RENDLESHAM REVISITED

Standing at the east gate to RAF Woodbridge at Rendlesham Forest, Ed Smith explores, questions, and finds interesting information regarding the Christmas season, 1980, UFO incident and activity reported there.

Earlier, I waxed eloquently about Peter Robbins. Well, what started as an acquaintance has turned into a long-distance friendship. He opened doors and placed me in touch with some individuals through social media and related areas of ufology, as I stated above. I followed up with his recommendations and have kept in contact, since. For the record, when I find a friend who cares, I become intensely loyal. No matter what anyone has heard regarding the witnessing and politics of the Rendlesham UFO encounter, I stand as Peter’s friend. He is a man of integrity, in my view, and this won’t change because he has treated me with the same respect and regard. In preparation for my travels to England for the visit, I tried making contact with other principals, especially Larry Warren, John Burroughs and James Penniston, who had written, reported, and postulated their experiences and views over the years with no response. Until recently, I was unaware of the depth of in-fighting and revelations of embellishments inclusive of accusations of falsifying actual accounts. It is their loss. The ones with whom I have had contact follows and I appreciate the candor and alacrity of these fine people.

OULTON BROAD MEETING

Then, I met Jonathan Marsden. He is a good friend, now. It is Jon who took the time out of his busy schedule to arrange the tour, transportation, and wonderful company on my visit to Rendlesham and contiguous areas. It is Jon who is one of a few others who helped me to understand the big picture regarding this momentous day-long, twelve hour voyage into the then, unknown. My friend of family, Barry Robinson, who has been interested in UFO phenomena for so many years, wanted to attend. He had eyes the size of saucers (no pun intended), as Jon and I mused over years of area events while driving from site-to-site.

The adventure began at 10 am on April 10th, when Jon and Barry arrived at the condo where I was staying. The initial meeting was fantastic! I must say that the weather was most accommodating with hardly a cloud in the sky. It remained only jacket weather for the rest of the day and evening.

Barry, Jon, and Ed meet in Oulton Broad to embark on the Rendlesham journey.

After making acquaintances the trip begins. Below is a mosaic of the trip beginnings to Rendlesham. I must say the landscape and area topography for a Yank is most enjoyable to view:

ON THE WAY TO RENDLESHAM

Just outside of Rendlesham is pictured the Unruly Pig Inn that used to be the Cherry Tree Inn where the original Rendlesham event interviews were conducted. In an unfortunate fire, years later, the latest facility was built:

Outside of Rendlesham is the Unruly Pig Inn that used to be the Cherry Tree Inn where original interviews were held before an unfortunate fire destroyed the original edifice.

Although, we stopped for photos, I queried Jon and Barry if they would like to have something to drink and eat. Barry was already so interested in the present and upcoming events of the tour, he declined. Jon mentioned that we would barely have time to complete the circuit he had planned for us so he declined, as well. For the record, as mentioned above, this journey was non-stop and chewing gum became our best friend. Jon would not even accept any remuneration for fuel. Thank goodness England is a moist climate, not like the semi-desert life I enjoy in central California. We were all set and I cannot say enough how appreciative I was to be in such good company.

After stopping briefly at the inn where the original interviews were conducted regarding the Rendlesham UFO events from 1980, we stopped on the roadside on the way to Rendlesham where we noticed a fenced off facility that used to be quite active. Could this have been where some of the most secret ‘underground bunker’ activity was conducted? It may never be known; however, I was informed that some individuals had accessed the facility and found it left pretty much untouched. When entered, there were underground rooms with charts, maps, office furniture and other items simply left behind. The following images do not do justice, but I did try to magnify and point out quite a number of buildings that were near and some in the distance. It was here, along this roadside, Jon and Dermot encountered what they state was a strange being lurking about. Although, attempted, capturing it was unsuccessful. Upon query about the kind of being, perhaps a grey alien, I received a positive response. Jon had placed me in contact with his friend of many years, Dermot Curran who has been very helpful in communicating some of many separate events over the years.

RENDLESHAM

Rendlesham city road sign at town entrance:

Rendlesham



The next stop was at the town of Rendlesham itself. It was not in a state of construction; it was in a state of destruction. Since the United States Air Force pulled up stakes to leave the town to its own devices, determined by the present population, key areas were being destroyed to make way for what residents and city officials wanted to do. What follows in the gallery below are images of the destructive process. I discovered the US had invested quite heavily in the infrastructure. It was a bit of sadness I experienced to view the passing of such an historical landscape with extremely well-built structures passing into oblivion with the use of wrecking balls and bulldozers. I can assure you, the following images will be about all that is left of the original town. Fortunately, many homes, the church, and a few other icons will hopefully, not be destroyed.

RAF BENTWATERS

After viewing this sad ending to an historical English setting, one may say, progress is underway. I do hope that is the case. All past history becomes buried, at some point, does it not? The next stop along the way, just up the road was our visit to RAF Bentwaters (RAF Bentwaters with USAF under contract in 1980). Here are images of the base grounds along with some of the present businesses utilizing facilities there. When seeing the air control tower on the base, it was where the original Air Force control officers saw the UFO(s). I mention this because they just retired and are now standing by their story that their observations were real. Historically speaking, the practice by the military to remove active personnel from service was the standard operational procedure, so people kept quiet about such things. I found this present admission helpful in my determination to come.

The following gallery depicts the Bentwaters air base as it is today. The earliest version of the base was created during World War II. It was created in a joint effort with the RAF (Royal Air Force-Britain) and the United States Air Force (under contract until 1991). During the cold war era the base was used as a jump point to other European theaters in case the war became hot. Not shown are older RAF Jaguars and Hunter jets (owned by Everitt Aero) stored aside the runways this day (not a great picture-too distant). In the active era of the use of the air base came the fueling and arming station for the US AFB A-10 (Warthog and Tankbuster are nicknames) . This was one slow-moving, yet incredibly devastating air-born war craft. So heavily armed, it could devastate enemy heavy equipment from a great distance with incredible fire power. Even if one of its two engines were damaged, it could be replaced on the ground within one hour. Refueled, it was ready to continue on more missions.

The tour of the air base itself was a fantastic part! The incredible expanse of land with its subtle landscape nuances of openness with forests, buildings, and stored vehicles with numerous obsolete aircraft in the background was almost a trip worth seeing on its own!

Now, we take the next adventure to the Bentwaters Cold War Museum. Mr. Jon Saunders, one of the trustees and founders of BCWM, also an acquaintance, online, was most unfortunately unavailable due to a previous engagement. We continue to have contact and I look forward to my next visit. He was packaging and preparing the logistics to relocate the last remaining A-10 Warthog from across the country. He was most congenial and did contact his staff of my arrival. I appreciate his taking time out from such a busy schedule to accommodate me. Graham Haynes is the museum manager and I was sad at not being able to meet him, as well.

As a quick overview of the museum tour, it was fantastic. What would strike even a layman to military campaigns, such as how important RAF Bentwaters was during the cold war, as well as, the Gulf war was how LO-tech the activity was. Consider this is during the nuclear age and none of the present forms of computerized communications existed, then. The redundancy involved in checking efficiency in ordnance, fueling, and overall scheduling (mostly in written form) was crucial to avoid errors. Case in point: A plane not fueled and a pilot takes off; a plane taking off without munitions to to the job? Sergeant Hale (USAF retired) gave an impressive mini-tour with the utmost of humor attached to the stark realities of the times.

Notwithstanding, what follows, I promise those of you who have yet to visit this historical landmark, should plan to do so, at some point in one’s life who is interested in such things. Oh, yes, UFOs, too. To note, many of the billboards were obtained from around the country to be displayed at the museum. There was so much more Jon Saunders, his staff, and friends have done to make this museum and its displays so amazing, but I (with a grimace) have done what I could to keep this as brief as possible. The story line is incredible and even with the little alien dolls with staff member names displayed in key areas to accommodate children on tour to enjoy (with a contest to find as many as possible), I could go on…

During the visit, Barry and I were introduced to a number of nice people in the museum. Of the videos taken, this is the one included in this article with thanks. Erroll Frost kindly narrated the following one regarding Bentwaters and Woodbridge AFB, now part of the British Army military. recounting the past airport layout:

During the tour, I learned more of what people thought about the Rendlesham UFO incident. The candid responses to queries are most appreciated. Their is a dichotomy of thought as to what some people, both military and civilian considered as real or imagined. Some believe all that was observed as base activity was from the recovery group engaged in constant practice to save Apollo astronauts who would have made an emergency detour to land in the North Sea. In sum, there was no UFO encounter. Then, there are others who are adamant there was. Something funny to note was when the event occurred the base sent an A-10 aircraft in pursuit. As formidable an aircraft it is in battle, it is also one of the slowest, travelling no more than 450 miles per hour or so. The UFO would certainly have to slow down, drastically just to make it look like a chase. More detail will follow in the conclusion section.

RAF WOODBRIDGE

Next, we move on to the surrounding countryside to see how large the air bases are, to date. We drove around RAF Woodbridge and when we attempted to approach the base itself, Jon stated, quite calmly, do not take any pictures, do not make any sudden movements because we are just going to drive around to the exit of the Woodbridge base. As Barry and I looked to our right to the entrance gates, two guards exited the guard shack with very formidable automatic weapons. They were on alert and I had the most oppressive feeling that if we had approached any closer the outcome would not have been in our favor. Was I shocked? Yes. We safely circled the BMW to the exit. It is patently obvious there is presently serious military activity inside the base and must have been on some kind of alert. That is all I have to say about this experience. No pictures were taken. For those who are not familiar with the military, many personnel are classified and photography is not allowed. Further, unless we were on official business with registered clearance, we could not enter the base. This is the most we cared to experience, here.

RENDLESHAM FOREST

Next, we arrived at Rendlesham Forest where I was photographed at the East Gate. We parked the vehicle and walked left. Funny, when I added Rendlesham to my dictionary, the synonym was ENDLESSNESS, hmm… The day was already progressing into later afternoon so sunlight was waning just enough to give me a kind of creepy feeling, frankly. The walk was long, yet the ground with its plush foliage was easy on the feet. The forest had an ominous and foreboding look on its own, to say the least. As we trekked about, we were making a circuitous journey where we would end up where we had parked Jon’s car.

What follows is some of our conversations and distinct observations. I have included this Google link for those who would be interested in viewing more historical images. I must give the Forestry Commission of England kudos for its construction of posts, billboards, and other artifacts included to enhance the effect and history of the area. What will be found in the conclusion section will deal with the assumptions that a distant lighthouse and people camping with a fire nearby could have created the effects conducive to a UFO sighting.



We’ll start with the images to review below before commenting. I believe it will be easier to refer back to them after seeing the photos, initially, to understand better what I saw. As for above, please click on any picture to create a clickable slide show:

We actually started walking in a reverse pattern, which turned out to be advantageous in understanding the UFO encounter and the events that transpired, subsequently. I heard about some of the stories from actual accounting’s relayed from a number of sources. I will leave this part in simply saying, without having read books written by principals, there were a number of civil, as well as, military entities involved on the events at the forest occurring from December 26-28, 1980. As we walked onward, I noticed where the fire service had created fire breaks. This area is popular for camping and there were others moving about. However, once we entered the forest proper, the people population dwindled to nil. On the way, I saw the open pasture where UFO lights had been observed. There was also a part of the pasture expanse that showed a bit of discoloration near a stand of trees on the other side. I was to understand this was an apparent landing area of one craft and it left such markings behind. It seemed the grass never fully recovered from the apparent landing. I could see across the pastures and farmsteads that the distance to the broads (Orford Ness area) near Adleburgh on the mainland. This will be viewed later in the trip. It is across the ness that a suspected lighthouse was the UFO light seen by onlookers. It seemed to me that some of the things I saw seemed a bit far-fetched; however, I was holding out until the other coastal areas were visited.

Further along, we came into the clearing where the alien craft replica was situated. The signage was informative. Pictures were taken and I caught a glimpse of the historical big picture. It was noted there was graffiti etched onto the side of the craft. One, it seemed to be the initials for Larry Warren and Lt. Colonel Charles Halt. I understood that the clearing had been artificially enlarged after the incident. I was curious about any tests having been made of the soil and foliage. To date, I cannot seem to find anything on this. I am left to assume that perhaps some parts of the investigation was not thoroughly conducted, or something was being hidden from the public? So, we moved on to where we started seeing the ‘alien’ signposts indicating we were going to exit from the ‘in-door’ to the forest. Again, I thought this was a much better way to see everything.

Then, as the story continued, I was informed of sightings of lights in the sky being noticed not only a month or so before the Rendlesham event, it was noticed some years later, on occasion. As for this area being active now, it will be found in the conclusion section. Jon shared with me that as youngsters, he and his friends visited Rendlesham a number of times. One UFO researcher they knew was hit by some sort of energy beam or something and was knocked out. When they arrived he revived, but was not quite the same. Unfortunately, he passed not too long after the event. Also, a number of Jon’s friends passed later due to various forms of cancers. He then explained there was a Geiger counter used in the area, especially near a tunnel that is now sealed off with concrete covers. When near the tunnel, they could sometimes hear a kind of ‘lumbering’ movement, like some vehicle on a set of rails or track. That is when the Geiger counter went crazy. I could see where the tunnel seemed to originate from RAF Woodbridge (at the time) along the alien path walk to the pasture beyond over to Orford. The assumption arose that there was nuclear material (or waste) that was transported through the tunnel to its destination at a small island just off the coast of Orford (shown later). Could it be a storage place for spent radioactive material? Hmm… I learned that others had moved some of the covers, in the past and could see there was an open tunnel below. However, no one dared to enter by climbing the ladders leading to the tunnel ground level. Frankly, if it had been me, I would have done the same. Upon a later trip to the forest Jon stated the tunnels caps had been further blocked with poured concrete.

Finally, we exited the forest and there sat an old house where I learned there was a person living there during the UFO events of December 26-28, 1980. As a witness who was interviewed he claimed he did hear a helicopter operating near the end of the Woodbridge runway where the older landing lights were severely damaged. Note that the ones shown in the above pictures are metal towers. In 1980 , they were wooden. Proponents of a UFO incidents state a UFO hit the light standards to create the damage. Others claim the helicopter carrying a heavy boiler plate to imitate carrying an Apollo space capsule to safety was to blame. This, too, will be covered in the conclusion.

SHINGLE STREET AND BAWDSEY



Comment section to follow:

Shingle Street is stark, by nature. It is a historical area for many reasons. I will cover just one of them, here. When many dead, pretty much burnt German soldiers washed up on shore during WWII, the stories rattled off in gallant fashion. There were claims they were killed in everything from secret British secret military operations to UFO attacks. A family member who lived during that time stated it was simply a war-time action between the British and Germans.

Bawdsey was an incredible site visit for me. In 2016, this area has been pretty much untouched for 100 years, since WWI. Incredible. Of course, the stories flew about, as well of unusual lights observed and off shore sea battles between the Germans and British in both daytime and night. I must state for the record that anyone who claims to have extensive knowledge of warfare history, whether extravagant, exotic, or whatever, think about a little visit to this coastal setting. It is an eye-opener. It is a stark reminder of a recent history of warfare none of us should ever forget.

ORFORD NESS AND ISLAND

Quite simply, the above images were about all I could get, as darkness was setting in. Jon was correct when he said we’d barely have time to complete the tour. It is here I viewed the ‘famed’ lighthouse on the other shoreline. This was the one claimed to have been the source of the UFO lights at Rendlesham. Although, this light emanating from the structure was stronger in 1980 and taking into account many trees were younger, 27 years ago, all I can say to that one is, yeah, right. As with the forest itself where claims of UFO lights were caused by a campfire is, yeah, right. It was here where I took two pictures of the island, slightly magnified. The quality is terrible, yet one can view structures on the island. Some have claimed fissionable nuclear materials have been stored there. I find this most incredible that the military would carry out such activity so close to a human population. However, stranger things have happened…and, possibly, much more dangerous?

BENTWATERS SOUTH GATE

This is the South Gate to RAF Bentwaters (now Bentwaters Park). This is the gate where Larry Warren was stationed. I am not qualified to comment on the situation that transpired during the UFO event; however, I can state that in the last picture of a building in the distance with Jon’s headlights on high, I was able to snap this one. I didn’t think to make a video, as time was marching on and the camera battery was almost exhausted. In fact, after the last picture of the edifice, the camera shut down. What I can say is whatever was inside the building was such an ominous humming sound, we all took notice. Freaky is the word. I was happy to leave for some reason. It is a park with that going on? Hmm, yeah, right.

Well, here comes the time you have all been waiting for:

CONCLUSION

I want to preface this with a profound thank you to Jon Marsden, Dermot Curran, and Peter Robbins. I don’t care what others have said or done, please just remember this: We are all human and are all subject to the same frailties, as well as, the most wonderful of accomplishments. I consider Peter a valued friend because he has always been up front with me. He is honest and I stand his advocate. Jon and Dermot, well, what can I say. In almost a year of knowing them I have found them to be upstanding, caring and extremely honest. Jon Saunders and Erroll Frost, as well as, Sgt. Hale and others at Bentwaters Air Museum are the same. I value their acquaintances and friendship, as well. In my humble opinion, I find all these upstanding people worthy of every merit that can be assigned. Period. Go visit the museum. You will not be disappointed. In sum, I wish to mention another friend who has been most supportive, Alyson Dunlop. When I started listening to her radio network and subsequently became connected, I value her honest friendship, as well. Thank you for helping me to understand some of the big picture.

Here is my assessment: ALL THE ABOVE!

Sifting through all this information during the last ten months has been a constant up-down and side-to-side situation. As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, outside of some TV and related (outside of the contact) views, I knew nothing of the inner workings of the Rendlesham event. It reminds me, in some ways of the Roswell UFO incident in 1947.

1.   Something did happen, and in my view, there has been UFO activity, at some point, but in many ways seems to have been convoluted from those seeking money and notoriety (fame and fortune). I base this on now more research that I determine to be not just one event in one year, but a number of events over a number of years.

2.   Air Force accounting is accurate, as well, in my assessment. I respect the military in so many ways; however, I take into account the structure and responsibility of their accountability, too. I will leave the letter originally written by Lt. Colonel Charles Halt, of his follow up after the fact. If it were not for the recent developments of the air traffic controllers at Bentwaters stating they saw UFO activity, I would would have been inclined to dispel the occurrence (and other testimonies).

3.   Based on actual witness and operations, the Apollo recovery program is real. It is my belief the Woodbridge landing lights were damaged during bad weather by a helicopter carrying a boiler plate to mock the space capsule.

4.   Personal accounts of past UFO and alien observations, I find to be genuine. The testimonies have not been tested by lie-detectors…you do it. It is good enough for me. These persons did not have to come forward and they have tried to communicate in the past. Case closed on this one.

5.   In sum, whether it was other areas near Rendlesham including over the years in accounting of what was seen, real or imagined, I believe that some embellishments occurred. The old saying from Edgar Allan Poe makes sense here, believe only half of what you see and nothing of what you hear.

6.   Post sum, many of these people are telling and writing exactly what they think, believe, and know. Some may have operated under false pretense. I do not believe this is a presently active area for anything more than military activity.

Here is the letter posted by Lt. Charles Halt, USAF, one day after the Rendlesham UFO encounter:

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