|
|
DISCLOSURE
Secretariat
NORTH ADELAIDE SA 5006
e-mail: disclosureaustralia@yahoo.com.au
website:
http://disclosureaustralia.freewebpages.org
_____________________________________________________________________
NEWSLETTER
THIRTY ONE DECEMBER 2006
UFO
FILES LOCATED IN THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT RECORD SYSTEM
Introduction:
Between June 2003 and November 2006 the Disclosure
Australia Project searched for, located and examined Australian Government
files relating to the UFO phenomenon. Although the search was as thorough as
possible, there is no doubt it is incomplete. To begin with, the electronic
RecordSearch system of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) indexes only
about 10% of their collection. Secondly, the search was undertaken using both
the Archives Act and the Freedom of Information Act, where the expense of the
latter precluded broad spectrum requests such as “for all material held on UFOs.” In
addition, unlike the detailed and indexed UFO fact sheet available for the UK
Government Archives which guides researchers through file numbers; searching
the NAA’s RecordSearch is a very hit and miss affair. Quite often, a slight
adjustment of words, or even letters, would reveal yet other files.
Some issues:
The first issue confronting the Project was one of
nomenclature. Was the search simply for files on “UFOs?” Other key word
searches eventually lead not only to files about UFOs, but files where the
title included the terms “flying saucers,” “aerial objects;” “unusual aerial
sightings;” “unusual sighting;” “strange sky lights;” “unusual occurrences;”
and “strange occurrences.”
As the Project was utilising both the Archive and
FOI Acts, another issue at times, was which Act applied? For example, at one
time, it was found that the Department of Defence held files inside the time
frame of the Archive Act; and the NAA held files which could only be made
available under the FOI! This meant asking Government authorities to transfer
files to other authorities in order that they could be accessed under the
correct Act.
In addition, if the status of a file held by the
NAA was shown as “not yet examined,” then that file had to go from the NAA back
to the controlling authority who originated the file, to be examined and
cleared for release. This clearance could take quite some time; in fact up to
twelve months in some instances.
The very large volume of material (over 10,000
pages) uncovered was itself an issue. However, once read and processed, the
files located have been reported on in a series of 30 Newsletters; 17
“Revelations” columns in the bi-monthly “Australasian UFOlogist;” at three
national level conferences, on a two part CD-ROM set and on the Project website
at http://disclosureaustralia.freewebpages.org.
Following Project requests, the NAA has also made some files available as
digital copies on its website www.naa.gov.au.
Despite the issues related above, the staff of the
NAA could not have been more helpful in their efforts to assist us. Thanks must
also go to the RAAF’s FOI staff for their professional approach to what, to
them, must have seemed a trivial topic of enquiry.
In the end, it is believed that a representative
collection of files has been uncovered which allows researchers to gain some
insight into how the Australian Government viewed the UFO phenomenon.
Government agencies
with files on UFOs:
The Project has found records of 146 files which
are, or were, in whole or part, about UFOs or UFO organisations originating
with:
-
Australian Army
-
Royal Australian Navy
-
Royal Australian Air Force
-
and former areas such as the Department of Air (DOA) (1939-1973.)
The main questions which arise after examination
of over ten thousand Government UFO documents are:
Former Department of
Supply 1952-1972
Incidents at Woomera, particularly in the early
1950’s, feature almost exclusively in the three files located. Indeed, the
security people at the range seemed to have thoroughly documented the sightings
reported, whether the cause was mundane or possibly of more exotic origin.
However, almost no analysis of the data is seen on these files. Seemingly, the
Department saw its role as collecting and forwarding sightings to their Head
Office and then on to the DOA. Disappointingly, no Supply Head Office UFO files
have been uncovered so far. Indeed, it is only in 1971 that there was a hint on
a RAAF file that the Department of Supply itself might be interested in looking
into the subject of UFOs. Project Newsletter 21 provides an in depth look at
this Department’s UFO involvement.
The former Department
of Civil Aviation 1952-1973 and the
current Department of Transport and Regional Services 1973-2005
In the early 1950’s the DCA was one of the two
lead agencies involved in collecting reports of “flying saucers” (the other
being the DOA.) It initially actively sought reports; considered setting up its
own study section and then liaised with the DOA by forwarding raw reports. For
20 years it collected reports and passed them to the DOA. Its replacement
agency, the DOTRS, following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from us,
advised that its aviation occurrence data base OASIS contained a small number
of reports involving the acronym “UFO”, with brief details released to us. For
more on the involvement of DCA see Project Newsletter 17.
The former Department
of Territories 1959-1965
This agency, which administered Papua New Guinea
(PNG) at one stage, referred raw reports from PNG to the DOD between 1959 and
1965, without any attempt at analysis.
The former Department
of External Affairs 1954
The Federal Minister for this Department, the Rt
Hon R G Casey, took a personal interest in the subject in 1954 according to the
single Departmental file located. Casey
corresponded with various Australian Embassies collecting information on the
topic. He also engaged in correspondence with CSIRO staff.
Australian Security
Intelligence Organisation 1956-1972
Two files have emerged from ASIO and the former
Commonwealth Investigation Section (CIS), on the Queensland Flying Saucer
Bureau and the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society respectively. The
interest of ASIO/CIS appears in line with their charter.
The Commonwealth
Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation 1952-1989
Two files were located covering the period 1952 to
1989, utilising both the Archive and Freedom of Information Acts. On a number
of occasions the Organisation advised enquirers that it did not carry out field
work in this subject. However, a small number of its staff did undertake
investigations into reports as individuals, particularly one Dr Michael Duggin.
The organisation’s files reveal it mainly directly answered public queries.
Like other Government agencies it positively responded to the 1966 request from
the DOA to co-operate with the RAAF by examining any raw reports forwarded to
it by DOA. In reality very few reports
were ever forwarded, according to the files we examined. Project Newsletter 20
provides a comprehensive review of the CSIRO’s role in the UFO phenomenon.
The Department of
Defence 1951-2006
Royal Australian Navy
Four Navy files have been located, of which two of
these dealt with the 1954 Nowra Navy pilot incident. Of the other two, file
series E499/18 control symbol C21/4/41 was located at the
Australian Army
Three Army files were located.
It appears, that contrary to views expressed from
time to time, in some quarters of the Australian UFO research community, that
the Army was not a major player in investigating the UFO phenomenon in
The former Department
of Air/current RAAF
The Directorate of Air Force Intelligence (DAFI)
of the former DOA (1939-1973) took the lead in collecting and examining reports
of UFOs from the early 1950’s. How and why the DOA was tasked with this role is
not yet clear. The Project continues to look for early (1947-1951) material, including a lost
internal DAFI file SEC.CD2/2 which may throw light on this topic.
All the material examined indicates that DAFI was,
for the main, not really interested in conducting any scientific research into
the phenomenon. The impression gained from comments on the RAAF’s UFO policy
file series (554/1/30) was that, for the most part, examining UFO reports was
merely a job that had to be done:
·
“We spoke. While I agree
with you in principle, the practicalities suggest we will continue to wear the
responsibility. You should, however, ensure that the impact of this chore does
not unduly impede our normal business.” (3)
There were however, indications at times of a
softening of this attitude. For example an examination of file 554/1/30 reveals
the original of a letter from Dr M J Duggin employed by the CSIRO to Squadron
Leader Baxter of DAFI. Folio 115 of 554/1/30 dated 29 Dec 1966 is an internal
memo from D/DAFI (Ops) to DAFI which included:
“You
will note that these scientists are mainly interested in the unexplained UFO’s,
but as far as I can make out they would like information on all sightings…These
scientists, with all the documents and facilities available to them, are
obviously in a position to assist us in this matter, and though I am not too
keen on releasing the details of the RAAF investigations or anything which may
increase the interest of the general public in this field, I think we should
give these scientists the information they require.” (4)
What is interesting here is the comment “…the unexplained UFO’s…” This is an
internal memo, way before the FOI Act allowed outsiders to see it. Here are
DAFI staff writing of “unexplained UFO’s.” It is realised that this is in the
context of what Duggin was interested in. However, the author does not dispute
the fact that there were some UFO reports which remain unexplained after
investigation.
DAFI tried on a number of occasions to pass off at
least part of the task to other agencies:
1. The Joint
Intelligence Bureau of the DOD in 1957. A letter dated 1 Apr 1957 from DAFI
to the JIB, said in part “…reports could
best be investigated and evaluated by one of your scientific research
officers…” (5)
2. The
Department of Supply in 1971. A Memo dated 27 Jul 1971 from DAFI to
S/AIR/SS stated in part:
“You
spoke to me recently on the matter of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and
you mentioned that the Department of Supply may be interested in investigating
this subject. This minute provides a brief historical sketch of this subject
and my reaction to the proposal.” (6)
No other reference to this interest by the
Department of Supply has been located, although no Head Office Department of
Supply UFO files have yet been found.
3. The
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in 1973. In
Aug 1973 Prof J Allen Hynek was out here in
“DAFI
suggested that CSIRO or the Dept of Science ( but preferably the former) seemed
to be logical agencies to conduct greater in depth investigation in
However, nothing officially came from any of these
three approaches by DAFI to shift the “UFO problem” from them to somewhere else
in the Government. DAFI remained the “Official” Government UFO agency.
A major change of policy was announced in the
media on 2 May 1984:
“UNUSUAL
AERIAL SIGHTINGS - RAAF CHANGE IN POLICY
The RAAF in future will investigate fully only
those Unusual Aerial Sightings (UAS) which suggest a defence or national security
implication. The Minister for Defence, Mr Gordon Scholes, said today that while
the RAAF would continue to be the first point of contact, UAS reports not
considered to have a defence or security implication would not be further
investigated.
Instead they would be recorded and the UAS
observer would be given the address of civilian UAS research organisations if
the observer wished to pursue the matter further. Mr Scholes said that in the
past the RAAF's investigation of all UAS reports had often proved time
consuming, unproductive and had led to many man-hours of follow-up action by
the RAAF and other agencies such as the Department of Aviation and the Bureau
of Meteorology.
He said that procedures for investigating UAS
reports had remained unchanged for many years. The vast majority of reports
submitted by the public had proven not to have a national security
significance.”
A deduction from the last paragraph of the
announcement is that some reports in fact had a “national security
implication.” It is generally understood just what a “defence implication” is,
e.g. an unauthorised intrusion into Australian air space by an unidentified
man-made aircraft. However, just what constitutes a “national security
implication” as opposed to a “defence implication” remains unclear.
Nothing was known previously of the inside
deliberations behind this policy shift. However, when examining files at RAAF
Base Edinburgh a file was located with a draft Support Command Air Staff
Instruction no 3/A/3 (reference AF 84/3508 part 1 of 12 April 1984.) This said that the RAAF is
the first point of contact and that most UAS from the public are found to be
natural or man-made.
“The
RAAF accepts reports on UAS and attempts an allocation of reliability. However,
few reports are of any direct interest to the RAAF.”
This was
followed by a piece about the Condon report conclusions, then:
“Experience in the RAAF
since the early 1950s supports the Condon report conclusion…The RAAF is
responsible for the acceptance and evaluation of UAS reports. Those which
suggest a defence or national security implication are further investigated and
a probable cause determined…”
The draft went on to say that DAFI is to assess
such reports. Reports considered not having defence or national security
implications are not investigated further and are filed at Command HQ’s:
“On
return of part 2, the report is to be examined in terms of defence or national
security implications, to assess whether further investigation is warranted. In
general terms, further investigation is to be confined to sightings of a
terrestrial, rather than an extra-terrestrial nature. Sightings of interest to
the RAAF would involve incursions into Australian airspace by man-made objects,
and particularly include sightings near defence or other sensitive
establishments. The traditional “lights in the sky” are no longer cause for
RAAF investigation.”
The sentence “…further
investigation is to be confined to sightings of a terrestrial, rather than an
extra-terrestrial nature.” is very intriguing! This seems to be saying that
although the RAAF knew some sightings were of an extra-terrestrial nature, it
wasn’t interested in these! A very rare admission indeed for the RAAF. The
document goes on:
“Command
intelligence staff are to be made aware immediately of any report warranting
further investigation. On receipt of such a
report, CINTO is to:
a.
inform DAFIS and the Chief of Staff (COFS)
b.
commence an immediate investigation and instruct the UAS investigator at the
reporting unit to complete Annex A part 3 (Unit report).
c.
complete Annex A part 4 on receipt of completed parts 1-3 and report the
findings of his investigation to COFS and DAFIS.” (8)
Note that the 2 May 1984 media release didn’t
contain the reference to “extra-terrestrial
nature.”
This new policy lasted
ten years, and then in 1994 the DOD policy again changed :
“Unidentified
Aerial Sightings. Revised policy.
“Consideration
of the scientific record suggests that, whilst not all UAS have a ready
explanation, there is no compelling reason for the RAAF to continue to devote
resources to recording, investigating and attempting to explain UAS. The RAAF
no longer accepts reports on UAS…”
“Some
UAS may relate to events that could have a defence, security or public safety
implications, such as man-made debris falling from space, a burning aircraft or
an aircraft making an unauthorised incursion into Australian air space. Where
members of the community may have witnessed an event of this type they are
encouraged to contact the police, civilian aviation authorities or coast
watch.”
“2.
The change in policy will not be publicised by press release. Known UFO groups
will be contacted individually by mail and provided with a copy of the new
policy together with a brief explanations of the implications for them.” (9)
Three points of the above, call for comment:
Other areas of the DOD
since 1977
A check of other areas of the DOD, namely the
Army, the Navy, the DSTO and the DOD
intelligence areas by way of an FOI request in 2004 by the Project, was met
with a response that they were unable to locate any files originating in these
areas dealing with the topic of UFOs for the period 1977 to 2004.
Post 1994
With the latest change of policy, came a call for
all areas of the RAAF to close off their files dealing with UAS. Twenty three
such files were collected and lodged with the NAA in 1994. The Project located
and examined these files in 2004.
So, since 1994 the DOD has referred all sighting
reports from the general public to civilian UFO groups, and there has been no
evidence that the RAAF has investigated any UFO reports in the period 1994 to
date.
Does the DOD have a position in 2006? It certainly
does. The current Department web site has the following statement regarding UFO
sightings:
“Unidentified Aerials Sightings (UAS)
Sightings of unusual or unidentified aerial objects or UFO's.
Provided by: Directorate of Concepts and Capability Development Royal
Australian Air Force
Postal: Russell Offices Department of Defence Canberra ACT 2600
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) formerly had a responsibility for
investigating and assessing the validity of UAS. After careful examination of
the factual data and historical records that had been gathered over many years,
it was determined that the collective evidence did not warrant the continued
allocation of resources by the RAAF to investigate and report on UAS.
Subsequently, the RAAF ceased this function.
Current Defence policy on UAS where members of the public may have questions on,
or seek to report sightings, is to direct them to their local police
authorities or civil Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) research organisations,
through the relevant state telephone directory.” (10)
From the Minister of
Defence
Late last year the Project directed a letter to
Robert Hill, then Minister for Defence, as follows:
“Over the last two years I have been locating
and examining federal Government files relating to the subject of Unusual
Aerial Sightings (UAS), utlising both the Archive and FOI Acts.
I
understand that up until 1994 the Department of Defence (DOD) was the federal
government agency tasked with the collection and analysis of such reports from
the general public. I further understand that in 1994 the DOD ceased this
function and that from that date reports of UAS
by members of the public to the DOD are referred to civilian UFO
research organisations.
The
current DOD website (at http://www.defence.gov.au
access contacts under UAS) has a statement of the current position of the Dept.
on UAS reports, which states in part:
“Current
Defence policy on UAS where members of the public may have questions on, or
seek to report sightings is to direct them to their local police authorities or
civil Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) research organisations…”
DOD
files I have examined demonstrate that between the 1950’s and early 1990’s,
besides reports from the general public, the department received reports from
members of the DOD, civilian airline crew and air traffic controllers.
I
would therefore seek your response to the following questions:
1.
If current UAS reports
from the general public are referred onwards, what happens to reports made by
members of the DOD, civilian airline crew and air traffic controllers?
2.
How many reports have
been made since 1994 to the DOD from members of the DOD, civilian airline crew
and air traffic controllers?
3.
If there have been any
such reports made by members of the DOD, civilian airline crew and air traffic
controllers since 1994 may I obtain full details of these?
4.
Since 1994, has the DOD
maintained any personnel whose duties include the monitoring, collection or
analysis of UAS reports from members of the DOD, civilian airline crew and air
traffic controllers?
5.
In the years between 1947
and 1994 did the DOD ever conduct any scientific research into the subject of
UAS, and if so, who conducted this research and what where their findings?
6.
Given that the RAAF was
the area of the DOD involved with the collection and analysis of UAS reports
between 1947 and 1994, and publicly announced it was ceasing this function in
1994; did any other area of the DOD continue with this role between 1994 and
today?
7.
Has any area of the DOD
conducted any scientific research into the subject of UAS between 1994 and
today, and if so, who conducted this research and what were their findings?
I look forward to your
response.” (11)
A response was received as follows:
“As you have correctly
asserted, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) formely had a responsibility
for investigating and assessing the validity of UAS. However, after careful
examination of the factual data and historical records that had been gathered
over many years, it was determined that the collective evidence did not warrant
the continued allocation of resources by the RAAF to investigate and report on
UAS. Subsequently, the RAAF ceased this function.
I can advise that Defence
does not accept UAS reports, but directs any such reports to local police
authorities or civil unidentified flying object research organisations, through
the relevant state telephone directory. I can also advise that defence does not
maintain records on UAS or on the number (if any) of attempts to report them.
Neither does the RAAF maintain any personnel whose duties include the
monitoring, collection or analysis of UAS reports from any source. In addition,
Defence has never conducted any scientific research into UAS.” (12)
Answers:
The answers to the first two questions posed at
the beginning of this work are:
A DETOUR TO THE
The RAAF’s early policy files reveal that from time
to time (1955 (13);
1959 (14)) the RAAF inquired as to the British
Government’s position on the UFO phenomenon. It is therefore pertinent to ask
did the UK Government ever conduct any scientific research into the UFO
phenomenon?
Dr David Clarke and Andy Roberts in their 2002
book titled “Out of the Shadows” (15) reported upon their examination of hundreds of
files generated by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD); the Royal Air Force and
other Government bodies.
Clarke and Roberts found that the MoD’s Directorate
of Scientific and Technical Intelligence (DSTI), its predecessors and later
counterpart, had indeed studied UFO reports:
“The documentary evidence
we have presented demonstrates that DSTI…has indeed played a significant role
in UFO research and investigation, dating back to the first “flying saucer”
waves of the 1950’s…” (p251)
What was the purpose of DSTI’s interest in looking
at UFO reports? In 1967, the Deputy Director of Intelligence wrote:
“In our case, we have
tailored our efforts to meet the minimum requirement of protecting
Consideration was given to the creation of a
scientific post with DSTI for UFO investigations (p184). At that time, responsibility for investigation of
interesting reports which had survived initial screening, was the province of a
scientist in DI55, Dr John Dickison (p182). Dickison was a space weapons expert (p172.)
However, by 2001 DSTI (now retitled DIST) decided
to cease reviewing UFO reports made to the MoD as it had determined that UFOs
were of no defence interest (p252.)
That same year the MoD stated:
“The Ministry does not
question the existence, or otherwise, of extraterrestrial life forms, about
which it remains open minded. To date we are, however, unaware of any evidence
which proves that these phenomena exist.” (p256)
Subsequent to this, an
MoD analysis, published in the year 2000, became public knowledge. The
Executive Summary contained the words: “…the
information studied…leads to the conclusion that it does not have any
significant Defence Intelligence value…” (16)
BACK TO
Were any interesting reports found in Government
files? Yes indeed, a number were located in the files of the RAAF. A summary of
these cases follows. If the RAAF ascribed an explanation, it is shown in
[square brackets].
(1) 7 December 1956
Tambar Springs NSW 1215hrs 10mins 2wits Hayne DO
Heard jet engines and saw object in E “coming
down.” White in colour. “Disk shaped” and spinning. “At one stage a wing was
visible, appeared to have one wing on one side.” Then “…went straight up until
it became a speck in the sky. It then went to the East, and straight up out of
sight.” (Pages 71-67 & 81-85 on
digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 1.Original file reference 5/1/air (11a))
(2) 27 September 1957
0944GMT 1944local Launceston airport
L Stinson, an Air Traffic controller reported
seeing a white light bearing 025 degrees from the tower. The light was
travelling south at the speed of a DC3 aircraft.
0945.5 GMT 1945.5 local Launceston airport
L Stinson. The light was abeam of the field and
viewed through binoculars. It was seen passing over Evindale bearing 125
degrees. Check with area control revealed no known air traffic. Check for
balloons also negative.
0947GMT 1947 local Launceston airport
L Stinson. Last sighting of light from Launceston.
It had been moving steadily horizontally. Through binoculars it was spherical
or circular. Sky overcast. Cloud base 4000 feet. Ground wind was from 300
degrees at 10 knots.
0950GMT 1950 local
Carter and Powell. On duty-received request from
Launceston to undertake radar search.
0957GMT 1959 local
Hoggie at
1020GMT 2020 local
Carter and Powell.
1024GMT 2024 local Launceston airport
Eddy.
1025GMT 2025 local
Echo located bearing 356 degrees at slant range of
34,000 yards at 5 degree elevation. Moved at a fast speed. Tracked for 15
seconds. Range increased by approximately 200 yards. Continued attempt further
till 1045GMT 2045 local but unsuccessful. 356 degrees height 9000 feet.
Distance 17NM north of
1027GMT 2027local
Hoggie.
(Pages 53-57 & 61-62
on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 1).
(3) 26 June 1959
Object approached from N to NE, descended and then
hovered some 500 feet up in air. 45 degree elevation. “Silhouette of a rugger
football,” and had a kind of ring around it with about four semi-domed
portholes visible in the side. A glow came from the portholes. (Pages 89 & 180 on digital copy of RAAF
file 580/1/1 part 2. Original file reference AD.93/5/2
(4) 7 July 1959 Burren
Junction (NSW) 2120hrs 1m
A Police constable saw a bright red light which
was on an object in the sky. It was reddish on top. From the object’s bottom
shone a red light. The object hovered over trees. Seemed close. Appeared to go
away to the WNW and went out of sight. The Police constable reported that at
0700 that day a man in the same area reported seeing “big grey cattle float” on
the side of a road. Later two workers reported seeing a large grey thing” with
a dome on top which they watched for several seconds before the dome suddenly
disappeared. The policeman recalled that on 17 July 1959 he had seen the same
thing again in the W moving. (Pages
171-173 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2 .Original file reference
5/2/1 Air (56a) Penrith.)
(5) 24 September 1959
Mandourah and Doctors Gully NT 1830hrs NO
Large 80-100 foot object reported. Black, shallow.
Close to surface-speed 80-90 mph. Shot upwards towards Delissaville Creek. “A
green very light shot off from the water in a direction east or north from
Mandourah, after the object was seen.” At 0715hrs 25 September, the same object
was again seen off Mandourah and shot up Middle Arm. (Pages 107-108 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2. Original
file reference BS.5/6/Air (32a)
(6) 4 October 1960
Cresssy Tas 1810hrs 2 mins 1M +1F Browning DO
While looking at a rainbow, they saw a “long cigar
shaped object” emerge from a rain squall. It was dull grey in colour, and had
“four or five vertical dark bands around its circumference.” With something
that looked like a “short aerial array” on it. It travelled northwards. Seconds
later, 5-6 small saucer like objects came out of the cloud at high speed. These
and the cigar then reversed back into the rain squall and did not re-emerge. (Pages 19-29, 32, 34 ,54-55 and 59 on digital
copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2. Original file reference 704/1/P1 (2A)
(7) 15 November 1960
15 miles north of Launceston Tas 1040hrs (5-7 secs) DO
A USAF JB-57 aircraft crew operating out of RAAF
East Sale reported seeing an unusual object. The aircraft was at 40,000 feet at
350 knots flying a heading of 340 degrees. The object was estimated to be at
35,000 feet heading 140 degrees at high speed. It disappeared under the
aircraft’s left wing. The pilot banked the plane but they did not re-establish
visual. In colour the object was said to be “rather translucent.” “There were
no sharp edges but rather fuzzy.” The size was estimated at 90 feet in
diameter, and it did not appear to have any depth to it. (Pages
44-45 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.[Astronomical])
(8) 3 June 1961
Radar RAAF Darwin “reported radar contact during
met balloon flight 2130hrs. “Contact at 40000 feet descended to 32000 feet in
approximately 5 minutes. Contact with no apparent lateral movement. First
sighting azimuth 180 elevation 80 deg range 15000 yards.” (Page 148 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3.Telex originally
classified “Secret.”)
(9) 15 February 1963
While milking cows, he saw an object descending
from the E to a height of about 75 feet. It hovered, then ascended to the W. It
was 25 feet in diameter, and 9 feet high. The lower portion was 3 feet high and
rotating anti-clockwise. It was of a bluish colour. The upper portion appeared
stationary and was a battleship grey
colour. Protruding out of this dome was something which resembled “a broom
handle.” “There was a swishing and burbling-type sound.” (Pages 313-319 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 4. Original
reference 5/6/Air (26)
(10) 19 May 1963 Mt
Gambier SA 2130hrs (1-1.5mins) 1m Busbridge CE1
Was 1-1.5 miles from Piggery on the old
(11) 25 July 1963
Warragul Vic 1930hrs 20secs 1M Ashcroft NO
One circular object “light shade of grey” with a
noise similar to a jet aircraft. “The upper portion of object appeared to have
a smaller diameter.” Approx 400 feet up. Lost in mid-air. “The upper part of
the object appeared to be revolving.” While the object was in sight the air was
unusually warm. (Pages 292-294 on digital
copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 4. Original reference 7/6/Air (39)
(12) 23 January 1964
Between Cape Grey & NE Point, off Groote Eylandt NT 5M NL
A compass on board a boat behaved erratically over
a lengthy period of time. A strange light was seen in the water. “Ghostly white
light, in the centre was a shadow which rotated in a clockwise direction
causing the light to pulsate…it is estimated that it was miles across and a few
hundred yards through.” Another light patch approached, then another. At
0300hrs the compass finally settled down. (Pages
226-228 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 4.Original reference
BS5/6/Air (91).
(13) 13 January 1965
41S 167E 0845Z 1M Shannon +others NO
Report of UFOs by Qantas flight 363. Course 275
degrees mag at 20,000 feet. Shortly after sunset. “Single vapour trail appeared
to
(14) 4 August 1965
Orange NSW 1015hrs 10mins 1M Musgrove DO
What appeared to be a “helicopter” approached from
the SW. No wheels or rotor blades were noticed. It was silver in colour and had
an “aerial” sticking out the top. It moved slowly, coming within one mile of
the town at an estimated 3000 feet altitude, before departing to the SE. (Page 56 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1
part 4. Original ref: 5/2/1/Air (74). [Met balloons])
(15) 19 January 1966
Tully Qld 0900hrs 4 secs 1M Pedley CE2
Travelling in a tractor when noted hissing noise.
Saw object 25 yards away 30 feet above ground, rising vertically. Light grey,
dull not reflecting. Object 25 feet long and 8-9 feet deep. Rose to 60 foot.
Departed SW climbing at 45 degrees. Appeared to be rotating at all times.
Receded into distance. Clearly defined circular area in swamp grass 32 foot
long by 25 feet wide. Reeds lying in clockwise curves. (Pages 164-169 & 175 of digital copy of RAAF
file 580/1/1 part 5. Original ref: 5/2/1/Air (6) Penrith.)
(16) 10 May 1966
ATC reported trace on radar at range 140-150 miles
bearing 261 degree True. Trace disappeared and reappeared at intervals in the
same place. No known civilian aircraft in the area. Probably aircraft crop
dusting. (Page 76 of digital copy of RAAF
file 580/1/1 part 5. Original ref: 5/6/Air (130)
(17) 14 August 1966
Bright light came from the SW and slowed down and
became stationary. 6-8 red lights in a row. 4 lights approached until they were
within 400 yards. Hovered 20 feet above ground. White light illuminated the
area. “Flying saucer” there. “Machine tilted” as it rose. Silver colour and
oval. 10 feet high 180 feet long-80-100 feet wide. Moved around and appeared to
land. (Pages 133-139 of digital copy of
RAAF file 580/1/1 part 6. Original ref: 5/15/1/Air (54) Op.Cmd.)
(18) 4 September 1966
Yarram Vic (2200-2230hrs) 1M +1F
Tratford + others NL
In a car, saw “extended light flat on the ground.”
Stationary to their ENE. Then it rose vertically to 100 feet darkening as it
did so-then it completely disappeared. (Pages
108-113 & 117 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 6. Original ref:
5/6/Air (169). [Astronomical])
(19) 10 October 1966
Laverton Vic 2022hrs 83mins 2M NL
Two Air Traffic Controllers saw light moving from
280 degrees magnetic to 320 degrees magnetic. It manoeuvred then remained
stationary. Radar check was negative. (Pages
60-68 of digital copy of RAAF file
580/1/1 part 6. Original ref: 5/6/Air (3) VB. [Satellite])
(20) 28 October 1966
MV Kabbarli. Conical shaped glow half degree
across at 242 degrees azimuth, 18 degrees elevation. Travelling fast to NE.
Lost when overhead in light of Moon. (Page
68 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 6. Original telex from
(21) 26 November 1966
Daly Waters NT 0013Z 2mins 1M Munstermann DO
While tracking a balloon through a theodolite, saw
an object at 280 degrees az and 59.2 degrees el. Metallic grey in colour and
oblong in shape. Lost in mid-air. No aircraft in the area. (Pages 324-327 of digital copy of file
580/1/1 part 7.)
(22) 14 January 1967
Armidale NSW 1210hrs 3mins 1M Hodes DO
Phone call received by Police Sgt Hodes. Resident
reported possible aircraft in distress-noise heard. Hodes sighted a noiseless
white object-“square like large box kite.” E to W. Revolved rapidly. (Pages 318-320 of digital copy of file
580/1/1 part 7.)
(23) 21 January 1967
Kurri Kurri NSW (1015-130hrs) 1min 2F Robinson & McCarthy DO
In a car. Object seen and strange noise heard.
Object passed in front of car and climbed rapidly away. Very loud hum
intermingled with “undecipherable voices.” The car did not have a radio fitted.
(Pages 303-305 of digital copy of file
580/1/1 part 7. [Nearby debris airborne by Willy Willy])
(24) 5 July 1967
Murray Bridge SA 1M Langsford CE2
Five miles NNE of Murray Bridge on the
(25) 22 April 1968 RAAF Williamstown NSW 2030hrs
(5-10mins) 1 wit Furlonger NL
Call from Fl Lt Churches. Furlonger was on
Approach Control radar at the time.
Attempted to pick up on radar but found no target. Yellow light in the sky
travelled S to N. Did not watch continuously. (Pages 190-191 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 Part 9)
(26) 9 September 1968 RAAF
Laverton 1628hrs 1min 1m Gref DO
RAAF pilot in a Sabre aircraft saw an object below
and to his left. Thought it was a Mirage aircraft, which travelled rapidly and
was lost into cloud. Seemed to be just above cloud tops which were at 5000
feet. Pilot checked
(27) 22 August 1968
Aircraft VHRTO was flying a charter run between
(28) 18 October 1968
A RAF Hercules aircraft no 9651 took off from
This aircraft crossed the path of the Hercules
from right to left in front of the Hercules. The crew estimated its height to
be 2500 feet. The radar on the Hercules indicated a target at 15 miles range,
estimated speed 200 knots, travelling on a heading of 230-250 degrees magnetic.
Its estimated size was at least that of the Hercules. No unauthorised aircraft
were in the area.
A check revealed that ground radar was not
operating at the time. No additional information was gained from DCA, Met,
Navy, Customs or ASIO. No unscheduled aircraft landed at Broome,
In a memo dated 1 Nov 68 Penrith to Dept of Air
ref 5/2/7/Air (86) & 5/15/1/Air (26). “The fact that the sighting was made
by experienced RAF aircrew and detected by the aircraft’s radar leaves very
little doubt that an aircraft was in the area. As the aircraft has not been
identified, the possibility of the violation of our national airspace cannot be
discounted.” (Pages 197-203, 205 of
digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 10. [Unidentified aircraft]
(29) 13 November 1968
A met. Officer at
(30) 17 Feb 69
Flinders Park Adelaide SA 0250hrs 25mins 1F Ballestrin CE3
Noise attracted witness. Silver grey inverted
saucer on ground. Surrounded by pure white light. Saw humanoid figure walking
around object. Heard beeps similar to Morse code for about 10mins. (Pages
67-71 of copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part
11. )
(31) 23 May 69
At
1101,1108,1115,1118,1136 & 1142z, ATC radar-strong stationary paint 300 deg
9NM from Kalamunda. Seen at same time as object like a “big street slight”
reported over Cloverdale by a Mrs Cosgrove. Radar returns were
strong-stationary. Met. Radar at
Mrs Cosgrove 1835hrs
(1035z) of
(32) 5 Jul 69
(a) 1640hrs 40mins
2wits Spackman DO/Photo
Silver metallic object several times larger than
Moon 20-25 deg el. Object turned and banked frequently. Disappeared into cloud
in W. (see 45-47). Polaroid 180 camera used to take photo. RAAF-“May have been
a hoax…two enlarged prints are included…” (Pages
95-99 of copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part
12.)
(b) 1700hrs Fleeting
1F Martin DO
A 33 year old secretary was travelling by car and
nearly ran over a man who ran out of scrub, gazing upward. Witness looked
forward and up to see a silver, metallic mushroom (elliptical) shape in the
sky. It was contoured underneath with a short cubic stem. It seemed to glide/cruise
along. No noise. Seemed to slowly gyrate. Lost behind her high over a road
rise.
(Pages 45-47 of copy of
RAAF file 580/1/1 part 12.)
(33) 29 Apr 71
ATC. Flashing red, green and white 1.5sec duration
035 deg az 8miles at nearest approach 5000-6000 feet. Slow drift from 035 deg
az to 025 deg az. Last seen 7 deg el 025 deg az. Was three times the size of
Venus. Radar contact at 1910hrs “Contact painted similar to small fabric
aircraft on both azimuth and elevation scopes. Contact terminated at 1935hrs.”
Clear sky.
(34) 2 Jun 70 Zanci
Station NSW 60nm SE of Mildura(1930-200hrs) (15-20mins) 1M Vigar CE1
Twenty year out spotlighting saw two small red
lights and gave chase. Got closer and saw a bright diamond shaped object.
Bright all over and larger than a semi-trailer standing on end. There was an audible
whistling sound. He got to within 60 yards. The object rose up and at 100 feet
faded out but the sound continued for a while. Mr Vigar revisited the spot the
next day but there were no visible tracks. RAAF conclusion-“If this is not a
hoax and the object seen has been described correctly, then despite all efforts
no explanation can be offered.” (pp64-69
& 70 of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 13. [Unexplained].)
(35)
29 Jun 70 Sepik River PNG 1720hrs 1M Keog
Radar
Pilot of F27 aircraft VH-FNK reported radar
observation. On descent from 12,500 feet noted echoes on radar 60 deg green to
abeam his plane. Radar scale set at 180nm and echoes appeared to be 60nm from
plane and keeping station with him. There were five cigar shaped objects. With
the radar scanner on maximum depression or elevation the echoes disappeared.
DCA advised there were no aircraft in the area. File ref 69/4393. (p53 of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 13.
[Electro-meteorological phenomena])
(36) 18 Jun 71
Burketown Qld 1838hrs 17mins Multi wits DO
An object resembling an illuminated cigar shaped
object (pointed at both ends) was seen to the NE. It was orange to red colour
and lastly a clear light colour. Seemed eight feet long. Sighted W of Burketown
on the southern side of the setting Sun. Clear sky. Travelled N to S slowly.
Stationary a moment then lost altitude before went to the E towards Burketown
for a few minutes then again changed direction to the SW. (pp165-172 of RAAF 580/1/1 part 16.)
(37) 28 Nov 71 Woomera
SA 1315hrs 15secs 1M Murphy DO
Murphy was tracking a pre-launch meteorological
balloon through an optical theodolite. Balloon was situated almost due East of
range E (? Difficult to read document) at 6900m and bearing 088.4 True and 37.7
deg el. The balloon and its attached target were backgrounded by thin lines of
cloud. As the balloon moved slowly to the left side of the lens Murphy noted an
object moving away from the balloon to the right of the lens. He initially
thought that the target had separated from the balloon. He then tracked this
object for 15 seconds. It was moving at a constant speed in a shallow upward
curve. It was shaped like a cross. He concluded it was an aircraft. Light
bluish grey in colour. Outline was reasonably well defined. Small image size.
Image was twice the size of the balloon target and similar in size to the
balloon (which was 10-15 feet diameter). Its ‘fuselage’ and “wings” appeared to
be of uniform thickness and length. No evidence of engines or tail. DCA
reported there was a BOAC 707 at 37000 feet at 150-200 miles SE of Leigh Creek
at the time.
. “Two most likely explanations of this incident
are:
(a) A mistaken identification
of the object seen by Murphy through his theodolite
(b) A flight across the
prohibited area by an aircraft for which a flight plan had not been submitted
to DCA.” (pp144-150 of RAAF 580/1/1 part
16.)
(38) 20 Dec 71 Woomera
SA 0650hrs 1M Sketcher DO
Met observer saw aircraft with the naked eye as a
tiny silver dot ahead of a vapour trail.
(39) 3 & 25 Jul 72
Mooraduc Level Crossing Vic 2100hrs (15-20mins) 1F Puddy CE1
Weather clear. Object above car. 20 foot forward.
45 deg angle. Iridescent blue light. Bright. At nearest 100 feet up. Wider than
the road. Sound similar to elevator. Hovering. Followed car. Last seen Junction
of Mooraduc and Nepean Highways. Object 20 foot high.
Notes on p 31. “No military helicopters operating.
Checked with DCA and local helicopter operators. Only traceable IFR helicopter based at
“The
information supplied by Mrs Puddy on the attached pro forma differs markedly
from that reported by the Duty Officer on the evening of Monday 20th
July. On that occasion Mrs Puddy reported as follows. She said that the object
like two saucers together, silver blue in colour appeared above the road
emitting blue light. The object ‘took control of the car’ so that Mrs Puddy
pulled over to the roadside but could not open the doors, nor could she restart
the engine. She reported that she ‘sensed’ but did not hear the following
message. ‘All your tests will be negative. Tell the media not to panic. We mean
no harm. You now have control.’ The UFO then vanished and a very scared Mrs
Puddy started the car and headed home via the Rye Police station. (It
subsequently transpired that she had reported the incident to the Rosebud
Police station.) Senior Constable Cox of Rosebud told me that Mrs Puddy was
known to him, and appeared to be a rational woman not given to flights of
fancy. He was somewhat amazed when Mrs Puddy asked him the meaning of the word
‘media’. She said she had never heard it before. Senior Constable Cox also
advised that a Mr and Mrs Beale of Main Ridge …”(p103 of RAAF file 580/1/1 Part 18.)
25 Jul 72 Main Ridge Vic Approx 2200hrs 2mins 2
wits Mr & Mrs Beale NO
An object appeared suddenly to the W of their
property. Over tree tops Object surrounded by light. Pinkish glow. Sort of a
hum sound. Heading E. (pp96-98 of RAAF
file 580/1/1 Part 18.)
25 Jul 72 Montrose Vic App2000hrs 50secs 3wits
Toal NL
A blue/white glow was seen at 5 deg el SSW.
Soundless. [Unknown] (p99 of RAAF file
580/1/1Part 18.)
(40) 4 Feb 1973 Near
Kimba SA 2150hrs (secs) 2wits 1M Hunt 1F Finkler CE3
Hunt was driving a car 34 miles out of Kimba with
passenger Finkler. He noted a strange light on the western side of the highway
just off the road. The red and orange rectangle of light appeared 10 feet high
by 5 feet wide and 2-3 foot off the ground. Inside this light was the figure of
a person some 6 foot tall in a white space suit with a mask over the head and
face. Passenger Finkler who was dozing
at the time woke to see the light but not the figure of the person. Hunt
reported the incident to Kimba police who returned to the site with him. Police
regarded Hunt as reliable and could not explain the event. Later, the Police
advised the RAAF that two other independent witnesses had reported seeing the
orange light in the same location within a 15 period. The RAAF advised the
Kimba police that “A possible theoretical cause is a sighting of a phenomenon
known as IGNIS FATUUS-methane gas….” (Pp
166-175 of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 21.)
(41) 13 Jun 1985
WA Police 19 Jun 85 to Pearce including two page
statement from
Report from 43 year old self employed farmer with
property at
(42) 9 Jun 1987
UAS report
Report form 1 -2SASSQN SASR Age 36 Witness A
At RAAF airstrip Learmouth. North/south runway. 9
Jun 1987. 1900-1910hrs. Wispy thin cloud at 10,000 feet. Nil ground wind.
Visibility good. First observed East at 1600mils 45 deg el. Last seen NE at
800mils 45 deg el. Initially object at 5000 feet then moved up into cloud at
10,000 feet. Used naked eye and binoculars. One white light changing/pulsating
to amber. About 5m in diameter. Round. Like a bright star. Zig zag movement
from E to W. Nil sound. Approx speed 200km plus slowed to 80knm. Disappeared
with great speed.
Approached from E towards the strip. Strip lights
were on. It zigzagged to left and right of its axis at 5000 feet. Arrived over
the strip (northern end) and went into hover and remained stationary for 6-7
minutes. Light changed colour from white to amber, then it moved upwards into
light cloud. Moved NE slowly, then at great speed.
Part 3 of the pro forma is investigating officer’s
evaluation.
14 Jul 87 at SASR RHQ. Witness has stable
personality and is reliable. “Cause is unknown.” “It would not appear to have
been an aircraft.”
Witness A was setting up a DZ for a night
free-fall descent. At 1855K was at the W side of the strip opposite civilian
terminal. At 1900K the light came from the East. The C130 aircraft involved in
the exercise was still on the ground. It became airborne at 1915hrs. Once
aircraft airborne tried to establish VHF comms. Two VHF radios used-could not
communicate. Fresh batteries in radios. When activity finished witness spoke to
pilot of C130. Aircraft had tried to communicate with no success. This was the
first time 3-9 June 1987 that comms ground to air failed.
Report form 2 Witness B age 26
Same details
as witness A. Witness B is a medic. No connection with any UFO organisation.
Stable and well balanced. (Folio 7 on RAAF
file 5/6/1/Air part 15. “UFO-reports”)
(43) 25 Jul 1987
Near Jamestown SA 1815hrs 90mins 1M CE2
Aged 51. Farmer near
Colour- light-iridescent bright red. Craft-bright
aluminium appearance. Size-light-cone shape travelling to ground. Craft-12 feet
wide 8-9 feet high. Portholes approximately 4 feet above ground. No sound from
craft. “Sound of shuffling type of walk treading on plastic heard outside while
I was inside house…” “Don’t know how craft left. The light just went off like
they had been switched off. Light appeared to be sued for directional purposes
only.” “Ground was marked by flattened grass and dried ground and slight
indentation.” There was a witness to part of the event-son in law aged 28 was
there on the appearance of the first light only he then left to go home. Form
signed by witness on 4 Aug 87. (pp23-30;
33;41-43;51-52 of RAAF file 6/16/Air part 1.
“Unusual Aerial Sightings” 92WG
INTEL RAAD
ANSWER TO QUESTION
THREE:
Question three at the start of this article was
“Were there any interesting “unknowns” found in Government files?” As the above
listing of cases between 1956 and 1973 illustrates, there are multiple cases
which cried out for further intensive examination. Unfortunately, based on the
evidence available on the Government’s own files, they did not receive the
scientific attention they deserved.
______________________________________________________________________
References
(1) National Archives of
(2) National Archives of
(3) National Archives of
(4) National Archives of
(5) National Archives of
(6) National Archives of
(7) National Archives of
(8) File
5/6/Air Part 3. 9755 -3 “Unidentified
Aerial Sightings” pp11-14. Chief of Air Staff
HQ Support Command. File sighted at RAAF base
(9) File 5/113/Air part 11. 9755-13 “Unidentified
Aerial Sightings.” Folio 28, HQ no 82 Wing RAAF base Amberley Qld). File
sighted at RAAF base
(10) http://www.defence.gov.au/contacts/contacts.cfm#u
(11) Letter from
(12) Letter from the Minister of Defence to
(13) National Archives of
(14) National Archives of
(15) Clarke, D. & Roberts, A. (2002.) “Out of
the Shadows: UFOs, The Establishment and The Official Cover Up.” Piatkus.
(16) “Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in the