Foo fighters: arquivo OVNI do SHAEF, 1945

[PAGE 1] DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 947020 FILE COPY 63A AIR STAFF SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORWARD) REF:- SHAEF/A/TS.37153/A.2. 18 March 1945. SUB:- Night Phenomena. TO:- First Tactical Air Force (Prov.), APO 374, US ARMY. 1. With reference to reports forwarded from the XIIth Tactical Air Command through your Headquarters on the subject of night phenomena (foofighter), and further to this Headquarters' letter of even reference dated 11 February, a reply has now been received from the Air Ministry who say that Bomber Command crews have for some time been reporting similar phenomena. 2. The Air Ministry view is that a few of the alleged aircraft may have been Me.262's and for the rest, flak rockets are suggested as the most likely explanation. 3. It is regretted that no further, or more definite, information can be given. for the Deputy Supreme Commander, C.M. GRIERSON Air Commodore, A.C. of S., A-2. 2354 4336 [PAGE 2] SECRET To: A/Cdr. Grierson, A.C. of S. A-2 Air Staff S.H.A.E.F. From: Air Ministry, D.D.I.2. Date: 13th March, 1945. Ref: 111/45/DDI2 SHAEF 10 MAR 1945 6C A 37153 BALLS OF FIRE - RED. The papers dealing with the above subject which you en- closed with your memo SHAEF Air/TS.37153/A2 dated 11th February, have been carefully examined and discussed with the various other Departments concerned. Bomber Command crews have for some time been reporting simi- lar phenomena. A few of the alleged aircraft may have been Me. 262 and for the rest, flak rockets are suggested as the most likely explanation. The whole affair is still something of a mystery and the evidence is very sketchy and varied so that no definite and satisfactory explanation can yet be given. 2355 4337 E. D. M. Hopkins Group Captain [PAGE 3] SECRET SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORWARD) Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff A-2 61A REF : SHAEF/AIR/S.37153/A-2 14 March 1945. SUBJECT: Request for Photographs. TO HQ. 1ST US. TAC. A.F. Attention AC of S. A-2. Reference your letter dated 12 March asking that photos be furnished as mentioned in our Signal A.I.380 dated 4 March, this office has since been informed by HQ. IX TAC. That the pictures of "Long cylindrical objects" claimed by the 107th P.R. Squadron pilot proved to be unsuccessful. For the Deputy Supreme Commander: T.G. AMES, Lt-Col. AC, A-2 RECCE. 2356 4338 [PAGE 4] R.A.F. Form 96. MESSAGE FORM Signal Office File No. 58A Message IN: 37153 Message OUT: Heading: (Above this line is for Signals use only) FROM AIR STAFF, SHAEF. (FORWARD). TO AIR MINISTRY, WHITEHALL. REPEATED Originator's Number: A.I. 321- Date: 5 MARCH 1945. SECRET(.) YOUR AX 222 4TH MARCH(.)5 UNDERSTAND FROM DDI2 VISITING HERE TODAY THAT ALL 10 AVAILABLE BOMB TORPEDOES FROM TRIPPELWERKE 15 MOLSHEIM HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT TO HORNCHURCH(.) DDI2 20 WILL CHECK FURTHER WITH USSTAF AND REPORT ON RETURN TO 25 U.K. ABOUT 8TH MARCH(.) 30 Signals Office date stamp: SIGNALS OFFICE -5 MAR 1945 SIGNALS HEADQUARTERS Date-Time Group: 05 1700 Originator's Instructions, Degree of Priority: IMPORTANT 2359 4344 [PAGE 5] [Message form, handwritten/stamped annotations: "37153", "A/OS", "041432A", circled "57A"] FROM AIR MINISTRY WHITEHALL. TO S.H.A.E.F. (FORWARD) FOR AIR COMMODORE GRIERSON [stamp: HAEFM — 5 MAR 1945 — 11C] ABLE XRAY TWO TWO TWO FOURTH MARCH SECRET PD REFERENCE MIKESUGARWILLIAM SIX DATED SECOND JANUARY ONENINEFOURFIVE FROM VCAS TO AIR MARSHAL ROBB STRESSING IMPORTANCE OF RECOVERING BULK STOCKS OF GERMAN BOMB TORPEDOES FROM TRIPPELWERKE MOLSHEIM AND REPLY JIG MIKE ROGER SLANT ONE TWO TWO DATED SECOND JANUARY BULK DELIVERIES HAVE NOT REPEAT NOT YET BEGUN PD PLEASE INVESTIGATE AS STOCKS ARE REQUIRED URGENTLY. PRIORITY IMPORTANT [Air Staff Distribution stamp: A-2 checked; handwritten "M.B.987/..."] 2360 4345 [PAGE 6] [stamps: "IMMEDIATE"; "HAEFM — 5 MAR 1945 — 10C A 37153"; circled "56A", "90"] [crossed out] PLEASE [crossed out] AFF V JEZO NR ITS 21 OPOP FROM: HQ IX TAC 051102A TO: AIR STAFF S.H.A.E.F. FORWARD SECRET QQY BT REFERENCE YOUR MESSAGE AI.320 DATED 041745A: PHOTOS OF LONG CYLINDRICAL OBJECTS TAKEN BY 67TH TAC/R PILOTS 011030 VICINITY F-5710 WERE UNSUCC- ESSFUL, FULL WRITTEN REPORT WILL FOLLOW. QUESADA BT 051102A DRP AR AFF R .......05/1132 KS AR [Air Staff Distribution stamp: A-2 checked; handwritten "989/21", circled "55A"] 2361 4346 [PAGE 7] R.A.F. Form 96. MESSAGE FORM Signal Office File No. Message IN: 37153 circled "65A" Message OUT: Heading: (Above this line is for Signals use only) FROM AIR STAFF S.H.A.E.F. FORWARD. TO AIR MINISTRY, WHITEHALL. USSTAF.(M) 2nd T.A.F.(M) 1ST TAC A.F.(M) H.Q. IXTH TAC. REPEATED NINTH AIR FORCE. (M) Originator's Number: A.I. 320. Date: 4 MARCH 1945 FOLLOWING RECEIVED FROM H.Q. NINTH 5 TAC AIR COMMAND DATED 1 MARCH QUOTE PILOTS REPORT FOLLOWING AN ALUMINUM 10 COLOURED CYLINDER SHAPED OBJECT COMMA ABOUT 12 FEET LONG 15 AND 1 FOOT IN DIAMETER WAS OBSERVED FLOATING IN THE AIR AT 20 9,000 FEET (.) IT APPEARED TO BE SUSPENDED VERTICALLY 25 WITH SMALL FINS AND A MAST PROJECTING FROM THE LOWER 30 END (.) THE OBJECT WAS ATTACKED AND PARTIALLY DEFLATED 35 COMMA A RED FLAME RESULTED WITHOUT SMOKE (.) THE CYLINDER 40 DID NOT DISINTEGRATE (.) PHOTO TAKEN BY 107 SQ. 45 OF 67 TAC/R GROUP AT 011030 HOURS VIC F-5710 UNQUOTE (.) 50 Signals Office date stamp: SIGNALS OFFICE -4 MAR 1945 SIGNALS HEADQUARTERS Date-Time Group: Originator's Instructions, Degree of Priority: IMMEDIATE 2362 4347 [PAGE 8] R.A.F. Form 96. MESSAGE FORM Signal Office File No. Message IN: Message OUT: Heading: - PAGE 2 - (Above this line is for Signals use only) FROM TO REPEATED Originator's Number: A.I. Date: 4 MARCH PHOTOS TO AIR MINISTRY COMMA USSTAF AND A.C.I.U. 5 ALSO FULL WRITTEN REPORT BY PILOTS CONCERNED 10 (.) ANY FURTHER INSTANCES ALSO TO BE 15 REPORTED (.) 20 Date-Time Group: 041745A Originator's Instructions, Degree of Priority: SECRET / IMMEDIATE 4348 [illegible handwriting: "Smith 187"] 2363 [PAGE 9] SECRET SECRET 54A SHAEF STAFF MESSAGE CONTROL INCOMING MESSAGE JEUS SHAEF X52/1 TOO 011947A MARCH TOR 012100A MARCH MHM 012115A MARCH SECRET OP PRIORITY [stamp: HAEFM — 2 MAR 1945 — A 37153] FROM : HQ IX TAC SIGNED QUESADA TO : CG SHAEF MAIN ATTN A-2, CG NINTH AF ADV ATTN A-2 REF NO : NONE, 1 MARCH 1945 Pilots report the following. An aluminum colored cylinder shaped object, about 12 ft long and 1 ft in diameter was observed floating in the air at 9,000 ft. It appeared to be suspended vertically with small fins and a mast projecting from the lower end. The object was attacked and partially deflated, a red flame resulted without smoke. The cylinder did not disintegrate. Photo taken by 107 SQ of 67 TAC/R Group at 011030 hours vic F-5710. ACTION : AIR STAFF INFORMATION : G-2 SHAEF FORWARD AG RECORDS [handwritten "M.B.164/14"; Air Staff Distribution stamp: A-2 checked] 2364 4349 SMC IN 310 1 MAR 45 2200A AGD/wml REF NO: NONE SECRET COPY NO. 8 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN [PAGE 10] [illegible letterhead mark]:- A.D.I.(K), Air Ministry. SECRET 53A To:- A/Cdr. Grierson, S.H.A.E.F.Main, (Air Div.). Copy to C.I.O. 2nd T.A.F. Date:- 17th February 1945. 51A Reference your SHAEF AIR/S.37153/A.2 dated 14th February 1945 with the attached CX report, this probably refers to "Flak Bombe" mentioned in A.D.I.(K) Report No.562/1944, paragraphs 128 and 129. 52A [stamp: SHAEFMAIN FWD — 21 FEB 1945 — 5C A 37/53] S.D. Felkin, Wing Commander. SDF/GJ 2365 4350 [PAGE 11] AIR STAFF SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. SECRET 58A REF: SHAEF AIR/TS.37153/A-2. 11 February 1945. SUBJECT: Night Phenomena. TO: Headquarters, U.S.S.T.A.F (For attention of Chief Technical Intelligence Officer, Col. Bradley). 1. Attached are copies of papers received from the First Tac. Air Force (Prov). From the number of reports quoted in the 2nd W/Ind from the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, it would seem that there must be something more than mere imagination behind the matter, and in view of the fact that pilots and crews are becoming slightly worried by them, it is considered that everything possible should be done to get to the root of the matter. 2. Copies of the reports have been sent to the Air Ministry for their consideration, and the Scientific Investigation Division of this Headquarters (Mr. Robertson) has also been asked to consider the problem. 3. In the meantime, it is suggested that it might be as well for an Air Technical Intelligence Officer to visit the Unit concerned and obtain reports and impressions at first hand from aircrew personnel. For the Deputy Supreme Commander, C.M. GRIERSON, Air Commodore, 2402 A.C. of S., A-2, Air Staff, SHAEF. 4391 [PAGE 12] SECRET FILE COPY 47A AIR STAFF SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE REF:- 37153 11 February 1945. TO:- First Tactical Air Force (Prov.), APO 374, U.S. ARMY. 1. Reference to your 3rd Indorsement on the subject of night phenomenon originated by the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, there is no information at this Headquarters which might explain the nature and cause of the lights and other phenomena described by the pilots of this Squadron. 2. The matter is, therefore, being referred to the Air Ministry in order to find out whether any further information can be obtained from that source. It is also hoped to make arrangements for an Air Technical Intelligence Officer from USSTAF to visit the Unit concerned. For the Deputy Supreme Commander, C.M. GRIERSON, Air Commodore, A.C. of S., A-2. 2403 4392 [PAGE 13] 37153 SECRET [handwritten: "051400" circled "46A"] Please return to A2 Staff GAF D-W-2 2nd Ind. HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND (ADV), APO #374, U.S. Army, 4 February 1945. TO: Commanding General, First Tactical Air Force (Prov), APO #374, U.S. Army. Attn: A/C of S, A-2. Attention is invited to 2nd W/Ind. [stamp: SHAEFMAIN — 8 FEB 1945 — A 15C] for LEAVITT CORNING, JR., (signed John E. Woolley) Lt. Colonel, G. S. C., A/C of S, A-2. 3rd Ind. D-Y-1 HEADQUARTERS, FIRST TACTICAL AIR FORCE (PROV), APO 374, U S Army, 5 February 1945. TO: Chief Intelligence Officer, Air Staff SHAEF, APO 757. 1. Forwarded for your information. 2. This headquarters has no further information or explanation in connection with these phenomena. 3. It is believed that further investigation is warranted. Since appropriate technical personnel are not available within the First Tactical Air Force, the matter is forwarded for such further investigation as may be advisable. [round registry stamp: SHAEF MAIN AIR — 8 FEB 1945 — A2 REGISTRY] C. A. YOUNG, Colonel, AC, 1 Incl. AC of S, A-2 #1 - 1st & 2nd W/Ind, 23 Jan 45 and 30 Jan 45. SECRET 2404 4393 - 2 - [PAGE 14] SECRET SECRET: BOTH: CG, XII TAC Initial [illeg.] Date: 16 Jan 1945 HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND (ADV) D-C-1 Office of the A/C of S, A-2 APO 374, US Army, 16 January 1945. SUBJECT: Night Phenomenon. TO : Commanding General, First Tactical Air Force (Prov), APO 374, US Army. Attn: A/C of S, A-2. 1. The following is quoted from training and tactical information supplied by the 415th Night Fighter Squadron for the month of December 1944: "We have encountered a phenomenon which we cannot explain; crews have been followed by lights that blink on and off changing colors etc. The lights come very close and fly formation with our planes. They are agitating and keep the crews on edge when they encounter them, mainly because they cannot explain them. It is requested further information be furnished on this subject, such as similar experiences of other night units". 2. Further information is requested. LEAVITT CORNING, JR., Lt. Colonel, G. S. C., A/C of S, A-2. 1st Ind D-B-1 HEADQUARTERS, FIRST TACTICAL AIR FORCE (PROV), AC of S A-2, APO 374, US Army, 20 January 1945 TO: AC of S A-2, XII Tactical Air Command, APO 374, US Army 1. There have been no instances reported as above. 2. Before an investigation can be made it will be necessary to have more complete information, such as colors of the lights, their intensity, size, duration, and at what altitudes seen; also if the lights are observed at any specific hours. Do subject lights cross Allied lines and in what direction are they seen to travel? Also, has it been noted on what part of the aircraft are they carried, i.e. wing, tail, prop; and how close do they approach our aircraft? For the Assistant Chief of Staff A-2: 2405-1- 4395 S V BOYKIN SECRET Major AC Executive Officer [PAGE 15] SECRET 1st W/Ind. D-W-2 HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND, APO #374, U.S. Army, 23 January 1945. TO: S-2, 415 Night Fighter Squadron. Forwarded for compliance with paragraph 2 of 1st Ind. for LEAVITT CORNING, JR., (signed John E. Woolley) Lt. Colonel, G. S. C., A/C of S, A-2. 2nd. W/Ind. 415th. NIGHT FIGHTER SQUADRON, APO #374, U. S. Army, 30 January 1945. TO: AC of S A-2 XII Tactical Air Command, APO 374, U. S. Army. 1. In compliance with paragraph 2 of 1st. Ind., the following extracts from the Sortie Reports of various pilots who have encountered the Night Phenomenon are submitted for your information. Night of 14-15 December 1944 - "In vicinity of Erstein (V-9381) flying at 1000 ft. observed large red light at 2000 ft. going East at 18:40 hrs. Travelling at approximately 200 MPH" Night of 16-17 December 1944 - "20 miles North of Breisach (W-0173) at 800 ft. observed 5 or 6 flashing red and green lights in "T" shape. Thought they were flak. About 10 minutes later saw the same lights much closer and behind me. We turned port and Starboard and the lights followed. They closed in to about 8 O'clock and 1000 ft. and remained in that position for several minutes and then disappeared." Night of 22-23 December 1944 - "Patrolling at Angels 10 from Sarrebourg to Strasbourg North and South of highway. At 06:00 hrs. saw two lights coming towards A/C from the ground. Upon reaching altitude of plane, they leveled off and stayed on my tail for approximately 2 minutes. Lights appeared to be a large orange glow. After staying with A/C for approximately 2 minutes, they would peel off and turn away, fly along level for a few minutes and then go out. They appeared to be under perfect control at all times. Lights were seen somewhere in vicinity of Hagenau." Incl #1 SECRET 2406 4396 [PAGE 16] SECRET 2nd. W/Ind., 415th. Night Fighter Squadron. 30 January 1945 con't. Night of 23-24 December 1944 - "Observed reddish colored flames at considerable distance and at approximately 10,000 ft." Night of 23-24 December 1944 - "Approximately 10 miles South of Point X (Q6745) noticed to NE approximately 5 miles a glowing red object shooting straight up. Changed suddenly to plane view of A/C doing a wing over and going into a dive and disappearing." Night of 26-27 December 1944 - "At 01:45 hrs. saw two yellow streaks of flame flying at same level at approximately 3000 ft. off port side. We also saw red balls of fire that stayed up for 10 seconds approximately 45 miles away. After seeing yellow streaks, made starboard vector, lost altitude and streaks disappeared from view. Called GCI Blunder and asked if any E/A were in vicinity. They answered No. Instructed to return to Angels 10. We felt what was thought to be prop wash; very distinct. Noticed several groups of lights off port while patrolling in vicinity of Q-9050 and R-1556 Lights made distinct lines somewhat like arrows." Night of 26-27 December 1944 - "While on vector 090 near V-7050 during patrol we observed airborne white lights. They were staggered evenly vertically and we could see from 1 to 4 swing at once. They appeared stationary at 10,000 ft." Night of 26-27 December 1944 - "Observed light at same altitude while in vicinity of Worms. Observer saw light come within 100 ft. Peeled off and took evasive action but light continued to follow for 5 minutes. Light then pulled up rapidly and went out of sight." Night of 27-28 December 1944 - "While on North heading in patrol area noticed in vicinity of Q-1378 lights suspended in air moving slowly and would then disappear. Were orange in color. Lights appeared singly and in pairs. Observed these lights four or five times during period." Night of 27-28 December 1944 - "Eight miles NE of Luneville at 19:10 hrs. saw three sets of three lights (red and white) one on starboard and one on port from 1000 ft. to 2000 ft. to rear and closing in at Angels 10. Pulled up to Angels 8 and lights went out. Called Churchman to see if there was anything in area. Received a negative reply." Night of 30-31 December 1944 - "Saw a group of lights flying through the air 30 or 40 miles East of base while flying at Angels 9 - 10." Night of 1-2 January 1945 - "Saw Foofighters North of Strasbourg and North of Saverne". Night of 14-15 January 1945 - "Observed a large orange glow in sky approx. 5 ft. in diameter in vicinity of Ingweiller at 6000 ft. at 20:00 hrs." 2407 4397 SECRET [PAGE 17] SECRET 2nd. W/Ind., 415th. Night Fighter Squadron, 30 January 1945 Con't. Night of 29-30 January 1945 - "At about 00:10 hrs. sighted a Foofighter about half way between Weissembourg and Landau. Foofighter was off to the starboard and rear at Angels 2. Lights were amber and one was 20 - 50 ft. above the other and of about 30 seconds duration. Foofighter was about 1000 ft. away and following. The lights were about a foot in diameter. Lights disappeared when Travel 34 turned into them." 2. In every case where pilot called GCI Control and asked if there was a Bogey A/C in the area he received a negative answer. F. B. RINGWALD, Captain, A. C., Intelligence Officer. * Foofighters is the name given these phenomenon by combat crews of this Squadron. SECRET 2408 - 4398