that the object had red and white lights that flashed, and that the interior was dark except for small red and white bulbs.

Site Analysis

On December 31, 1973, the investigators returned to the site with Fernand Perez. They located the landing area, described as an asphalt platform on a hill near the Chapelle Saint Baudille. They noted that the platform was in poor condition. Measurements were taken, with the height of the object estimated at 3.80 meters and its diameter at 11 to 12 meters. The distance from the witnesses' position to the platform was approximately 45 meters, with a 1.70 meter "blind spot" from the platform's edge.

No soil or vegetation samples were taken because the landing occurred on a paved surface. The group did not conduct radio-activity measurements, as their equipment was not available at the time of the incident, and they noted that any residual radiation might have dissipated after 25 days.

Contradictions and Alternative Explanations

The report acknowledges potential contradictions. Mr. Rodriguez, another witness, claimed to have seen traces in the soil, which was not consistent with the paved landing site. The report also presents an "AVOCAT du DIABLE" (devil's advocate) perspective, suggesting that the "soucoupe" might have been a misidentification of a small touring bus or autocar. This explanation attempts to account for the lights, the shape, the sounds, and the dimensions described by the witnesses.

Other Observations

Patrick Castel reported that a week after the incident, he saw a similar light and had a motorcycle accident at the same curve. Another witness mentioned that a compass brought to the site spun erratically.

The report also touches upon the possibility of a photograph of the object, taken by a girl named Béatrice Bengueral, residing in "Cité Provençale" in Fabregues. The photograph was reportedly with a journalist in Montpellier.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The report emphasizes the fragmented nature of the evidence and the need for further investigation. The Group "VERONICA" expresses a cautious stance, acknowledging the strong presumptions for a real landing but concluding with a "Wait and see..." attitude, pending more conclusive findings. They also express a desire to collaborate with other researchers and avoid working in isolation.

The document includes correspondence from the Group "VERONICA" to Monsieur Claude POHER of the CNES, providing the results of their investigation and expressing their willingness to share information. The report is dated February 3, 1974, from Nîmes.

This document presents a detailed report of a UFO observation by Monsieur Didier Guiraud, made on Thursday, February 21, 1974, near Saint-Césaire, in the Gard region of France. The report is presented as a communication to the readers, highlighting the significance of the sighting.

The Observation of Didier Guiraud

The main part of the document is a first-person account by Didier Guiraud, who was 18 years old at the time and lived at 274b, Rue du Temple, in the Saint-Césaire suburb of Nîmes. The observation occurred around 7:30 PM as his father was closing the shutters of their home. The object was initially noticed by his father, who then called Didier and his mother to witness it. Didier grabbed his 16x binoculars and went onto the terrace overlooking Milhaud (South-South-West).

Guiraud described the object's height as approximately 60 degrees above the horizon. It was moving along a SUD-OUEST-NORD-EST trajectory. The object had the appearance of a black cone with a slightly rounded top. Its surface was covered with yellow luminous circles, described as 'hublots' (portholes), but without any beams of light. He had the impression that the cone was rotating on its vertical axis while moving.

After remaining stationary for about a minute, the object executed a 90-degree lateral tilt, bringing its axis parallel to the ground. At this point, it accelerated to what Guiraud described as an 'absolutely fantastic' speed. During this acceleration, the object undulated on its axis, with its base zig-zagging while its top maintained a rectilinear trajectory. He noted that a small yellow blinking light appeared behind the object during this phase. He observed that there seemed to be nothing between the base of the cone and this blinking light, and its color appeared to be more reddish.

Subsequently, Guiraud had the impression that the cone's lights were extinguishing, possibly because its dark base became the only visible part from his observation point, obscuring the lights. The blinking light, however, remained visible. Guiraud ceased his observation when the roofs of buildings obstructed his view of the object.

He explicitly stated that he perceived no noise at any moment. The conditions were favorable for observation: the night was clear, the temperature was cool, and the wind was light. Numerous constellations were visible in the clear sky, as well as the moon in the form of a very thin crescent.

Context and Related Information

The report mentions that Didier Guiraud had communicated his observation the same day to the regional newspaper 'MIDI-LIBRE' and had sent a written report to the 'GROUPEMENT d'ETUDES de PHENOMENES AERIENS' and the 'GROUPEMENT LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT'. Guiraud is noted as an active member of the group 'VERONICA' and dedicates his leisure time to ufology. It is also mentioned that he, in collaboration with Monsieur Lemonnier, had recently developed a magnetometer using a photosensitive resistor. The text praises Guiraud's diligence, noting that he systematically observes the sky daily and records his findings, attributing this to his modesty.

Comparison with a Previous Sighting

The document suggests that Guiraud's observation should be usefully compared with a similar one made on Wednesday, March 28, 1873, by Monsieur and Madame Salavy, which was published in 'LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT', issue No. 135 of May 1974, page 18. The key similarity highlighted is that in both cases, the described object was conical in shape. The report emphasizes that few UFOs have been described in this form, and these two observations mutually enhance each other's significance, making them of great interest.

Visual Aids

Accompanying the text are two original drawings made by the witness. One drawing depicts the conical object with its yellow lights and the blinking light. The second drawing illustrates the object's 'basculement' (tilting) before acceleration, showing the axis tilt and the zig-zagging base. A map of the Gard region, including Nîmes and surrounding towns, is also included, likely to indicate the location of the observation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document strongly emphasizes the credibility and diligence of the witness, Didier Guiraud, praising his systematic approach and dedication to ufology. The editorial stance is clearly supportive of the reported phenomenon, highlighting the unusual nature of the object and its flight characteristics. The comparison with a historical sighting further reinforces the belief in the significance of such events. The publication aims to document and share these observations within the ufological community and with the general public interested in aerial phenomena.