WATSUP Journal - No 8

Magazine Overview

Title: WATSUP JOURNAL
Issue: No. 8
Date: 1978 (inferred from exhibition date)
Publisher: WESSEX ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF UNEXPLAINED PHENOMENA
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Cover Headline: THE PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT - WAS IT PRECEDED?

This issue of the WATSUP JOURNAL, published by the Wessex Association for the Study of Unexplained Phenomena (W.A.T.S.U.P.), delves into the mysteries surrounding the Philadelphia Experiment and UFOs. The cover features an illustration of a ship and poses the question of whether the Philadelphia Experiment was preceded by similar events. The journal includes a detailed editorial, articles exploring UFO theories, and a continuing investigation into ship disappearances.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Nick Maloret, reflects on the state of ufology, noting how some theories have reached legendary proportions. It questions whether stories about crashed UFOs and alien encounters are mere mythology but acknowledges that organizations like APRO claim sworn testimony regarding such events. Maloret discusses his personal view of the Philadelphia Experiment as a bizarre story, but posits that W.A.T.S.U.P. is now in a position to present a witness to an event that may have preceded it. He emphasizes that the forthcoming article by Tony Wells is intended to be objective and that the Philadelphia Experiment, if it occurred, was a tragedy that should not be treated lightly.

The Philadelphia Experiment: Was it Preceded?

This article by Tony Wells investigates potential precursors to the famous Philadelphia Experiment. It recounts an incident in November 1943 at the Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia, where a small ship appeared from nowhere and vanished moments later. A similar event is described at the Philadelphia Naval Base. The article then details the alleged U.S. Navy experiment where a destroyer was rendered invisible using magnetic or electro-magnetic fields. Reports suggest that many crew members of the ship involved in the experiment were hospitalized or died, with some experiencing bizarre phenomena like bursting into flame. The article also touches upon the involvement of Dr. Morris K. Jessup and 'The Allende Letters'.

Wells then recounts a personal conversation with a friend who served in the Royal Navy during WWII. This friend described an incident in April/May 1943 at Norfolk Naval Yard where he witnessed a ship with new de-gaussing equipment disappear and reappear. Stories circulated about sailors being killed or hospitalized. The witness also mentioned hearing about a destroyer made invisible at sea, with only its wake visible. The article concludes by posing questions about why this earlier event, if it was an experiment in teleportation, has not received the attention of the 1943 Philadelphia incident, leaving the reader to draw their own conclusions.

UFOs - A Vision of the Future

This article explores the nature and origin of UFOs. The author states that UFOs exist and represent a technology beyond current comprehension. While acknowledging the U.S.A.F.'s claim of no proof of extraterrestrial origin, the author suggests that authorities no longer deny their existence, only the lack of proof. A theory is presented that UFOs might originate from humanity's own future, with occupants being our distant descendants. The author considers the risks of time travel but suggests that physical laws might prevent alteration of the future, and that advanced propulsion could cause uncontrollable time distortion. The article also touches upon the diverse appearances of UFO occupants, suggesting they might represent different stages of human racial development or genetic/ecological 'mishaps'. The Kelly-Hopkinsville sighting is cited as a bizarre but authenticated case. The author humorously speculates about future human evolution, driven by environmental factors and technology, potentially leading to adaptations like bulging eyes and large ears.

Making an Exhibition of Ourselves

This section details an upcoming annual exhibition by W.A.T.S.U.P. in Southampton on August 26th. The exhibition aims to blend information and visual stimulation, avoiding an overload of facts. It will feature a U.F.O. exhibition with boards covering the universe, historical sightings, and definitions of Close Encounters of the First, Second, and Third Kind, along with craft and occupant illustrations. Another exhibition, 'Our Mysterious World', will cover various strange phenomena, places, and happenings, linking to topics like Atlantis and Lost Civilizations. A 30-minute film, 'Apollo II, Giant Leap for Mankind', will be shown, and experiments in telepathy, precognition, and dowsing will be conducted. The article also mentions pre-exhibition publicity tied to the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', including a joint film/U.F.O. exhibition at Debenhams and a smaller exhibition at Hammicks bookshop.

The Truth Versus The Triangle - Part 3

This concluding part of the article continues the investigation into ship disappearances, focusing on the Bermuda Triangle. It presents a list of vessels of at least 100 tons that disappeared between 1960 and 1967, detailing their locations and numbers. The article then lists disappearances from 1968 onwards, including specific incidents like the French trawler 'OU VAS TU', the Icelandic freighter 'HEIDRUN', the British steam trawler 'KINGSTON PERIDOT', the Liberian freighter 'ITHACA ISLAND', the Japanese vessels 'RAKUYO MARU' and 'RYUOZAN MARU', and the Dutch vessel 'OOSTMEEP'. The Bermuda Triangle is noted as having a significant number of disappearances, but the article compares this to other regions, suggesting it may not be as unique as often portrayed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained, particularly UFOs and mysterious disappearances at sea. The journal adopts an investigative and objective stance, presenting eyewitness accounts and data without sensationalism. It encourages readers to consider alternative theories, such as UFOs originating from the future, and to critically examine phenomena like the Philadelphia Experiment and the Bermuda Triangle. The editorial team expresses their complete disassociation from future productions of the journal, indicating this is their final issue.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 13 No. 6, dated December 1973, is primarily an English-language publication from the United Kingdom, priced at 75p. It delves into various aspects of the unexplained, including UFO sightings, unexplained disappearances of ships, and accounts of haunted locations.

Ship Disappearances (1969-1973)

The magazine meticulously lists numerous instances of ships that have disappeared or were last reported under specific circumstances:

• MILTON LATRIDIS (1969): A M.Tanker carrying caustic soda and vegetable oil, last reported in the South Atlantic on November 25th, has not been seen or heard since.
• TRANSVIN (1969): A M.cargo vessel sailing from Iraklion to St. Louis (Rhone) was last reported on October 21st in the Mediterranean and has not been seen since.
• SEIYO MARU (1969): A M.Fishing vessel, last reported in the Central Pacific on April 8th, with no further sightings in 1970.
• BANALUNA (1971): An M.Ore carrier, carrying Magnetite iron concentrate, was last reported in the East China Sea-North West Pacific on November 20th.
• SENG LEE (1971): An S.Cargo vessel carrying cement, was last reported in the South China Sea on October 6th.
• KIKI (1971): A Freighter passed through the Straits of Gibraltar on January 31st on a voyage from Poland to Yugoslavia and was never seen again.
• JUNIOR KL (1971): An M.Cargo ship carrying logs, was last reported in the South China Sea on October 5th.
• ILIGAN BAY (1972): An M.Cargo vessel was last reported by radio in the Pacific on January 24th.
• STAR SHINE (1971): An M.Cargo ship sailed from Mogadiscio on July 28th for Jebel Dhanna with a general cargo and has not since been reported in the Indian Ocean.
• WAN CHI (1971): A WM Fishing vessel sailed from Pago Pago on July 27th for tuna fishing grounds and was last reported in the South Pacific Ocean on August 8th.
• CARIBE (1971): A M.Cargo vessel sailed from Barranquilla to Santo Domingo on October 9th and was last heard by radio on October 10th.
• PUERTO LIMON (1972): An M.Cargo vessel sailed from Houston, Texas on December 14th bound for Port Limon with a cargo of fertilizer and was not seen leaving Galveston the same day.
• HSIUN SENG (1972): An M.Cargo vessel disappeared whilst on route to Kaohsiung with a cargo of White clay and granite, last reported in the South China Sea-East China Sea on November 10th.
• ITSUKISAN MARU (1973): An M.Cargo vessel sailed from Mizushima for Nagoya in January and has not been seen or heard since.
• SANTA ANA (1973): An M.Cargo vessel carrying logs, was last reported in the South China Sea-East China Sea on November 14th.
• TA TONG (1973): An M.Cargo vessel with a cargo of cement, gas and general, sailed from Kaohsiung on November 30th and has not been seen or heard since.
• DAUNTLESS (1973): An M. Fishing vessel sailed from Ketchikan for Kodiak on October 16th and has not been seen or heard since.
• GULF BANDAR (1972): An M.Cargo vessel sailed from Ipswich on March 31st for Tripoli, passed Algiers on April 8th, and has not been seen since.
• ANITA (1972): An M. Bulk Carrier sailed from Newport News for Bremen on March 21st and was last reported by radio in heavy weather on March 22nd. Only a life ring was found. Its sister ship, the NORSE VARIANT, broke in half in the same storm.
• EXPRESS 1 (1972): An M.Cargo vessel sailing from Piraeus to Leghorn, was last reported in the Mediterranean on December 15th.
• VATNANES (1972): An M.Cargo vessel carrying stone and general, sailed from Leixoes on March 9th for Newhaven and has not been seen since.
• THEODORE AS (1972): An M. Cargo vessel sailed from Narvic on November 3rd for Gijon with a cargo of iron ore. Last heard by radio on November 4th. Part of a life boat was found.
• ANTJE JANSEN (1972): An M. Cargo vessel carrying china clay, sailed on December 4th and was reported by radio telephone near Texel on December 6th. Not seen or heard since.
• EMS (1972): An M.Cargo vessel sailed from Sauda on November 13th, bound for Rotterdam with a cargo of Ferro Manganese. Anchored North of Kopervik due to heavy weather, and last reported under way again on November 14th.

Book Reviews

The Hynek U.F.O. Report

This review discusses J. Allen Hynek's book, "The Hynek U.F.O. Report," published by Sphere Books. Hynek, a former consultant to Project Blue Book, offers insights into the official workings of UFO investigations, including the methods used to debunk sightings. The reviewer, Bernard Smith, highlights Hynek's scientific approach and his eventual persuasion by the evidence that UFO phenomena is a serious subject. The book is praised for its documentation and value to UFO researchers, refuting notions of paranoia or frustration regarding an 'official cover up'. It is recommended for serious researchers and not for cultists.

More Lives Than One? The Evidence of the Remarkable Bloxham Tapes

Arnall Bloxham, a hypnotherapist, is the subject of this review by Bernard Smith. Bloxham has recorded over 400 tapes of individuals under hypnosis, recalling past lives. The book presents a selection of the most interesting examples, including regressions of a woman named Jane Evans who recalled six previous lives, and Graham Huxtable who regressed to the life of a pressed seaman during the Napoleonic wars. The review notes the detailed information provided in these regressions, particularly regarding historical events and naval slang, which have been verified by historians. The reviewer discusses theories such as reincarnation and racial/inherited memory as potential explanations, while also acknowledging the possibility of cryptoamnesia. The book is considered fascinating and well worth reading, despite the reviewer feeling that more depth and answers could have been provided.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Solent Skywatch

An event called 'Solent Skywatch' was planned for Saturday, June 3rd or June 10th, with the intention of discovering correlations between Leylines and UFO flight paths. The organizers suggested that UFOs might use Leylines for navigation. The event aimed to coordinate observers scanning the sky in the Portsmouth and Solent area.

U.F.O. OR POLYTHENE BAG?

This section investigates a report from January 7th, 1978, concerning a large polythene bag seen drifting over Eastleigh Airport. While Airport Officials were concerned, witnesses like Tony Jones of the Southampton Branch doubted the explanation. The article details an account from a Bitterne housewife who spotted a silver-grey, flattened, rugy ball-shaped object, approximately 30-40 ft. wide, hovering over the River Itchen and Vospers Yard. The object moved off at a 45-degree angle and disappeared into the clouds. A design on the base of the object was sketched. The police were reportedly cagey about UFO sightings, and it was unclear if the object was a bag or something else.

PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN OF DISTANT CIGAR

On January 2nd, 1978, near Winchester, a Winchester couple reported seeing a cigar-shaped object about one mile distant. The object was the color of a light bulb, estimated to be the size of a large jet aircraft, and appeared vertical or slightly inclined. It remained stationary for about 10 minutes, during which time the husband took four photographs. The object then moved in a circular path, emitting a slight vapor trail, and moved off. The film was developed, showing a tiny object on each negative, but the contrast with the sunset made details difficult to discern.

Haunted Localities in Hampshire

The magazine also features a catalogue of alleged haunted localities in Hampshire, Part 3:

• HAWLEY: THE OLD MALT HOUSE, CHAPEL LANE: Reputedly haunted by the ghost of an old woman who carried water.
• HINTON AMPNER MANOR: Reported ghostly activity in the mid-18th century, including a man in a drab coat, a woman in rustling silk, slamming doors, knocks, and screams.
• HOOK: Fields reputed to be haunted by the figure of a cavalier. Notably, the intersection of the A.32 and A.30 at Hook was also the scene of a low-level UFO sighting involving vehicle interference on October 26th, 1967.
• KIMPTON: KIMPTON DOWN INN: Experienced poltergeist-like activity during renovations in the mid-sixties, with bottles and food being disturbed, and the faint outline of a figure seen.
• LYMINGTON, THE ANGEL HOTEL: The shadowy figure of a coachman has been seen in the kitchen, and a tall grey-haired figure in a Naval-style coat has also been witnessed.
• LYMINGTON. NR. ARNWOOD FARM: A story about a horse shying due to fear, attributed to the 'White Lady' who traditionally walks the grounds of nearby Arnwood Manor.
• MEONSTOKE. MEONSTOKE HOUSE: New owners in 1975 found their English sheepdog became continually agitated, and the front door bell began to ring at various times. A door on the first floor landing also refuses to stay closed.
• OAKLEY: The apparition of an old woman allegedly haunts the lanes, appearing suddenly and peering into witnesses' faces before disappearing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained disappearances (particularly of ships), and paranormal phenomena such as ghosts and reincarnation. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and open-mindedness towards these subjects, presenting detailed accounts and encouraging further research, as seen in the book reviews and the 'Skywatch' initiative. The magazine aims to provide documented evidence and analysis rather than sensationalism, particularly in its coverage of UFOs and reincarnation.

This issue of the magazine, identified by its page number '19', '20', '21', '22', '23', '24', '25', '26', '27', focuses on various UFO sightings and related phenomena, primarily from the 1970s. The cover story, "LOW-LEVEL UFO OVER MILTON", details an encounter on July 18th, 1977, involving multiple witnesses.

Low-Level UFO Over Milton

The primary account describes an event at 9:00 p.m. on Monday, July 18th, 1977, in Milton, Portsmouth. Mrs. Hilda Kebble, aged 76, observed a large, brilliantly illuminated object moving from above her building. Her initial thought was a plane on fire. Mrs. Rose Prior, a neighbor, also witnessed the phenomenon from the street. Both women observed the object together. The object was described as completely silent and glowing a brilliant orange, comparable to the sun. It appeared to be very low, just above roof height, and moved slowly over the road. Mrs. Kebble described it as a half-disc with the flat edge downwards, covered in 'portholes' or shadowy circles, within which a vivid 'cross' was visible, compared to light glinting on a reflective surface. Mrs. Prior's description differed slightly, noting a disc covered in golden stars, placed higher, and appearing smaller than Mrs. Kebble's assessment. A third witness, Mrs. Blake, aged 75, also observed the object from her flat, describing it as an orange disc with dark spots and agreeing on its large apparent size. The object moved slowly southwards, emitting a trail of grey 'smoke'. The witnesses noted the object's lights going out sequentially, leading to its disappearance within seconds. Mrs. Kebble reported experiencing television interference ('zig zag flashes') for the rest of the evening and the following night. The sighting lasted 25-30 seconds.

A Disappearing 'Zeppelin'

In mid-June 1977, Mrs. Kebble reported an earlier sighting of a UFO. Around 3:00 p.m. on a warm, clear afternoon, she saw an object 'hanging' in the western sky at an elevation of approximately 40 degrees. She described it as looking exactly like a Zeppelin from wartime, but without an 'undercarriage'. The object was silver and brilliantly reflected the sun. It was silent and appeared stationary. Suddenly, it vanished instantly, not fading or moving away quickly, but disappearing as if a page in a book had been turned. This sighting also lasted 25-30 seconds.

The Broom Square Triangle?

A further UFO sighting near Broom Square occurred in July or August 1975. This involved a grey, indistinct, hat-shaped object seen by two boys walking in Furze Lane. The object momentarily disappeared above the flats in Broom Square.

An Invisible Visitor

Around 1973, W.A.T.S.U.P. was contacted by a lady living in Broom Square regarding a series of strange incidents in her home over a period of just over a year. Initially innocuous, the events turned more unsettling. Lights would be found on when turned off, and specific kitchen items (kettle, dishcloth, tea towel) all coloured orange, disappeared. Brass ornaments also vanished. One evening, the front door opened, and footsteps were heard on bare boards despite the passage being carpeted. Mrs. M.'s dog reacted by staring intently at a corner of the room, an event that repeated on five other occasions. During one of these 'visitations', a pet hamster died suddenly. Mrs. M.'s dog also began racing frantically in circles before the front door opened. An attempt to have the flat exorcised by a local vicar had only a short-lived effect. Later, cosmetic items were found removed from a dressing table and arranged on the floor, along with a portable television set. A Medium concluded the presence was a ghost of a man who died at a nearby sanatorium, but records of Langstone Sanitorium were destroyed during the war. The final reported occurrence was the discovery of the budgerigar's cage tipped over and the bird dead, with no marks on its body. Mrs. M. eventually moved elsewhere.

'Close Encounter' in Southampton?

An account from mid-January (date unknown) at 10:30 p.m. describes a witness driving down Upper New Road, West End. His headlights picked out two figures walking towards him. One man held a neon tube, approximately 12 inches long, which was illuminated. As the car approached, the man directed the light towards it. The car's lights dimmed, and the engine began to drag unnaturally. Despite being knocked out of gear, the vehicle slowed to a crawl. The witness managed to reach his parents' house, where the car engine died. The witness, an Electronics Engineer, checked the electrical system and fuel line but found no faults. After several attempts, the engine suddenly roared to life. The witness described the two figures as humanoids dressed in light-coloured track suit trousers and dark 'donkey-type' jackets, with somewhat pointed heads with no features. The witness's car had been serviced a week prior and functioned normally before and after the incident.

Incident at Lychett Matravers, Dorset

On Saturday, August 27th, 1977, six members of W.A.T.S.U.P. attended a vigil at 'The Whispering Corner' in Lychett Matravers, a village known for 'mumblings' attributed to Pallbearers from the Plague era. At approximately 11:00 p.m., John Postans, Martin Symes, and Lesley Lawrence heard a mumbling sound from the copse opposite, but it was not recorded on tape. Roy Goutte's dog reacted to something in the copse. The mumbling sounded like two people talking, but the contents were indistinguishable. The tape was played back multiple times with no audible sound.

Cradle Hill Incident - Explained?

This section addresses a previous report, 'The Eyes in the Copse', and offers an explanation. Chris Franklin recounts a Skywatch visit at Warminster where he, Veronica Collis, and Chris Harrison witnessed what appeared to be an 'eye' at the edge of trees. Initially met with laughter, their observations became serious when others saw it. Franklin described it as a single pulsing or flickering light, yellowish in colour. He investigated, found it to be a hoax UFO measuring 2'6" high and 2ft. round, constructed from film negatives, a light bulb, and batteries. Tony Wells, author of the original report, comments that Franklin's description of a single light differs from the original account of a 'pair of yellow eyes' that moved. Mrs. J. Lawrence also reported seeing a pair of yellow eyes. Wells notes that he and Mrs. Lawrence did not hear any noise, unlike Franklin who heard a generator-like sound. Wells concludes that the May 1st incident remains unexplained to his satisfaction.

Unidentified Animals

This section reports on unidentified cat-like animals in Scotland that have destroyed sheep. The animal is described as feline and of great strength, capable of stripping a sheep of its flesh. Police and veterinary surgeons have been involved.

Biological Impossibilities

Bernard Smith comments on an article about soil samples from a 'landing' near Winchester. He questions the scientific value of the study, stating it lacked hard facts and firm conclusions. Smith argues that such studies, using scientific jargon, can give the impression that W.A.T.S.U.P. members are trying to play scientists rather than presenting clear evidence.

Police Hunt Scorched Earth UFO

An article from the Daily Express (April 9th, 1978) details a police search for a UFO in Ashdown Forest, Sussex, on Wednesday night. Mrs. M. R. Knotting reported a mysterious ball of light dropping and breaking into two, causing a fire. Police used a geiger counter and combed the scorched earth. Constable Alan Craggs and a caretaker, Peter Inwood, witnessed the object changing colour from red to blue to white to green, moving erratically over Twesledown, Aldershot. Inwood emphatically stated it was not an aircraft. The object was described as cigar-shaped by a boy in Farnborough. Police suggested aircraft or Army flares as explanations, but flares were noted as white and short-lived, unlike the observed phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, domestic paranormal events, and potential hoaxes. There's a clear interest in documenting witness accounts, even when descriptions vary or explanations are debated. The magazine appears to present a range of cases, from alleged UFO sightings with physical traces to more ambiguous 'haunting' type events. The editorial stance, as indicated by the 'Editor's Note' regarding 'Biological Impossibilities', leans towards valuing scientific rigor and clear conclusions, while acknowledging the complexities and potential for misinterpretation in paranormal investigations.