Sighting of an Unidentified Flying Object by Mr. L.N. Waldron

This file documents the administrative handling of a report of an Unidentified Flying Object sighting by Mr. Lloyd N. Waldron of Roma, Queensland. On September 14, 1959, at approximately 6:15 P.M., Mr. Waldron observed an object in the sky, which he described as an orange-coloured streak moving mainly vertically before disappearing into hazy clouds. He reported that the object later reappeared, travelling horizontally at an elevation of about 45 degrees, leaving a trail of white smoke or vapour similar to a jet trail, with a point of white light at the front resembling burning magnesium. Mr. Waldron noted that he had three other witnesses to the event and explicitly stated that he did not believe the object was a jet, nor did it appear to have originated from the Woomera testing range. He submitted his report to the Department of Defence in Canberra on September 20, 1959. The Department of Defence processed the report internally, with E. White, Scientific Assistant to the Defence Scientific Adviser, noting that the file should be sent to the Department of Supply, which was considered the department most directly interested in such matters. A memorandum was subsequently prepared for the Secretary of the Department of Supply, enclosing Mr. Waldron's letter and advising that any further inquiries should be directed to him. The correspondence concludes with a formal acknowledgement sent to Mr. Waldron, thanking him for his accurate reporting.