Continuing our documentation of UFO cases on RAAF files available in the National Australia Archives, attachments 1 and 2 to this Newsletter provide further summaries of UFO reports on these files between 1958 and 1962.

Australian UFO sightings caused by a secret USAF U-2 aircraft program 

Over the years there have been a number of occasions when UFO researchers have run into UFO sightings generated by observations of “secret” aircraft. One classic example is

“In the late 1950s an agent of ours in Canada tracing down UFO reports, uncovered the fact that high-flying reconnaissance planes were over-flying parts of Russia from a secret base in Canada…In the immediate pre-Bay of Pigs era, another of our agents, while checking out reports of repeated landings of UFOs in the Florida everglades, discovered a complete military airbase equipped with unmarked (United States manufactured) vehicles and planes…” (Lorenzen, J and C. “UFOs Over the Americas” 1968. New York. Signet. Page 187.

To the best of our knowledge, no Australian researcher or group has previously suggested that “secret aircraft” have been the cause of any Australian UFO reports. It was therefore with surprise that the Disclosure Australia Secretariat came across the following report when reviewing a RAAF UFO reports file.

A Department of Agriculture inspector reported a UFO sighting to the RAAF in May 1961. Based on the information on the typed RAAF “Report on aerial object observed” pro forma, located in a digital copy of file series A703 control symbol 580/1/1/ Part 3, a reconstruction of the incident is given below.

At 8.35 amon 25 May 1961 children were playing in the backyard of a house in Devonport, Tasmania. The children saw something in the sky which caused them to get a Mr Y. out of the house. This male witness reported seeing one definite object in the sky. In colour, it was “silvery but not reflective” and in shape “shaped like a thermometer or a pencil without a point.” No detailed structure was noted and there was no sound associated with the sighting. The object’s speed was stated as ”slow.” It was seen to the NNW of Devonport travelling in a straight line. No direction of travel is given. It was lost to sight behind bushes on the property. The form indicates the weather at the time was “Fine trace cumulus cloud on horizon.” Question 26 on the pro forma, which was filled in by the RAAF interviewer/analyst,  asks “Location of any air traffic in the vicinity at the time of sighting.”  Typed here were the words: “U2 aircraft over Great Lake at approximately 8.15 am travelling in a northerly direction, leaving a distinct vapour trail.”

Neither the RAAF pro forma or the covering letter (reference 5/6/Air (68a) from RAAF HQ Melbourne to the Air Board) contains any analysis of what could have caused the UFO report. However, an examination of the RAAF’s “Summary of Unidentified Aerial Sightings reported to Department of Air, Canberra, ACT, from 1960” reveals that “aircraft” was the listed “possible cause.

The RAAF therefore concluded that this UFO report was explainable by an aircraft, and the RAAF pro forma indicates that the only known air traffic was  an American built U-2 secret aircraft. Can we conclude that the Devonport sighting was indeed an American U-2 secret aircraft? If one was over Great Lake at 8.15am that morning travelling north it seems reasonable to conclude it could have been seen from Davenport at 8.35 am, as speed, direction and description fit the witness’ account.

From the Secretariat’s examination of the first three parts of the RAAF sightings file series 580/1/1 this is the only time a U-2 aircraft was mentioned as a possible explanation for a UFO event. Finding this comment on a 1961 Tasmanian case sent us looking for other possible examples of such aircraft causing sighting reports in the RAAF files of this era.

On the 3 November 1962 between 11.15 and 11.30am a woman at Liffey, (9 miles west of Cressy-near the Great Lake) sighted for 2 seconds, a very bright light in the daytime sky. One definite object was seen and described as “needle shaped”, and colour “bright glinting metallic.” There was no sound and no structure reported. It was travelling in a straight line to the east of her position, and was lost to sight behind cloud. Weather wise the RAAF pro forma stated it was “Light SW breeze. Cloud approx. 4/8 cu. Base 3500 feet.” The response to q. 26 about any air traffic read :No air traffic operating in area…” The covering RAAF letter from RAAF HQ Melbourne to the Air Board dated 15 November 1962 states that the report was forwarded through the Department of Civil Aviation Melbourne. Interestingly, as with the Devonport sighting, the RAAF’s own summaries, listed this case’s “possible cause” as an “aircraft.”

A check at this point with the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre uncovered another possible sighting, not in the RAAF files. On the 14 October 1960, a Hagley, Tasmania couple reported a “pencil-like” object high in the night sky, It was “pencil thick” and seen toward the Great Lake – it seemed like a vapour trail.

Having found two potential U-2 observations from Tasmania in the RAAF files, and another in TUFOIC’s records, we looked for instances elsewhere in Australia in the “Summary of Unidentified Aerial Sightings reported to Department of Air, Canberra, ACT, from 1960” and RAAF files in the National Archives.  We found the following:

1. On 5 May 1962 RAAF air traffic controllers at Richmond Victoria, reported seeing a contrail in the sky to their NW.  There were no known aircraft in the area at the time. The object causing the contrail was travelling north to south. Through binoculars one observer reported seeing the glint of an aircraft ahead of the trail. The report states that there was no known air traffic and yet, the “Summary of Unidentified Aerial Sightings reported to Department of Air, Canberra, ACT, from 1960” states the “possible cause” as “aircraft.” (Pages 70-72 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. File ref 5/2/1/Air (2) Penrith.

2. On 7 May 1962 “Dark glinting object leaving 4 condensation trails-climbing vertically over Holbrook, Victoria.” No report details were found on RAAF file 580/1/1 Part 3 which covers this era but, the “Summary of Unidentified Aerial Sightings reported to Department of Air, Canberra, ACT, from 1960” states the “possible cause” as “aircraft.”

3.  On 17 December 1962 numerous reports were received from many sources on Norfolk Island about: “Object appeared cylindrical in shape with two vertical projections” above travelling very high in a NNE/SSW direction. No aircraft were reported in the area. (Page 6 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Original file reference 5/2/1 Air (13) Penrith.) The “Summary of Unidentified Aerial Sightings reported to Department of Air, Canberra, ACT, from 1960” states the “possible cause” as “aircraft.”

4. On 7 March 1963 “Long slender, silvery-white, pencil-like object-soundless, Forster, NSW.  “Summary of Unidentified Aerial Sightings reported to Department of Air, Canberra, ACT, from 1960” states the “possible cause” as “aircraft.”

Interestingly, after this spate of “possible cause” aircraft there are no such suggested explanations labelled “aircraft” in the “Summary of Unidentified Aerial Sightings reported to Department of Air, Canberra, ACT, from 1960” until at least 2 Dec 1965.

The next question that arises, is that apart from the RAAF’s own comment on the pro forma associated with the May 1961 Devonport, Tasmania sighting, is there any other evidence that USAF U-2 aircraft were flying in Australian skies in the period May 1961 to March 1963?

An internet search brought some answers.

http://www.blackbirds.net/u2/u2tl60.html informs us that in October 1960 the “U-2  deployed to East Sale RAAF, Australia for HASP missions.” The same site tells us that in March 1963 the HASP program was terminated, and that in June 1966 “HICAT equipped U-2 deployed to Christchurch, NZ, then to Laverton, Australia.

http://www.johnson7170.freeserve.co.uk/4080th.htm  tells us that:

“The 4080^th SRW was formed in 1956 and consisted of two flying Squadrons. The 4028^th SRS flying Lockheed U-2 and the 4025^th SRS flying the Martin RB-57D. Both of these squadrons performed sensitive surveillance missions world wide.” SRS stood for Strategic Reconnaissance Wing of the United States Air Force. The site goes on to say: “other more high profile missions included…the High Altitude Sampling Program (HASP-“Crowflight”) which were flown around the world measuring the radiation levels in the upper atmosphere following Atomic bomb detonations.”

http://roadrunnersinternationale.com/bevacqua.html  shows a photograph of Lt Col. Tony Bevacqua “In the cockpit of U-2A #696 at RAAF Laverton, Australia.”

http://www.blackbirds.net/u2/u2 photo gallery/u2 pic pages/56-6718.html shows a photograph labelled “Jim Campbell was kind enough to send along these photos that he took while he was deployed with the U-2 in the town of East Sale, Australia in 1961.”

http://www.habu.org/meandu2/ concerning a book written by TSgt. Glenn R. Chapman USAF (Ret) has a section titled: “Oscar Down Under” which “talks about the U-2 sampling program that was flown for about five years from Australia.”

http://www.danshistory.com/u2.shtml indicates U-2s were deployed to East Sale RAAF, Australia.

The Australian Federal Parliament website  http://parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au  records that the response to Question No 396 asked by Senator Allison of the Minister for Defence about Chemical Weapons testing in Australia in the 1940s-1960s, on 25 June 2002  includes: “ It does indicate that the Defence representative at a meeting to consider the Australian approach to the site review expressed the view that Australian cooperation on nuclear weapons issues and U2 basing indicated that cooperation on biological and chemical warfare research could not be ruled out.”

The above, and other material, does seem to indicate the existence of a publicly little known, or unknown, USAF U-2 surveillance program based at RAAF East Sale, Victoria between October 1960 and March 1963 which caused some reported UFO sightings. Interestingly, these dates coincide  remarkably well with the date range of UFO observations described above.

Given the above, we would like to suggest that Australian UFO groups conduct a review of UFO cases from their files during the period October 1960 and March 1963 with a view to seeing if other UFO reports might have their origin in observations of USAF U-2 aircraft.

____________________________________________________________________

 

Yet another file summary:

Before the RAAF file series 580/1/1 (various parts) was created, there was a file 114/1/197 which we have summarised below. This file was a mixture of reports and policy documents.

Summary of file number 114/1/197 digitally available on the web site of the  National Archives of Australia. The file consists of 210 pages, which have been photocopied and numbered by us for reference purposes, and comment in the right hand column.

Page(s)	Item	Comment
1	File cover
2	File notes
3	File notes
4	File notes
5	File notes
6-8	Letter. Re report 6 Aug 1955. Via Whittlesea. Meteor-like.
	Summary of file number 114/1/197 continued.
9	Letter. 18 Apr 1955. Harry Turner to RAAF HQ
10	Envelope to Letter 9.
11	Letter. 22 Jul 1955. Flt Lt Hartley RAAF Pearce B6/11/Sec (54a) to Dept of Air re report of 7 Jul 1955
12-13	Report proforma 7 Jul 1955. Kalamundra WA Brilliant light with tail.
14	Letter. 14 Jul 1955. Flt Lt Hartley RAAF Pearce  to Dept of Air re report of 28 Apr 1955
15	Sketch of object referred to in 14
16	Letter. Flt Lt Hartley RAAF Pearce B6/11/Sec (52a) to Dept of Air re report of 28 Apr 1955
17-23	Report. Cue. WA. Glowing orange object in west.
24	Letter. RAAF Penrith to Dept of Air. 20 June 1955 re report June 1955.
25-33	Report. Burketown Qld June 1955, Four engine aircraft seen on ground.
34	Telegram. RAAF HQ to Fred Stone AFSRS
35	Telegram Fred Stone to RAAF HQ requesting interview.
36	Letter. Fred Stone to RAAF HQ
37	Letter RAAF HQ to Fred Stone
38-41	Report. 4 March 1955. Carlton Melbourne Vic. Red light photographed with movie camera.
42-43	Letter. Fred Stone to RAAF HQ
44	Letter. From Director Met Bch Melbourne to Dept of Air re report by Ms Kerr.
45-49	Report. Yannathan Vic. Silver star 25 degrees SW of Sun seen for several days.
50-51	Letter. RAAF Melbourne to Dept of Air re 25 Feb 1955 Burwood Vic sighting of star near Sun. Probably Venus.
52	Letter. 1 Mar 1955. RAAF Pearce to Dept of Air re report 15 Dec 1954
53-59	Report pro forma. Carnarvon WA 15 Dec 1954. Orange object near car. No sound. Portholes. Below clouds.
60-61	Letter. 12 Jan 1955. Harry Turner to RAAF HQ
62	Letter. 21 Dec 1954. RAAF Laverton to RAAF HQ re report Moller.
63-64	Letter. 16 Dec 1954. Morwell Vic 13 Dec 1954. Noiseless sphere.
65	Letter to RAAF Penrith from Chief of Air Staff. No further action.
66	Letter. To Australian Embassy Washington from Chief of Air Staff, forwarding copy of correspondence.
67	Letter. DAFI to Dept of Air re Ministerial inquiry re Nowra case. Copy of report from navy.
68	Letter. From Australian Embassy Washington 24 November 1954 to Sec Air Board re inquiry re previous letter.

Summary of file number 114/1/197 continued.
69	Letter DCA Melbourne to Dept of Air covering a report. Pascoe Vale South Vic.
70	Report. Pascoe Vale South Vic 2 Dec 1954. Orange object in west. Lost over horizon.
71	Minute Dept of Air re report at Woomera. 6 October 1954 3 secs of film with kine theodolite.	No photos on file.
72-73	Report. Woomera. 6 October 1954 3 secs of film with kine theodolite.	No photos on file.
74-76	Letter. Sec Dept of Air to PRO Dept Civil Aviation. 17 Nov 1954 re Wilcannia hoax photo.
77	Letter. RAAF Pearce to RAAF HQ 15 Nov 1954 re Sifter report.
78-82	Report pro forma. 29 October 1954. West Perth WA. Light in sky.
83	Letter. Albert Park Barracks to Air Board. 4 Nov 1954. re report Toowoomba Qld.
84	Letter. DCA Qld to RAAF Toowoomba 6 Sep 1954 re reports.
85	Letter. To DCA Qld 18 Sep 1954 re reports on various dates of lights in the sky.
86	Letter. DCA Qld 14 October 1954 re sightings see 85.
87	Letter. 26 Oct 1954 from RAAF Albert Park to Air Board re sightings Ballarat on 4 Oct 1954.
88	Report. 4 Oct 1954. Ballarat Vic. Elliptical light came from west went over hangars lost behind hills.
89	Letter. 26 Oct 1954. RAAF Albert Park to DAFI re Ballarat sightings.
90	Report pro forma. Shields re Ballarat
91-92	Report pro forma. Levy re Ballarat
93	Letter. 21 Oct 1954. From RAAF Mallala SA to DAFI re sighting 16 Oct 1954.
94-100	Report. 16 Oct 1954. Port Pirie SA. Two police officers plus 1 female. White light low down in western sky.
101	Letter. RAAF Pearce to RAAF HQ 19 Oct 1954. Reports from Northam and Perth WA
102	Report pro forma. Perth WA Silver round object faster than a jet.
103-108	Report 26 Aug 1954 Northam-Dull grey oblong object-reported through Police
109-114	Letter RAAF Albert Park Barracks to DAFI 18 Oct 1954 re report at Ballarat 4 Oct 1954 plus report. Guard at RAAF base sighted round object with flat bottom below clouds which approached.
115-118	Letter 16 Oct 1954to a Mr Birrell, Sydney,re report.

Summary of file number 114/1/197 continued.
119	Press clipping undated “ France in grip of flying saucer fever.”
120	Dept of Navy Minute to DAFI 1 Oct 1954 re Nowra case. Nowra ref 605/17G/17
121-122	Nowra case-copy of pilot and radar operator’s statements.	Already known from other files
123	Letter 22 Sep 1954from DCA Brisbane to dept of Air re Cairns report 27 Jul 1954.
124-126	Report Cairns 27 Jul 1954. Object looking like “big plane” illuminated flying N at low level.
127	Letter 14 Sep 1954 from Edgar Jarrold to Dept of Air re Drury film.
128-129	Letter 6 Sep 1954to RAAF Penrith from Chief of Air Staff re a Mr Prosek.
130-134	Report on 5 June 1954and other dates of East Dandenong observations by Janette Brown and Janette Johnson	Well known case in the UFO literature
135	Letter from RAAF Launceston to Air Board 10 Sep 1954 re report 4 Sep 1954. File ref 1227/4/P3.
136	Letter AMF Northern Command 8 Sep 1954 to DAFI re report of “Alleged guided missile.”
137	Letter from RAAF Penrith to RAAF HQ re Mr Prosek.
138	Letter from RAAF Penrith 30 Jul 1954 to Mr Prosek re information on designs of flying saucers.
139-140	Letter 9 Aug 1954 and 25 Aug 1954 to RAAF from Mr Prosek.
141	Letter 27 Aug 1954. RAAF Albert Park to Air Board re report Toowoomba Qld.
142-143	Letter from No 7 Stores Dept to DCA Brisbane re lights seen by Mr Hay.
144	Letter 8 Sep 1954 Air Board to Jarrold re prints off Drury film.
145	Undated letter Air Board to Jarrold re Drury film.
146-147	Letter Jarrold to Air Board 10 Aug 1954 re Drury.
148	Postgram 15 Aug 1954 re Mr Prosek.
149	Letter 26 Aug 1954Air Board to Mr O’Connell re report.
150	Dept of Air minute 12 Aug 1954 PR to DAFI. “Enclosed ‘flying saucer’ story is a little beyond our ken…”
151-154	Letter dated 6 Aug 1954 reporting two recent sightings.
155	Letter 26 Aug 1954 Air Board to Mr Hall of Whittlesea.
156	Letter 26 Aug 1954Air Board to Mr Scott of North Brighton.
157	Telegram report 28 July 1954 Hampton. Red light with searchlights playing on it.
Summary of file number 114/1/197 continued.
159	Letter. RAAF Pearce to RAAF HQ re report from Demark WA.
160	Letter 22 Jul 1954 RAAF Laverton to Air Board reference 1227/4/P3 re report Lismore 12 Jul 1954.
161	Letter 5 Aug 1954 Air Board to Harry Turner. Thank you for the offer of statistical analysis of UFO reports.
162	Letter 30 Jul 1954. Harry Turner to Dept of Air. Turner provided his background and interest in researching sightings.
163	Letter. 13 Jul 1954. DAFI to RAAF Penrith re Mr Prosek. Please interview and report.
164	Letter. 22 Jun 1954. Australian Embassy Washington-copy of letter Prosek.
165	Letter. 30 May 1954. Prosek to A V Roe in Canada.
166	Letter. 15 Jul 1954. Dept of Air to Mr De Arango re report.
167	Letter. RAAF Victoria Barracks to Jarrold re Drury film.
168	Letter. 12 Jun 1954 to Jarrold from Private Secretary to the Minister.
169-170	Letter 12 Jun 1954 Jarrold to Minister of Air re Drury.
171	Letter 12 Jul 1954 Dept of Air to DCA Melbourne re Drury. “The flying saucer film taken by M T C Drury at Port Moresby in August 1953, and forwarded to you on the 22nd September is returned herewith.”
172	Letter 23 Jun 1954. RAAF field security Woomera. Pro froma fro Mr S J Baker and Staff Sgt Trotter are enclosed. Pro forma on another report ton 25 May 1954 yet to be sent.
173	Letter Athol Townley Minister of Air to I A Dawes Argus newspaper re Drury film. Film now returned to DCA.
174	Letter from Argus newspaper 6 Jul 1954 to Minister for Air re Drury film.
175	Letter 15 Jul 1954 Dept of Air to Miss Stevens Melbourne re a report.
176	Letter 15 Jul 1954 Dept of Air to Mr De Arango re report.
177	Letter 3 Jun 1954. DCA to D>G> re Mr Cooper report Hollywood WA.
178	Letter 10 Jun 1954. Dept of Air to Mr Hocking Ballarat re report of 1 May 1954.
179	Letter Dept of Air to Mr Beeching St Kilda re theory on flying saucers.
180	Letter Dept of Air to DCA Vic/Tas region 5 Jun 1954 re Mr Beeching.
181	Letter 13 Jun 1954 Dept of Air to Field security Woomera-interview Baker and Trotter.
182	Letter RAAF Albert Park 17 May 1954 to DAFI paper of Mr Beeching.
183	Letter Dept of Air to Mr Culbert re explanation for reports in Adelaide area.
184	Cover note re Mr Culbert’s letter.
Summary of file number 114/1/197 continued.
185	Letter Dept of Air to Mr Stein in US. We have no “knowledge of the formation of an official committee or Panel of Experts” to look at flying saucers.
186	Letter 22 Apr 1954. Dept of Air to Mr Jenkins re report in NSW. Probably due to Canberra bomber.
187	Letter Apr 1954 to Jarrold re report 23 Mar 1954 probably Canberra bomber.
188	Letter 1 Apr 1954 to Jarrold acknowledging receipt of letter.
189	Letter 25 Mar 1954 from DCA to PR Dept of Air.
190	Letter 22 Mar 1954 from CSIRO Melbourne to DCA re letter from Mr Stein in the US
191	Envelope for 190
192	Letter 24 Feb 1954 to Air Attache US Embassy Melbourne re their request “for copy of 8mm film owned by Mr Drury.”
193	Letter 5 Mar 1954 from US Embassy Melbourne to DAFI “Returned herewith is the 8mm film belonging to Mr Drury” can  we have a copy.
194	Letter 5 Mar 1954 to Mr Hall Cinesound Review-RAAF can’t loan Drury film need to see DCA or Drury.
195	Letter 18 Feb 1954 Cinesound to Minster of Air re Drury film- we’d like to see it.
196	Letter 8 Feb 1954. Dept of Air Melbourne  to DAFI. Report for DCA re A S Prout.
197	Letter. 13 Feb 1954. DCA Melbourne to DOD Melbourne re Mr Prout.
198	Letter 7 Feb 1954 from Mr M Miller Flying Saucer International in US to RAAF asking number of questions.
199	Envelope to 198
200	Dept of Air minute. 3 Feb 1954. May be scrutiny implications responding to queries from media.
201	Dept of Air minute. 29 Jan 1954. Questions from Reuters re Drury film.
202	Letter 2 Mar 1953 to Jarrold re Drudy film.
203	Statement by Drury re 23 Aug 1953 sighting and 8mm film.
204	Letter 14 Nov 1953 from Jarrold to Dept of Air. Requesting copies of photos of Drury film.
205	Letter William McMahon 12 Nov 1953 to Jarrold. “Examination of the film, when projected, shows a very small light coloured object moving across the sky. Still photographs show absolutely nothing detectable to the naked eye.”
206	Dept of Air minute to DAFI 30 Oct 1953. “Would you please let me have your comments…on the minister’s enquiry at encl. 1A.”
207	Letter 26 Oct 1953 to Jarrold re request for Drury film prints.
208	Letter 21 Oct 1953 re copy of Drury film prints.
209	File cover.
210	File cover.

FILES LISTING RAAF  580/1/1 PART 2

June 1958 to 5 January 1961

The format of each case is:

Header: showing Date/Location/Time/Duration/Number of witnesses/Gender of witness/ Name of witness(es)/Type of report (Modified Hynek classification)

Modified Hynek classification system

DO	Daylight disk or other shape
NL	Nocturnal light- a point source of light
CE	Close encounter (within 500m) at any time of day or night
RV	Radar visual
DL	Daylight light only – a point source of light
NO	Nocturnal object where the UFO had a defined size rather than being a point source
Photo	Photographs or video were taken
	Note: ( ) items in brackets e.g. (2-3mins) indicates a range.

 

Text: A summary of the event

Source: Page x on digital copy of 580/1/1 part 1 held by National Australia Archives. Original file reference (where known).

---

June 1958 Sideia Territory of Papua and New Guinea 5mins Doyle
Red object, size of Moon, came from the S. Hovered over Mission at Sideia. After five minutes moved to the N and was lost in sky.
Page 84, 89 & 180 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.Original file reference AD.93/5/2 Port Moresby

14 July 1958 Ipswich Qld 1345hrs 8mins 12 wits including Stephens & Jackwitz DL
Brilliant white light in NW sky. Fine. Cloudless. Seen visually and through a theodolite.
Pages 204209 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2 .Original file reference BS.5/209/Air (7a) Amberley.
Late Oct/early Nov 1958 Sideia Territoryof Papuaand New Guinea 1900hrs Doyle NL
White light moved across W sky from NW to SE.
Pages 84, 90 & 181 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.Original file reference AD.93/5/2 Port Moresby

8 January 1959 Risdon Tas (0920-0945hrs) 2M (Newton & Shaw) DO
Saw a number of unusual objects in the day time sky including a small, brilliant flashing object with an intense white light which travelled in a 20 degree arc in one second, plus a black object which appeared to descend into a river.
Pages 199-200 & 214-217 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.Original file reference 5/1/Air (1A) Hobart.

19 January 1959 North Manly NSW 1140hrs 1min 1 wit Moore DO
Brilliant cigar shaped light seen 20 degrees elevation. Travelling E to W in a straight path. Clear sky.
Pages 144145 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

1 February 1959 North Manly NSW 2025hrs 1min 2wits (1M +1F) Moore NL
White light SW to NE Lost in mid air.
Pages 210-213 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.Original file reference 20/98/air

17 April 1959 Carrum Vic 0900hrs 60secs 1M Follett DO
Object “like a shiny piece of aluminium.” Remained on a straight downward course and “fell into the sea with a big splash.” No aircraft in area.
Pages 195-197 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.Original file reference 5/6/Air (26a) Melbourne.

May 1959 Territory of Papua and New Guinea Doyle
Green, large, elliptical shaped object seen. Larger than star and moving rapidly.
Page 84 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.Original file reference AD.93/5/2 Port Moresby

2 May 1959 Launceston Tas 2138hrs 5secs 3wits NO
Object in flames breaking up leaving a trail of burning fragments.
Pages 192-194 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.Original file reference 5/6/Air (28a) Melbourne.

20 May 1959 North Manly NSW 1830 & 1905hrs 2wits Moore NL
Red and white light passed over Manly hospital. Overcast.
Pages 142-143 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

24 May 1959 Baniara Territory of Papua and New Guinea 1900hrs 75 mins NO
Object seen in W, high in sky, descended erratically in SW direction. Colourbrilliant blue “alternating at long intervals to a reddish glow and ending with a green flash.”
Pages 84, 92, 182, 183, 187-188 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2. Original reference Department of Territories 58/26 DOD 128.1.21 (20)

13 June 1959 Sideia Territoryof Papua and New Guinea1815hrs NO
Elliptical object, size of football, green colour raced low and fast across the E sky towards the NE
Page 90 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.Original file reference AD.93/5/2 Port Moresby

26 June 1959 Goodenough Bay Territory of Papua and New Guinea (19151930hrs) 4mins 1 wit M Evenett NO
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 semidomed 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 Port Moresby

26 June 1959 Boianai Territory of Papua and New Guinea 1845hrs 38 wits Gill et al CE3
A brilliant light was seen to approach the Missionstation. It appeared to be hovering some one hundred metres up and was solid and circular, with a wide base and a narrower upper deck. At a number of intervals a shaft of light came form the object and shone o\into the sky on a 45 degree angle. As the group watched, “men” came out onto the deck. There were four “men” in all. Eventually, the spotlight and the men disappeared and the object moved through clouds and was lost to view.
Pages 112-127 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2 from VFSRS documentation.

27 June 1959 Boianai Territory of Papua and New Guinea 1800hrs multi wits Gill et al CE3
Another disk was seen with two smaller objects also present. Four figures appeared on top as on the previous night, although this time they were observed to respond to waves form the priest and natives. The disk also seemed to waver like a pendulum in response to torch signals.
Pages 112-127 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2 from VFSRS documentation.

27 Jun 1959 Baniara Territory of Papua and New Guinea 1940hrs 65mins 3wits Smith & Mr/Mrs Orwin NL
Bright white spherical light seen NNW. Stationary, then slowly moving westerly. Red base, green light at times. “Round bronze disc” below and to right of this light. Finally disappeared behind cloud.
Pages 84, 91, 93, 184-185 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

27 June 1959 Sideia Territory of Papua and New Guinea 2030hrs 10mins NO
Half Moon sized object seen in W sky. Moved W. Turned blue and disappeared.
Page 90 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

28 June 1959 Territory of Papua and New Guinea 1820hrs 175mins 2 wits Mr/Mrs Orwin NL
Brilliant light. At 2001 moved at great speed, becoming very bright as it did so. Dropped in W sky. Disappeared.
Pages 93, 184 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

5 July 1959 Normanton Qld (4060secs)
Round, multi coloured light moving in a N to S direction to E of airport.
Page 151 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

6 July 1959 Milne Bay Territory of Papua and New Guinea 0050hrs 60mins 1M Smith NL
Very bright light like a “falling star” shot earthward at speed. Five minutes later the same thing happened. After 1 hour moved W.
Pages 85, 95 & 186 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

7 July 1959 Burren Junction (State???) 2120hrs 1m Taylor NL
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 0770 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 1959he 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 5/2/1Air (56a) Penrith.

8 July 1959 Normanton Qld 1840hrs (3050secs) 5M (Charles, Horn, Green, Quail, Renou) NO
Luminescent object “wind sock” shape. Smaller end foremost. Dark blue colourthen red to grey to white at rear. NE sky. Travelling from SE to NW. No noise.
Page 152 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

8 July 1959 Coen Qld 2 wits (1F+1M) Wassell
Bright green object flew across sky in a W direction.
Pages 149-150 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2. Original reference DCA 54/1289 Brisbane.

8 July 1959 Dagura Territory of Papua and New Guinea (2330-2400hrs) 1wit Dibela NL
Bright beam of light shining across the sea. White. No noise.
Page 95 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

14 July 1959 Townsville Qld 0915hrs (6090secs) 1M Robertson DO
Saw a round, bright silver object flash across the sky in a SE direction. No noise. No trail.
Pages 176-177 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2. Original file reference 17/2/Air (1A) Townsville.

14 July 1959 Mt Barker WA 2020hrs 10 secs 4wits (inc. North) NL
Light seen travelling W to E. Initially seen 20degrees W of S. Lost at 60 degrees E of S. 35 degrees in length.
Pages 168-170 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2. Original file reference DCA 492/1/411.

17 July 1959 Dareton Vic 2050hrs 1wit Erskine NL
One light due W. Flashing redyellowblue. Travelling W. Lost over horizon.
Pages 158-159 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

20 July 1959 Various Vic (2230-2240hrs) (1550secs) Multiwits (incl. Lawton, Joy, Higgins, Willcock, Tester) NL
2235hrs 50 secs 1wit Joyfour bright evenly spaced orange redspherical lights travelled W to E.
2240hrs 25 secs 1wit Lawtonfour orangered lights in a line 360 degrees to 045 degrees.
2235hrs Robinvale 20 secs 1 Wit Higgins
2235hrs 15 secs Merbein 1wit Willcock
2230hrs Mildura 45 secs 2wits TesterFive objects in v formation changing to in line. 2030 degrees elevation. SW to NE. Disappeared in mid air.
Pages 153-167 on digital copy o f RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

30 August 1959 Mildura Vic 0930hrs 1min 1wit Zimmer DO
One silver sphere seen 80 degrees E moving NNE. Straight path. No noise. Cloudless sky. RAAFpossible met balloon.
Pages 146-148 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

30 August 1959 Darwin NT 0618hrs 2M Mckay & Smith NL
Deep red colour in centre with white flame surrounding object at 20 degrees elevation S of E.
Pages 135-136 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2. Original file reference BS.5/6/Air (32a) Darwin.

24 September 1959 Mandourah and Doctors Gully NT 1830hrs NO
Large 80100 foot object reported. Black, shallow. Close to surfacespeed 8090 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) Darwin.

12 October 1959 Wonthaggi 1940hrs 1sec 1wit M Jackson NL
Brilliant flash in W sky seen from ANA aircraft on way Launceston to Melbourne. 35 degree elevation decreasing to 25 degrees. Bearing 310 degrees from aircraft, and disappeared at 285 degrees.
Pages 109-111 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

11 November 1959 Rosebud Vic 0220hrs 4mins 1wit McDougall NL
Brilliant blue flash seen by airline pilot on route between Melbourne and Launceston. Left a blue trail to southern horizon which disappeared after 4 minutes.
Pages 128, 131-132 & 137-141 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

11 November 1959 Bendigo Vic 0945hrs DO
One object, overhead, changing colour was seen by many people. “It was reported that the object appeared to be of an immense size.”
Pages 128-130 & 137-141 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

23 January 1960 Launceston Tas (0300-0400hrs) 1M McQuentin NL
Stationary twin yellow lights 2030 degrees elevation. Still there when witness went to bed.
Pages 100-102 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

1 February 1960 Hawthorn East 0910hrs 4 wits Stratton DO
Bright object emitting flashes travelling west to east.
Pages 98-99 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

26 March 1960 Yarralumba ACT 1210hrs 1215 secs 1M Scott DO
While watching vapour rails of jet aircraft witness saw an object cross a vapour trail. It was dull silver in colour, there was only aircraft noise, and it travelled in a straight line and was lost to sight in mid air.
Pages 81-82 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

13 June 1960 Mugalgee (?) 0920Z 1M Kemp NL
Two lights. A flashing red light and a fixed white light. Seen by pilot in front of aircraft. Lost in cloud.
Pages 73-75 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

26 June 1960 Box Hill South Melbourne Vic 0625hrs 5 secs 1M Wilson NL
Aircraft pilot saw explosion of light with shower of “sparks.”
Pages 70-72 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

4 August 1960 Pont Lookout NSW 1046Z 1M James NL
Aircraft pilot reported an object with a bright green head and white tail.
Pages 69 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

18 August 1960 Yallalong Station WA 1600hrs 1M Clayton DO
Bright flashing object seen with associated noise. Believed meteor.
Pages 61-62 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

13 & 25 October 1960 Winton Qld 2025hrs & 2200hrs respectively NL
One soundless white light seen travelling west to east.
Pages 58-60 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

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, 56 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 reemerge.
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) Hobart.

2 October 1960 Launceston Tas 1930hrs 10mins 1M Park
Light seen. Crescent shaped with full circle very dim as eclipse, with lighted horns. 50 degrees south. Faded out.
Pages 30-31 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

18 October 1960 Delmont Tas 1630hrs (23mins) 2wits 2F Webster DO
Travelling in a car when sighted an object moving NNE to SSW. Cigar shaped with round nose and tail. There were two things projecting from the rear sides at an angle. In colour the object was dull grey with an orange rear.
Pages 12-19 & 46-50 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2 Original file reference 5/1/Air (1a) Launceston.

27 October 1960Cresy Tas 2130hrs 2mins 1M Woodward NL
One round light, orange to blue to red. Stationary.
Pages 51-53 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

15 November 1960 15 miles north of Launceston Tas 1040hrs (57 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 kts 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 reestablish 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..

Date??? Campbelltown Tas 1645hrs 1.5mins 1F Hall DL
One white light seen travelling across sky in a straight liner. Lost behind cloud.
Pages 8, 10-11 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

27 November 1960 Panshangar Cressy Tas 2210hrs 1M Mills NL
One white light seen to the west. No noise. Steady speed. Faded out.
Pages 67 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

29 November 1960 Trevallyn Tas 2020hrs 1M Stearnes NL
One light to the east changing colours blue/green/red.
Pages 45 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 2.

 

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FILES LISTING RAAF 580/1/1 PART 3

7 December 1960 to 17 December 1962 

The format of each case is:

Header: showing Date/Location/Time/Duration/Number of witnesses/Gender of witness/ Name of witness(es)/Type of report (Modified Hynek classification)

Modified Hynek classification system

DO	Daylight disk or other shape
NL	Nocturnal light- a point source of light
CE	Close encounter (within 500m) at any time of day or night
RV	Radar visual
DL	Daylight light only – a point source of light
NO	Nocturnal object where the UFO had a defined size rather than being a point source
Photo	Photographs or video were taken
	Note: ( ) items in brackets e.g. (2-3mins) indicates a range.

Text: A summary of the event

Source: Page x on digital copy of 580/1/1 part 1 held by National Australia Archives. Original file reference (where known). {Possible cause as stated in the “RAAF summary of unidentified aerial sightings reported to Department of Air, Canberra ACT from 1960”]

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7 December 1960 South Launceston Tas 1515hrs 5mins 1F Stuart DO
“Squadron of 30 to 40, in vee formation, changing formation rhythmically.” Silver in colour discs. “Faint whine when passing overhead.” Travelling W to E. As passed overhead turned sharply to right and flew S.
Pages 175-176 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Original file reference 5/6/air (57a) Melbourne. [Flight of pigeons]

21 December 1960 Invermay Tas 1wit M Ion
24 plus greyblue objects approached from N going S and passed overhead. Fine weather.
Pages 173-174 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Original file reference 5/6/air (57a) Melbourne. [Refraction of light]

25 December 1960 Campbelltown Tas 2300hrs 20mins 1M Hall NL
Starlike object, similar to Venus moving W to E.
Pages 171-172 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3 .Original file reference 5/6/air (57a) Melbourne[Satellite].

27 December 1960South LauncestonTas 0445hrs 3mins 1F Stewart NL
12-14 circular pearl grey objects circling 50 feet up at 30-40mph. In flock formation.
Pages 169-170 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3.Original file reference 5/6/air (57a) Melbourne.

1961 Various NT NL
(a) Pt Keals NT
1020Z Missionstaff and 300 natives saw object from seaward heading towards Darwin. Loud noise heard.
Bright. Fiery tail. 8 seconds.

(b) Darwin NT
1023Z Long glowing object, bluish tinge with long tail heading W to E 5 degrees elevation 56 secs

(c) Tennant Creek NT
1035Z Object overhead travelling high speed W to E. Ball of fire, yellow and white trail.

(d) Wonarah Station NT
1910Z Object seen climbing vertically performed wide orbit then headed to NE.
Page 132 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Telex originally classified “Secret.”

18 January 1961 Kerang Vic 2110hrs 40mins 2wits 1M+1F Cook NL
Light at 30 degrees “fell rapidly…to hover over hill top. Witnesses drove towards it. “Light raced out to my side and paced our car for several miles before disappearing.”
Pages 166-167 on digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. [Venus]

22 January 1961 NE of Newcastle NSW 1721Z Multi wits NL
Large object seen by crew of Neptuneaircraft heading 160 degrees. “Streaked across sky from SSW to NE. “Brilliant orange. Broke in two and “leading portion assumed cone shape and accelerated ahead of tail…further disintegration took place before object disappeared.”
Page 150 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Telex originally classified “Secret.”

13 March 1961 Indooroopilly Qld 2002hrs Secs 2M Sweetser & Sweetser NL
Bright white light seen at 25 degrees, then turned copper flame green. Travelled N to S. Disappeared in trail of orange sparks.
Pages 157-161 &162-165 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Original file reference BS 5/214/air (35a) Amberley. [Meteor]

9 April 1961Beaconsfield 2130hrs 1F Goff NL
White, wide beam “similar to lightning across sky” to W. Intermittent flashes.
Pages 155-156 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3.Original file reference 5/6/air (64a) Melbourne. [Meteor shower]

25 May 1961 Devonport Tas 0835hrs 3mins (Multi wits incl 1M Young & children) DL
One silver object seen NNW travelling in a straight line. Lost behind bushes.
On the RAAF Proforma at question 26 is the comment: “Location of any air traffic in the vicinity at the time of sighting.” The answer was “U2 aircraft over GreatLakeat approximately 8.15amtravelling in a northerly direction, leaving a distinct vapour trail.”
Pages 145-147 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3.Original file reference 5/6/air (68a) Melbourne [Aircraft].

3 June 1961 Darwin NT 2230hrs 1M Downing NL
Object coming downcone shaped white tip, green body, bright red tail 45 times length of object. “Object dropped, rose slightly then dropped out of sight.” Clear sky.
Page 149 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Telex originally classified “Confidential.”

3 June 1961 Darwin NT 2130hrs 1M Casey Radar
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.”

6-12 June 1961 Cairns area Qld multi wits
Press clippings re a number of cases. RAAF aircraft sent to investigate UFO seen between 13001500hrs 5 June 1961. Pilot saw nothing unusual.
Townsville Daily Bulletin copy on file of 6 June 1961reported a cone shaped object stationary at times, other times “rapid dashes across the sky.” To naked eyedull starthrough binoculars cone shaped half surface red. Seen 11.30am. Police saw it at 1255hrs till 1450hrs. Turned at times. Moved quickly at times.
Courier Mail 7 June 1961reported Police watched similar object stationary in sky 6 June 1961though it was Venus.
Pages 135-139 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Original file reference BT 5/40/Air (3a) Townsville

7 June 1961 Cairns Qld 1130hrs 20mins 5 wits. Photo
Photograph taken through a telescope of Venus and “The thing.” Seen through telescope and described as “an oval shaped body glowing bright red, with three shiny white triangular fins.”
Pages 140-144 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3.Courier Mail Brisbane9 June 1961. Towsnville Daily Bulletin 8 June 1961. Townsville Daily Bulletin 12 June 1961.Copies on file. [Temperature inversion sighting of an aircraft]

15 August 1961 Mt Hale Station via Meekatharra WA (0820-0915hrs) DO
Pairs of objects each seen for 2 minutes. Round, bright silver colour. Travelling N to S. Travelling at very fast speed. Object gave off a white substance like fine mesh.
Pages 122-124, 126-128 & 130 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3.Original file reference 5/9/air (12a) Pearce {Date stated as 8 Aug 61 Probably migrating “balloon spiders.”]

24 August 1961 Cambridge Tas 2345hrs 1M Willcocks
One red light seen bearing 352 degrees 3.5 degrees elevation. Lost in cloud.
Pages 120-121 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. [Venus]

24 August 1961 Hobart Tas 0415hrs (56secs) 1M Lynch
One large red light plus several very small flickering lights. 1015 degrees elevation. Travelling N to S. Vanished into clouds.
Pages 118-119 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3

24 August 1961 Hobart Tas 0415hrs 1 wit Blanks
One red light 15 degrees. N to S. Lost in midair
Pages 116-117 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3.Original file reference 5/6/air (75a)

Nov/Dec 1961 Koorda WA 1625hrs 5mins 1M Marsh
Object came from East, over house then went Westwards. Hovered momentarily, then rose till out of sight. “Golden sphere with silver protuberances on either side…”
Pages 99-102 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3 [Venus].

16 January 1962 Melbourne Vic 2045hrs 6 secs 1M Algie
Bright flash in the sky then saw a cigar shaped object with red tail travelling in a straight line.
Pages 82-83 & 85 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. AMF HQ Melbourne file ref Min 1.

23 January 1962 East Sale Vic 2115hrs 1M Johnston
Report by pilot of unidentified air traffic in Traffic Zone. “What appeared to be a light aircraft.” 2Nm S of his aircraft, heading W at approx. 2000 feet. Report later of a green flare.
Pages 93-98 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Original file reference 5/4/air (5) East Sale. [Probably private aircraft]

25 Jan-1 Mar 1962 WA NL
Various reports of lights in the sky. 2M HallRobb & Bell
Pages 61-63 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. [Venus]

30 January 1962 North Manly Sydney NSW 1445hrs 24 mins ( 2 wits Moore family) DL
Soundless light seen in a cloudless sky disappeared in mid air.
Pages 89-91 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. [Venus]

11 March 1962 Flinders Island Tasmania 2143hrs 10mins 1M Dalgleish NL
One white light was seen travelling W to E. Seen at 765 degrees SSW to 20 degrees ESE. Travelled in a straight line.
Pages 73-75 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. File ref 5/6/Air (89) Melbourne. [Venus]

13 April 1962 Tennant Creek NT 2100hrs 6 secs 2M NL
Three objects came from the NW travelling to the SE. Orange in colour. Two had fiery trails.
Pages 68-69 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. File ref 5/2/1Air (6). Penrith. [Meteor shower]

May 1962 Holbrook NSW 0915hrs 30mins 1M Melrose
Object with vapour trail in clean blue sky. No sound. Travelling E to W. Lost over the horizon. Photo taken.
Pages 64-66 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Original file ref 5/6/Air (92) Melbourne

5 May 1962 Richmond Vic 0030Z 3m Smith, Lawless, Loeven DL
Contrail sighted in the NW sky. No known aircraft in area. Travelling N to S. Bearing 290315 degrees.
Pages 70-72 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. File ref 5/2/1/Air (2) Penrith. [Aircraft]

25 May 1962 Lucinda Point Qld 1835hrs 22secs 1M tarr NL
Light seen travelling across sky which then stopped and changed course. Seen 85 degrees azimuth, 22 degrees elevation. No noise.
Pages 56-57 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. File ref 5/40/Air (7) Townsville. [Venus]

3 June 1962 Launceston Tas 2230hrs NL
A number of moving objects in the sky, were reported. Also seen at 2145hrs on 4 June.
Pages 45-46, 53-54, 58-60 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3.

24 June 1962 North Richmond Vic 2135hrs 4M White, Bowley, Stocker, Wrigley NL
Object reported by two civilians. Party of 4 then saw light in WNW. Drove towards it. At Kurrajong they believed they saw it down in a valley. Then it rose vertically. They returned to original location. No aircraft in area.
Pages 48-52 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3.

7 August 1962 Giles WA 0345hrs (12 secs) 1M Murphy NL
Bright flash of light at 60 degrees WNW.
Pages 35-36 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3.

16 August 1962 Kimberly Tas (21302230hrs) (Youd family) NL
Light low down in the SE sky changing colours red/green/blue.
Pages 39-41 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. [Venus]

22-23 August 1962 Yass NSW Various times during day DL

22 August
Electricity Commission workers reported seeing a silver coloured object in the sky which had been there all day. Fairburn RAAF base sent up aircraftno solid object seen but noted solar reflection off stratus clouds.

23 August
Again seen 60 degrees azimuth, 15 degrees elevation. Cloudless sky. Squadron Leader Wallerobject seen high in sky. Silver on side facing Sun dark on the other. Theodolite indicated it moved NE to SW 20 degrees in 23 hours. Aircraft sent up nothing seen.
Pages 43-44 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. [Venus]

31 August 1962 Denmark WA 2mins 1M Barnes
Bright starlike object in NW travelling fast at 30 degrees elevation. RAAF conclusion: DC3 aircraft.
Pages 27-30 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Original ref 5/6/Air (10) Melbourne. [Aircraft]

22 September 1962 Cressy Tas 1200hrs 10mins 1F Bayles
Round silver light overhead. Statioanry.
Pages 27 & 31-32 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. File ref 5/6/Air (10) Melbourne.

23 September 1962 140NM ESE of Sydney NSW 1130Z 6secs NL
Aircraft crew reported seeing an object travelling S to N over Sydney, at high speed. Bright light turned into cluster of lights and faded.
Pages 33-24 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. [Meteor shower]

28 September 1962 MV Huon 20mls NW of Lolobau Island1915hrs 3M NL
“Two surveyors and I sighted one satellite 1915 28th travelling from SSW to NNE.”
Page 26 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3.

13 October 1962 Campbelltown ACT 2300hrs 10 secs 1M Cumpston
In cloudless sky, just above trees, saw a bright “meteor” with short tail. Travelling at high speed on a straight and level path. Travelled through 50 degrees of arc.
Pages 21-25 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. [Aircraft]

3 November 1962 Cresy Tas 1115hrs 2 secs 1F Bosworth
One very bright, needle shaped light travelling very fast. Lost behind cloud.
Pages 13-15 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. [Aircraft]

30 November 1962 Goulburn NSW Dusk 1M Wells
Large, strange object seen in the sky with an “Orangecoloured exhaust.” Travelled towards Canberraor Melbourne.
Pages 11-12 & 16-18 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Original DOD file reference 128.1.21 [Date given as 30 Oct 62Meteor]

8 December 1962 Creesy Tas 2215hrs 2mins 1M Gatenby
One yellow light seen overhead, travelling S to N. Witness thought it was a satellite.
Pages 79 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Original file ref 5/6/Air (14) Melbourne. [Probably satellite]

17 December 1962 Norfolk Island 2240Z 3mins
Reports received from many sources. “Object appeared cylindrical in shape with two vertical projections” above travelling very high in a NNE/SSW direction. No aircraft in area.
Page 6 of digital copy of RAAF file 580/1/1 part 3. Original file ref 5/2/1/Air(13) Penrith. [Aircraft]