CONFIDENTIAL ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE ARCHIVAL ACTION -7ERRED TO REFERRED TO ATTENTION INITIALS ATTENTION INIT CONFIDENTIAL DO NOT OPEN This acid-free mask contains ... }.L ... folios The contents of the mask are: D Exempt from public access under paragraph(s) ......................... of the Archives Act 1983. You have a statutory right to seek a review of the exemption. ~ Not in the open period as defined by th~ Archives Act 1983. DO NOT OPEN This acid-free mask contains ... :?. ..... folios The contents of the mask are: ~ Exempt from ~mblic access under paragraph(s) .:~J..~:~.5.A ......... of the Archives Act 1983. You have a statutory right to seek a review of the exemption. D Not in the open period as defined by the Archives Act 1983. Australian Government STATEMENT OF REASONS UNDER SECTION 40(5) OF THE ARCHIVES ACT 1983-INCLUDING DECISION ON ACCESS Record Series: E1327 Title: Unusual sightings and incidents 1. Decision Control symbol: 5/4/ AIR PART 6/7 Total number of folios (i.e. equivalent separate pages) on the record: 2 After examining this record I have d ecided to close it for public access. 2. Basis for decision I have taken into account: the content of the record requested the relevant provision s of the Archives A ct 1983 (the Act) policy and guidelines of National Archives of Australia that relate to the access mination of Commonwealth records informa tion d erived from my own enquiries 3. Material withheld Category of material withheld Number of total folios p er category Partially exe mpted folios (ce rtain parts of the text have been expunged Wholly exempted folios 2 Folios not within the open access period as defined in s3 (7) of the Act pending agency mination and advice Findings of fact and reasons for decision A. Findings of fact In Table A in Annexure 1, I have provided a summary of my findings of fact where I have invoked specific provisions under s 33 of the Act. By invoking these provisions, I have relied on material listed in part 2 above in order to arrive at my decision. B. Reasons for decision In Table A in Annexure 1, I have provided the reasons for my decision for each folio mpted and those reasons are derived from the findings of fact. 5. Appeal rights National Archives undertakes careful examination of a record before making a decision exempt any part of a record. As part of that process we may consult with other agencies w hich have expertise on specific national and international matters. If you do not agree with my decision to exempt information under a provision of s 33 of the Act, you can contact a reference officer in National Archives and seek a further explanation. If you are still not happy with the decision and within 28 days of receiving it, you can formally appeal by: 1) first applying to Archives for an internal reconsideration of my decision; and 2) if you still do not agree with the decision, you can apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review. more information please read the National Archives Fact Sheet 12-What to do if we refuse you access. You can also lodge a complaint with the Commonwealth Ombudsman in relation to the decision. maker Ben Heaslip Designation Date 8 August 2012 Annexure 1 Table A: Material exempted by folio number and grouped by the application of exemption provisions Relevant legislative provision invoked under s33 Folio number Finding of Fact Reasons for Decision of the Act Section 33(1) (d) of the Archives Act provides that a 12, 12(2) These records are wholly ex empt as they The information is still confidential in nature record is exempt if it contains 'information or matter contain the following references: the disclosure of which under this Act would The information was communicated in constitute a breach of confidence'. confidence The information was given to the If disclosed now, such disclosure would be an Commonwealth on the condition of unauthorised use of the information confidentiality. Australian Government DOCUMENT REMOVAL ADVICE Series number: E1327 Control symbol: 5/4/ AIR PART 6/7 Folios:-12 and 12 (2) h ave been removed from this item because they, [X ] are exe mpt from public access under section 33(1) (d) of the Archives Act 1983, ulnerable to loss, have been referred to another agency for advice, [] are not in the open p eriod as defined in the Archives Act 1983. For furthe r information about the removal of folios from this item, please ask a reference officer. moved by: Ben Heaslip Position: A Date: 8 August 2012 When completed place this Advice on the file from which the documents have been removed. Place a copy of it with the removed documents. Revtsed Aug 79 MEMORANDUM For lnlormatton Uf\~ -Rt I.;CN of 1m~EJ:::. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION Relerences T wJ'i i (oPt e.;._ fP.o ouce-a INC.ORfaAT6D _ /Nf0_f-:b>5c. s- g4-(AJ -~GIN At. p1Ji{Q .5.l_6~rR f-I_ I ENt-AAN{:-IV' tDD IN G T&,J App.Q!_ntmcnt Phone "\o SECURITY CLASSIFICATION ~: Flight Lieutenant Bratt B:lddi.Dgton Pile: 5/4/AIR PT1(26) Mr Daryl Martin P.o. Box 212 BENDIGO VIC 3550 Headquarter DARWIN NT 5789 19 Deetlllber 1983 Thauk you for your latter of 26 Novbar 1983. I aa sorry that I have not replied aoonar, bowvar, it baa taken me until today to reach ay copiaa of your initial batch of photographa such baa been the pile of work I inherited hera. Firatly, thank you for setting me atraight on the errors that occurred in tranaeribing your hadwritten report into type. I should have ehKk.ed for miataku myaelf aDd not entruated that tuk to the Corporal who waa helpi.Dg me out at the tiaa. Aleo, the -.:lditional infomatioll you supplied on that photography as well as your aquipunt was much apprKiated. I have given saaa thought to the iaagary I would request you to acquire, at your eoavenienea of course, that w1ll enable me to c:aaplata ay inforaal UAS Baudbook. Thera are baaieally three type of iaagary nMded: a. Som.e more photography of Jupiter aDd ita moon illluatratiDg apparent mov.._t in the moons but, not evident, movaaent of the planet itself. (you aay recall you have given ClDe photo of this subject already ad, if I recall correctly, the viaaal affect waa due to a traekiDg error in your teleaeope' s drive) b. kplaa of parallel atar trails. You pointed out that the photography of Canopua abo iDcludaa the trail of an aecaapany- ina red star. I wonder if you could photo a part of the heaven where there are a DUIIber of readily viaibla stars ao that aoaa iaqary of lllUltiple atar traila can be gained? e. Eumplea of the effects that can be obtained wb8D photograph1q ealaatial objacta, aay the moan, if the taleaeope ia maved/ bounced/ rotated vhilat the eera alutter 1a open. Naturally, I dont want you to do anythi.Dg that would damqe your equipment in any way but I would be moat appreciative if you could taka some "trick" ahota for want of a better way of aayi.Dg it aDd if you would record the type of diatortions, vibrations or vhatft'er you decided to introduce. My concern is to be able to say that all is not what it may sem to be. If you are able to produce these result before aehool start I would be moat grateful. Also, I think with aaeh iaagary I would not need to :lapoaa further an your good pff ices. I wa,s very pleased to learn that you have been elected a councillor of the MY far 1984. I mentioned your name duriDg my lecture at Franketon and there ware a nUJiber of nods of recognition around the roaa - ao it ae your NOrk and your interest in the ASV bad not gODa UDnoticed even before the elections. I hope you have a happy aDd peaceful Christmas aDd that 1984 is free of illness and full of study. Jkar P:7il-kvf~J ft4h Mill N t:::ZL-18 M " ~ If:/ $u/Pd/ M/vJ NLUt~/ ~ NY;./ Page 1 of 6 REPORT OF UNUSUAL AERIAL SIGJ-fl'II'GS Part 1 -Report by Observer Address tar q.s eauee R.J2 Start of observation: of observation: Weather conditions at time of observation, referring to cloud, wing visibility etc In what direction was the sighting first observed? ~ At what angle to the horizon? In what dirtet.ion was the sighting last observed? tltack;j ~ /Jn.-1,/ At what angle to thr-horizon? 8. Estimate of distance and/or altitude fran observer------- Describe the object(s)/light(s) in your own 'l>rds, referring to the number, colour, size, shape, brightness (relative to full rroon/star), rrovrncnt, sound speed, trethod of prop.1lsion, manner of disappearance and any other unusua l features. If possible provide a sketch. DESOUPTIOO/SKEI'CH OF OBJB:T 10. Have you any photographs of the sighting or is there any physical evidence of fragrrents scorching or ground irdantations? IJO 11. How many other witnesses to the sighting? (Please provide naroos and addresses if possible) ~<':.uN~e~oooe...._..M~'Iuu:Wi;.:;..::: '+:------'M:....:....cY~--- Hb ~e ,9eeeb-s:5) 12. Any additional catm.:mts you Wl.Sh to make. PO Box 33906 \UNNELLIE NT 5794 Dear Z.lr Bett, Headquarters DARt'liN NT 57 8 9 23 November 1983 Thank you for reporting your observation of an unusual aerial occurrence to the RAAF. To permit further investigation of the report, additional details are necessary. bserver' s report is enclosed. Would you complete tH eport as soon as possible and return it to the above address. Enclosure: 1. Observer's Report Yours faithfully, (B. BIDDINGTON) light Lieutenant for Officer Commanding rs Sue Dibbs 23 Frangapani Street NIGHTCLIFF NT Dear Mrs Dibbs, Headquarters DARWI N NT 5789 23 November 1983 Thank you for reporting your observation of an unusual ial occurrence to the RAAF. To permit further invest! ati~n of the report, additi onal details are necessary. Enclosure: 1 . server's report is enclos e d . Would you as soon as possi b l e an d return it to Observer's Re port ours faithfully, (B. BI DDINGTON) light Lieutenant for Officer Commanding ])c_ Wfld>l !Zcv< ./-o ;{JtJ Ltd {P NljttcftQf2. Mr Patty Peckover Cornish Road HUMPTY DOO NT Dear Mr Peckover, Headquarters DARWIN NT 5789 23 November 1983 Thank you for reporting your observation of an unusua~aerial occurrence to the RAAF. To permit further investigation of the report, additional details are necessary. ~observer's report is enclosed. Woul d you complete the report as soon as possible and return it to the above address. Enclosure: 1 . Observer's Report Yours faithfully, (B.BIDDINGTON) Flight Lieutenant for Officer Commanding Page 1 of 6 REPORT OF UNUSUAL AERIAL SIGHTINGS Part 1 -Report by Observer f&rKrliff< State !11:._ ANNEX A TO HQOC' ASI 3/J./5 Phone (Home) (Business) -------- Exact location of observer ;> 3 ~ SocifH t'r Yltv'/VIS /J~E{( J rl 1-/lfN~! t lifJ observation: End of observation: Date Time Accuracy of date conditions at time of observation, referring to cloud, wing visibility etc. 6. In what direction was the sighti ng first obse rved?------ At what angle to the horizone? 7. In what direction was the sighting last observed? ------ 31 May 74 /At what At what angle to the horizon? B. Estimate of distance and/or altitude from observer g. Describe the object(s)/light(s) in your own words, referring to the number, colour, size, shape, brightness (relative to full moon/star), movement, sound, speed, method of propulsion, manner of disappearance and any other unusual features. If possible provide a sketch. Description/Sketch of Object 10 . Have you any photo,~raphs of the sighting, or is t:lere any physical evidence oi' fraf.1I1ents, scorching or ground indentations? 11. How many other witnosses to the sighting? (Please provide names and addresseo if possible) Mrs Helen McFarlane PO Box 2546 DARWIN NT 5794 Dear Mrs McFarlane, Headquarters DARWIN NT 5789 22 November 1983 Thank you for reporting your observation of an unusua aer1al occurrence to the RAAF. To permit further inves 1gation of the report, additional details are necessary. ~ob~erver's report is enclosed. Would you complete the repprt as soon as possible and return it to the abov addres Enclosure: 1 . Observer's Report Yours faithfully, (B.BIDDINGTON) light Lieutenant for Officer Commanding Kerry Petersen 77 Byrne Circuit MOIL NT 5792 Dear Mr Petersen, Headquarters DARWI N NT 5789 ovember 1 983 Thank you for reporting your observation of an unusuai aerial occurrence to the RAAF. To permit further investlgation of the report, a dditional details are necessary. Arobserver's report is enclosed. Would you complete the report as soon as possibl e and return it to the above address. nclosure: 1 . Observer's Re port ours faithfully, (B. BI DDINGTON) Flight Lieutenant for Officer Commanding South Australia/ Northern Territory R ILt-oG:f u.F.o. R.c-PoP-.T ReCLh.lb.l:> F~OIV\ I r I f l l l t. i) !LHI-L I )1\IING 1\ Ill rV I~ I U\l) ~t f A 1L LL I i {. I I I t I t IV D f\.J DISTRIBUTION/ ORO. ROOM. MINUTE PAPER (Write on this side only) Subject: UAS REPORTING PROCEDURES Reference folio 13. 2 . Derwin was not one of the units referred to, however in common with them we lack formal procedures for internal reporting of unusual aerial sightings ( UASs). Most reports received this year have come through eir traffic control channels, the remainder; one; through the switch. I feel that this is indicative of the general trend. To satisfy the HQOC requirement I propose introduction of an FSO detailing actions to be taken when a UAS report is received at RAAF Darwin. draft FSO is attached. For your comments and approval if appropriate please. 4 Aug 82 FIO Enclosure: 1 . Draft FSO OPS 9/5 -Reporting of Unusual Aerial Sightings FSO OPS 9/5 REPORTING OF UNUSUAL AERI AL SIGHTINGS 1 Introduction. ll reports of unusual aerial sightings (UAS) received at RAAF units must be investigated without delay and results forwarded to higher authority. To ensure that UAS reports received at RAAF Darwin are investigated by the appropriate specialist personnel, the procedures det2iled in paragraphs 2 , 3 and 4 are to be complied with. Reports Received by the Switchboard Operator and Other Persor.nel. UAS reports received during formation working hours are to be directed in the first instance to the Formation Intelligence Officer ( FIO) , extension 5238. Should the FIO be uncontactable, the report is to be directed to the Formation Counter Intelligence Officer (FCIO) extension 5046. Calls received outside working hours are to be directed to the Orderly Officer. The FCIO an~ Orderly Officer are to complete Part 1 of the 'Report of Unusual Aerial Sighting' proforma~ and forward the report to the FIO. Reports received by Air Traffic Control Personnel. ir traffic controllers who receive UAS reports through air traffic communication links are to complete Part 1 of the 'Report of Unusual Aeria