331_120752_Numeric_Files_1944–1945_37153_German_Armament_Equipment_Documents
Agency: Department of War
Incident date: 3/18/45
Incident location: Germany

This file contains SHAEF messages and memorandums related to "night phenomena (foofighters)," flak rockets, unidentified cylindrical objects, and blinking lights. The documents include multiple references to the observations of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron.

* DECLASSIFIED Seay e ne ‘ mS rae Sag ® che tee Fs o oP fe ALLIED BEPRDT TOMY FORCE vt SHR ER, 2 + (FORMED) : en oe sod eS AMR /APOs, 3 7153/42 ; 18 Voxoh'18.5, age eS eo ga Titght ‘Phononera. oo 3 : f eal 4 SR Oo os Riz © Piet tactical ir: Fores. (Pmav. )4. aPO 37%, US ARIE ~ : ecw ‘. GUS ae with reference ‘to reports fomiarded from. the Srrth Ee eater a Tactical Air Command through your Headquartera on tae mibject of **. / >> eet night phénemema (foofizhter), ond further to “this Heaiquarters"* x ; eA - Letter -of even. reference: dated 11 Pebruar;, 2 xeply haa now been t oy ) xeeeived fromthe Air Ministry. vio way: that Domo, Coutind orem =." 4 ae te ~ Bave’ for-some: tine boon reporting siuiler phononena, % Rl Qi : Bye Sothe “Ais lansAtary ew is, thatafow of ‘the Mléged he - 9, eiPeraft ray have been "e,262's end for the teat. .flok rockets : 2 Ry * ate~silgseeted.aa the ront Likely: explanations, : - CMe eed tk : 3e°.. It is fegretted that no ‘further, or horpdefinite, . by infortetion can be piven. : 3 A 5 k for the Deputy Supreme Commander, pir Sy ae he C.MecaTeReoN. = : Sade : 3 ; : Air Conmagre; ' , : A.0,. of Se; A=2, WOR, SE oe a ii i

| x =p net fF A.C. of S. A-2 a i} Air Staff 8.H.Ay J Foo: Air Ministry, D.DsIs2.. Date : 15th March, 1945. f j Ref : ‘ 111/45/DDE2.) P4945 bc-A 6% Balls oF rire = RED, “1! The papers dealing with 5 the abowe subject which you en— closed With your memo SHAEF Air/ TS.571535/A2 dated llth February, have been carefully examined and discussed with the various other Departments concerned, Bomber Command crews have for some time been reporting simi~ lar phenonema, A few of the alleged aircraft may have been Me. 262 and for the reat, flak rockets are suggested es 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.canm yet be given, g hs v) 4 poe Bae Fe 2399 saat E. D. M. Hopkins Group Captair

® bene ai SUPREME HEADQUART uRS ® ALLIS) SXPSNITIONARY FORCS (FORWARD) ‘\ Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff A=2 RSF + SHAGR/AIR/S057188/A-2 ) 14 Merch 1945. SUBJSCT: Request for Photographs. ) TO b HQ. 1ST US. TAC. A.F. y ‘ Attention AC of Se A=2. Reference your letter dated 12 March asking that | i photos be furnished as mentioned in our Signal =.1.580 dxted\4 Warch, this office has sinee been inform3d by HQ. IX TAC, That the pictures of "Long cylindrical objects" elaime? by the 107th P.R. Squadron pilot provétito be unsuccessfule For the Neputy Supreme Commender? i ; T.Ge AMES, Lt-Col. ACe r ‘< Ae2 RECCE. /° ‘=< 2356 4998" = i | i

RAP. Form 96. @ESSACE FORM signa Qe rite No.2 pS) [IN ‘ : No. of} Office DateStamp saa Groups - cca enenomenmeneelll ime Lee oe eee TT SIGNALS OFFICE Heaping ~—5 MAR 1945 REPEATED : Pt Ween eae ee SMa leg Taiaveaiinone bumtier Date (Wile horizontally) i WMT acre el (5 WARCH 1945.4) -SeEeY.) - __-YOUR Ax 222 4c -MARCII(,)S | _unperstamn | prow “pre Vise EERE TODAY RAT ALL 10° -AVATLASLE. | BOMB. | SORPEDORS, FROL ” | SRIPPELVERKE 15 _ HOLSET Baye apes | per ste 9% _Homrenmpen(.|) _ppz2. 20 _WILL._caecr WURTEER ITH Usspar am | REPORT om RIURT To 25 -U.E,— AB Sr warcol } lion : Z 30 < & 40 : ¥ 50 Bay be sent AS WRITTEN “(1) By ANY-Signal Meihiod [sendin CYPHER *() By ANY Sigsal | Date“Fime Group 4 : 4(2) NOT by Wirel oli " EC Ane *(@) NOT by Wireless 05 Gans a. ae ist Originatér's Instrvetions Signature = es a een 8 aN Degree of Priority, Rank Be Net ele Pita ea ih Sethe ag) IO Bal TUPORTANT ; B (*.Strite out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signats use only ) ‘ i Sa Wi t 724899 WL 49887/03734 497,000 Pads 3/44 MP 51-8336

VE os + ‘ { Ss 2 go ) ; # Vag ‘ 2 KOS" 22 Sl tt prof ATR MINISTRY WHTTERATL OY /z3 § A TO S.H.A.E.F. (FORWARD) FOR ATR COMMODORE GRISBsol a REM 2 4— ( = MARIOAS ed ABLE XRAY TWO TWO TWO TOURTH MARCH -SHOREP ED A \le REFERENCE MIKESUGARWILLIAN SIX DATED SECOND JANUARY ONENINEFOURFIVE FROM VCAS TO ATR MARSHAL ROBB STRESSING IMPORTANCE OF RECOVERING BULK STOCKS OF GaRMAN OMB TORPEDOES FROM TRIPPEDVERKS MOISHEIM AND REPLY JIG MIKE ROGER SLANT ONE TWO TWO DATED SECOND JANUARY BULK DELIVERIES HAVE NOT REPEAT NOT YE BHE. 26 7/ ATR STAFF |: BECUN ED PIBASE INVESTIGATE AS STOCKS ARE REQUIRED URGENTLY. DISTRIBUTION ‘y acron .NFOR. a T A-2 Ea Aas ies TORE A PRIORITY IMPORTANT = 2369 Al | =| apt MPO, rig eN@En ber | ROR a 4 a an er

Ms U4, « oY ; ee gun fe i OURAN . G7: Fo b E] Panera AS nye | #5 MARI945 ‘i ot Aa 3 AR SY aR : . oe ees DISTRIBUTION ERS PACERS Nita CUES Git eS a |v | . , : ; ae FROM$ HQ IX TAC 951102A TOs AIR STAFF SeHeAeEeFe FORWARD SEGREF QQY BT ; , REFERENCE YOUR MESSAGE AIe329 DATED @41745At PHOTOS OF LONG CYLINDRICAL OBJECTS TAKEN BY 67TH TAC/R PILOTS 911030 VICINITY F-5719 WERE UNSUCC+ ESSFUL, FULL WRITTEN REPORT WILL FOLLOW. } QUESADA ‘ BT @51192A DRP AR } AFF R «e000095/1132 Ks AR SN ah

RAF. Form 96. @ MESSAGE FOR! |B int Onfice Fite No. Wa - No. of Office Date Stamp A, a {> j », | Groups ry Messace A £ i R ‘ out \ i b )) HEADING s ; (Above thus line ts Lor Siguals use only t . FROM ATR STAFF 8.H.A.2.F, FORWARD. j . AR wanistry. usstar.(Vona t.a.r/ ist tac ALP, H.Q. IXTH TAC, REPEATED sana ATR Force. // 7) Surah : TS ssae's Number Date [ee eee) im . BAT Se 7 4 WARCH 19%.5 |} FOLLOWING RECEIVED FROM || H.Q. MENTH 5 TAC ATR COMMAND | DATED 1 MARCH QUOTE PILOTS } REPORT FOLLOWING] AN ALUMINUM 10 _ COLOURED __. | CYLINDER ___ SHAPED OBJECT | COMMA ABOUT'12 | FEET Lote © 15 _AND 1_Foo? Tv. | DIAMETER Was CBSERVED FLOATING IN THE | ATR AT 20 _9,000 FEET (. IT APPEARED | 10 BE SUSEENDED VERTICALLY 25 _WITH SMALL FINS AND A | _ MAST PROJECTING FROM) THE LOWER 30 EnD((.) THR | oBsEcT was | __ATTAcieD anp_| PaRTTArty DEFLATED 38 _COMMA A RED RESULTED | WITHOUT SMOKE} (.)\ THE ___| cypinper=: #2 . DID_Nor. DISIN Are +). PHOTO |. TAKEN BY.’ | 207 SQ. 45 oF 67 TAC/R GROUP AT ° 011030 HOURS | VIC F-5710 ' UNQUOTE (.) 50 “Maybe sentAS WRITTEN *(1) By ANY Signal Method {dendin CYPHER “) by ANY Signal | Dano-Time Group” *(2) NOT by Wireless | A beasts 5 o *() But if lable to Interceptis: is *@ NOT by Wireless Ponce EE ON CLE ag 2 3 6 2 Originator's Instructions oT oa ode er ey NAM Ra EN eal Signatire NAT EDIATE ; “MICA LE Ratna ete ea eee ey red SSE he A jc cate siti sean nase ave nee are Ee 4 . (7 Strike out methods which do net apply. Below this line is for Signals use only ) < Winn ine Y 724699 Wt. 49887/03734 497,000 Pads 3/44 MP 51-8336 » X/

RAF. Form 96. p MESSAGE FORM §Deena otfice Fite No. ws SIN : No.of} Office Date Stamp) Groups " Messace GR : OUT Se PaaS eA PST bpp fleaving 3 . Tn nn (Above ints Bees ter igrets asst a aS FROM . - PAGE 2)- : "REPEATED BRE ene (is es STOR Re a Tee aie ans Tes Number Date (Weate horizontally) ; : 7 _AT. MARCH [Ne OU ArevaWNa ICL eG “te le _PHOTOS _T0. AIR MINISTRY COMMA _ USSTAR Anp | ase.t.u, 10 _ALSO FULL WRITTEN. REPORT BY | PILors CONCERNED 15. REPORTED. REMC alba D1 es Ol j eee Paiste aay : 30, NEN eant tS ORL, ca 40 ie ; ona | ‘ 50 May be sent AS WRITTEN *(1) By ANY Signal Method Sendin CYPHER *()) By ANY Sigal | Date-Time Group *(QNOTby Wireless eet “ «6G Hat if liahte to Inteneptien 7c) by Wireless OWLS A ‘ or Hae f \ Originator's Instructions Signature hares ___ bss Me OY ao ae ee UL t -SeenRS Rank BS Neda oes Want Se TrATE ‘ (Strike our methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals use only ) ia i | i AAAd, is On a wa RT PC 724899 Wt, $9687 /03734 497,000 Pads 3/44 MP 51-8336 ‘

v SHAEF \ STAFF MESSAGE CONTROL TOR 012.008 MARCH Qc =2MARIG48 PRO} : HQ IX TAC SIGNED QUESADA gz 1s> Ba PO :CG SHAEF MAIN ATTN A~2,) CG NINTH AY 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 observea floating in the éir at G,000 ft. It appeared to be suspended vertically with smell fins and a mast projecting from the lower end. the. object was é&btauked ane, partially deflated, a red flame resulted without smoke. The eylinder did not disintegrate). Phote taken by 107 SQ of 67 TAC/R Group at 012030 hours vie F-57210, ACRTON : AIR STAFF We ; loc] Uo INFORMATION : G-2 Pi esis SHAEF FORWARD (DISTRIBUTION) “ AG@ RECORDS ACTON SSE cam Si pillow m/e ir7vered |e Srris ( pha Pea ca AGMA bedi) ees | ; 2 eee _ 2364 eae erie smc IN 320 1 MAR 45 2200A AGD/Aml REF NO; NONE . -SEGREF COPY NO. 13} THE MAKING OF AN “EXACT copy OF THIS MESSAGE 1S FORBIDDEN ae

Ewe A... A.D.1.(K), Air Ministry. Ss bo I> e) Tor A/Cdr, Grierson, S.H.A.E.F,Main, (Air Div.). Copy to C,1,0. 2nd T.A.F. Datezy 17th February 1915. te $0 | Reference your SHAEF AIR/S,37153/A.2 dated 1th February 194.5 with the attached CX report, this probably refers to"Flak Bombe" mentioned in A,D,I,(K) Report No, 562/19). paragraphs 128 and 129, \ ae <9 Fwy : SI AEFM4 : , BI FEB 1945 | = c H ot a S.DjFelkin, Wing Commander, “SSS

, ® } ATR STAFF ®@ eo" t SUARILE HEADQUARTERS i \ \, ALLIED ERERDITIGIARY ‘FORCE. ae Pi f wy PEP: SHARP ATR/T8.37253/A=2. 21 Feb: 5. SUBJECT; Bight: Phenomena. ? TO: Headquarters, U.S.S.T.A.P . (Por attention of Chief Techiical Tntelligerce Officer, Col. Bradley). ay Attached are copies of papers received from the Virat Tac. Air Force(frov). Prom the nusber‘of) reports quoted in , the 2nd W/Ind. from the 415th Night Fighter Scusdron, it would seen that: there mist be somthing more thar were imgination 3 behind the matter, and in view of ‘the feet that: pilots and crews y ‘ere becoming ealightly worried by them, itis considered that : everything possible should be done to get to the root of the $ aa Copies of the reports have been sent tothe Ajr Ministry for vheir consideration, and the Scientific dnveetigation ‘ ’ Division of this Headquarters (lir. Robertsox) has also been asked to corgider the, problem. . 1 Be In the neontine, it in suggested thet it might be as well for en Air Technical’ Intelligence Officer to. visit, the Tnit - gonicermed and obtain reports and impressions at first hand fron "For the Deputy Supreme Comendor, ; ‘ ? Bite ie i Cc. GRIERSOM, ‘ _ 2AVe AG. of 8.4 Ae2, 3 Las sip Staff, STARE State a ‘ ¢

: ‘ , Ele a py Pu an acai ; N ATR STAFF i x SUPREME HEADQUARTERS Nose ‘ ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Ba ° 35 i REF: - ; 1l February 1%.5. TO:- First Tactical Air Force (Prov.), aPo 3%, U.S. ARMY. 1. Reference to your 3rd Indorsement on the subject of night phenomenon originated by the 425th Wight 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 9 Squedron, 2. The matter is, therefore, being referred to the Air Ministry in order to find out whether any further ‘alsa y ge Bn Ree AGUNG Fee Intelligence Officer from USSTAF to visit the Unit concerned, For the Deputy Suprem Comender, . * [ “ ‘“ ie ae . Cu, GRIERSON, A Air Commodore, A.C. of S., An, hy ” .

or a! 2 a ™ a So psserer Oe tL 4 loc rah. & A A G A é 2nd Ind. =-2 HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND (ADV), APO #574, Bee Army, = 4 February 1945, S | cays) E fe MIM TO; Commanding General, Woe Tactical Air Force (Prov) g farpol 94874, U.S. Army. Attn: A/C of S, A-2. i A isc Attention is invited to 2nd W/Ind. fe wn E, Sotdins for LEAVITT CORNING, JR., Lt. Colonel, G. S. C., A/G rot is) A-22 3rd Ind. DEN, HEADQUARTERS, FIRST TACTICAL AIR FORCE (PROV), APO 374, US 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 investigetion 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. ill Vitra s AS mS e Ae IN ry - [2 y qi as Xe Colénel, KO sien \A\ ac of 8, 4xo 1 Incl. Adore air icy = i : #1 ~ 1st & 2nd W/Ind, 23 Jan 45 {>| ak Fl 4 S and 30 Jan 45. rae Kas \ ore & Ne ie <Jeazae a SCRE cqiey eS

SECRET A SECRET “> 5 4 ® Ou: CG, XZI Tac : sInitial 7 3 : sDate: 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 nd 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 ere 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, i We A LEAVITT CORNING, JR., Lt. Colonel, G. S. C., A/C of S, A-2. lst Ind D-B-1 HEADQUARTERS, FIRST TACTICAL AIR FORCE (PROV), AC of S A-2, APO 374, US Arny, 20 Januery 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 whet 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-2s m4 \ eeabun . 2 ms * «] ae 2405 aa 4395 8 V BOYKIN my bl Major AC SECRET Bxecutive Officer

E @ seen @ 1st W/Ind, DeWe2 HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND, APO #574, UeS. Army, 23 January 1945, 70; S-2, 415 Night Fighter Squadron. Forwarded for compliance with paragraph 2 of lst Inde KAVITT CORNING, JR., Lte Colonel, Ge S. Ces A/C of S, An2e 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 lst. 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 (¥-9381) flying at 1000 ft. observed large red light at 2000 ft. going East at 18:40 hrs. Travelling at approximately 200 MPH" Nyght of 16-17 December 1944 - "20 miles North of Breisach (W-0173) at 800 ft. observed 5 or 6 flashing red ond green lights in "T" shape, Thought they were flak. About 10 minutes lester saw the same lights much closer end behind me. We turned port ond 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/¢@ from the ground, Upon reaching altitude of plane, they leveled off ond stayed on my tail for epproximately 2 minutes, Igehte appeared to be a large orance Glow. After staying with a/¢ for approximately 2 minutes, they would peel off and turn away, fly along level for a few mimtes and then go out. They appeared to be under perfect control at all times. Lyghts were seen somewhere in vicinity of Nagenau." SECREE dud +! En

‘ & S4E-G-R-E-T @ ‘ bd 2nd. W/Ind., 415th. Night Fighter Squedron. 30. January 1945 con't, Night of 23-24 December 1944 - "Observed reddish colored flames at . considerable distance end at approximately 10,000 ft." Night of 23-24 December 1944 - "Approximately 10 miles South of Point x (Q6745) noticed to NH approximately 5 miles a glowing red object shooting straight up. Changed suddenly to plane view of a/¢ 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 et 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. Galled GCI Blunder and asked if any B/A were in vicinity. They answered No. Instruded to return to Angels 10. # We f@lt 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 -- "Yhile on vector 090 near V-7050 during i 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." : Nyeht 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 contimed to follow for 5 minutes. Light then pulled up rapidly and went out of sight." 2 N ght of 27-28 December 1944 - "While on North heading in patrol area ndticed in vicinity of Q-1378 lights suspended if 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 - "Bight miles NE of Iuneville 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 clasing in at Angels 10. Pulled up to Angels 8 and lights went out. Galled Churchman to see if there was anything in area, Received a negative reply." : Nyght of 30-31 December 1944 - "Sey a group of lights flying through the air 30 or 40 miles Bast of base while flying at Angels 9 - 10." Night of 1-2 January 1945 - "Saw*Foofighters North of Strasbourg and North of Saverne". : sf Nyght of 14-15 January 1945 - "Observed a large oranze €low in sky approx. 5 ft. in diameter in vicinity of Ingweiller at 6000 ft. at 20300 hrs," : - “Wa97 % 2407 §-E-¢-R-E-T 4

SETI” pL TR ten CU Lak” DL a _. S-E-0-2-E-T- | ® @nd. W/Ind., 415th. Night Fighter Squadron, 30 January 1945 Gon't. Night of 29-30 January 1945 - "At about 00:10 hrs. sighted a Foofighter about half way between Weissembourg and Lendau. 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 Ale in the srea he received a negative answer. ij B. RINGWALD, Captain, A. 6., : Intelligence Officer. % Foofighters is the mame given these phenomenon by combat crews of this - Squadron. : ’ 4 A : ee }