--- PAGE 1 ---
[DECLASSIFIED]
Authority:
NND 947020

[stamp: FILE COPY]
[handwritten: 63A]

AIR STAFF
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
(FORWARD)

REF:- SHAEF/A/TS.37153/A.2.
SUB:- Night Phenomena.
TO:- First Tactical Air Force (Prov.) APO 374, US ARMY.

16 March 1945.

1. With reference to reports forwarded from the XIIIth
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 ---
[strikethrough: SECRET]
To
A/Cmdr. Grierson,
A.C. of S. A-2 [stamp: 62A]
Air Staff S.H.A.E.F.

From : Air Ministry, D.D.I.2.

Date : 13th March, [stamp: SMAEF. F D]1945.

Ref : 111/45/DDI2.[stamp: MAR1945]
6c A 37/53
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.
[handwritten signature]
- 2-355 4337
E. D. M. Hopkins
Group Captain

--- PAGE 3 ---
[strikethrough: S-SCR-H]

SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORWARD)
Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff A-2 (CIA)
14 March 1945.

REF : SHAEF/AIR/S.37193/A-2

SUBJECT: Request for Photographs.

TO : 1 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-1.380
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
Office Date Stamp
[handwritten in red: 37153]
No. of Groups GR

[stamp: SIGNALS OFFICE
-5 MAR 1945
SIGNALS HEADQUARTERS]

[handwritten: File]

IN
MESSA
OUT
HEADING

(Above this line is for Signals use only)
FROM AIR STAFF, SHANF. (FORWARD).
TO AIR MINISTRY, WHITEHALL.

REPEATED

Originator's Number Date (Write horizontally)
A.I. 321 5 MARCH 1945. YOUR AX 222 4TH MARCH(.) 5
UNDERSTAND FROM DDI2 VISITING HERE TODAY THAT ALL 10
AVAILABLE BOMB TORPEDOES FROM [unclear: TRIPPELWERKE?] 15
-MOLSTEIN HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT TO HOHCHURCH(.) DDI2. 20
WILL CHECK FURTHER WITH USSTAF AND REPORT ON RETURN TO 25
-U.K. ABOUT 8TH MARCH(.) 30
35
40
45
50

May be sent AS WRITTEN *(1) By ANY Signal Method Send in CYPHER *(1) By ANY Signal Method Date-Time Group
*(2) NOT by Wireless *(2) NOT by Wireless 05 1700 X.
*(3) But if liable to Interception or Capture SEND IN CYPHER
Signature [handwritten: Fulterer] Signature 2359 Originator's Instructions
Degree of Priority
Rank [handwritten: A/Cdr] Rank [strikethrough: IMMEDIATE] IMPORTANT
(*.Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals use only )

System in Time in Reader Sender System out Time out Reader Sender T.O.R.
[handwritten: 4344] [handwritten: 031716]
[handwritten: N/Lodge]

724899 WL. 49887/03734 497,000 Pads 3/44 MP 51-8336

--- PAGE 5 ---
[handwritten:] 2 [hole punch]
[handwritten:] 37153
[handwritten:] 2300 [strikethrough: 2307]
[handwritten:] A/O/S
[typed:] 041432A.
[handwritten:] HAEFM N
[handwritten:] Fwd.
[stamp:] SIGNA [unclear: AIR] 24 MAR 1945
[handwritten:] 57A
[handwritten:] 5 MAR 1945
[handwritten:] A llc

FROM AIR MINISTRY WHITEHALL.
TO S.H.A.E.F. (FORWARD) FOR AIR COMMODORE GRIERSON-HD

ABLE XRAY TWO TWO TWO FOURTH MARCH [strikethrough: SHOBED] FD
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 MOISHEIM AND REPLY JIG MIKE ROGER SLANT
ONE TWO TWO DATED SECOND JANUARY BULK DELIVERIES HAVE NOT REPEAT NOT YET
BEGUN FD PLEASE INVESTIGATE AS STOCKS ARE REQUIRED URGENTLY.

[handwritten:] mnR.987/

AIR STAFF
DISTRIBUTION
ACTION | NFOR.
-------|-------
A.2 [x] | A.2
A.3 | A.3
A.4 | A.4
S.I. | S.I.
A.G. | [illegible]
[illegible] | S.M.O [x]

PRIORITY IMPORTANT

[typed:] 2360
[typed:] 4345
[faint angled text:] IMPORTANT

--- PAGE 6 ---
[stamp: IMMEDIATE]
[date stamp: 25 MAR 1945]
[handwritten: 56A]
[handwritten: 90]

[stamp: 1-HAEFN] [handwritten: fwd]
[date stamp: 5 MAR 1945]
[handwritten: 10c.] [stamp: A] [handwritten: 37/153]

[box with header: A R STAFF]
[box sub-header: DISTRIBUTION]
[box column headers: ACTION | INFOR.]
[box rows:]
A-1:
A-2:
A-3:
A-4:
G: [handwritten checkmark] [handwritten 56A] [handwritten checkmark]
[handwritten: 989/21]

[strikethrough: AF V JEZO NR ITS 21 OPOP]

FROM: HQ IX TAC 051102A
TO: AIR STAFF S.H.A.E.F. FORWARD
[strikethrough: SECRET QOY 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

[handwritten: 2361]
[handwritten: 4346] [handwritten: 1136]

--- PAGE 7 ---
R.A.F. Form 96. MESSAGE FORM Signal Office File No.
[handwritten: 37153] No. of Groups
[handwritten in circle: 654] GR Office Date Stamp
[stamp: SIGNALS OFFICE
4 MAR 1945
SIGNALS HEADQUARTERS]

MESSAGE
OUT
HEADING

(Above this line is for Signals use only)
FROM AIR STAFF S.H.A.E.F. FORWARD.

TO W4ITHALL
AIR MINISTRY. USSTAF. (M) 2nd T.A.F. (M) 1ST TAC A.F. H.Q. IXTH TAC.

REPEATED NINTH AIR FORCE. (M)

Originator's Number Date (Write horizontally) RECEIVED FROM H.Q. NINTH 5
AI. 320 4 MARCH 1945 FOLLOWING
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

May be sent AS WRITTEN *(1) By ANY Signal Method
*(2) NOT by Wireless
*(3) But if liable to Interception
or Capture SEND IN CYPHER

Signature. [handwritten: 2362] Originator's Instructions
Rank Degree of Priority
[stamp: IMMEDIATE]

Send in CYPHER *(1) By ANY Signal Method
*(2) NOT by Wireless
Date-Time Group.

(*Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals use only)
System Time Reader Sender System Time Reader Sender T.O.R.
in in out out
[handwritten: 4347]

724899 Wt. 49887/03734 497,000 Pads 3/44 MP 51-8336.

--- PAGE 8 ---
R.A.F. Form 96. MESSAGE FORM
Signal Office File No. V
No. of Groups
GR
Office Date Stamp

IN

MESSAGE

OUT

HEADING

(Above this line is for Signals use only)
FROM

TO

- PAGE 2 -

REPEATED

Originator's Number Date (Write horizontally)
AI. 4 MARCH 5
PHOTOS TO AIR MINISTRY COMMA USSTAF AND A.C.I.U. 10
ALSO FULL WRITTEN REPORT BY PILOTS CONCERNED 15
(.) ANY FURTHER INSTANCES ALSO TO BE 20
REPORTED (.) 25
30
35
40
[handwritten: 4243] 45
50

May be sent AS WRITTEN *(1) By ANY Signal Method Send in CYPHER *(1) By ANY Signal Date-Time Group
*(2) NOT by Wireless Method
*(3) But if liable to Interception [strikethrough: *(2) NOT by Wireless] [handwritten: 041745A]
or Capture SEND IN CYHHER
Signature [handwritten: Shilbreain] Signature [handwritten: 2363] Originator's Instructions
Degree of Priority
Rank [handwritten: Ag/d.] Rank [strikethrough: SHORTER]
IMMEDIATE
(*Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals use only)

System in Time in Reader Sender System out Time out Reader Sender T.O.R.
[handwritten: Smith 187]

724899 Wt. 49687/03734 497,000 Pads 3/44 MP 51-8336

--- PAGE 9 ---
[strikethrough: SECRET]
[strikethrough: SECRET] [stamp: (5 4A)]
SHA EF
STAFF MESSAGE CONTROL
INCOMING MESSAGE

JEUS SHA.M. 862/1
TOO 011947A MARCH TOR 012100A MARCH
mbm 012115A MARCH

[strikethrough: S E C R E T]
O P PRIORITY [handwritten: 1HAEFM²] [handwritten: fwd]
[handwritten: qK] 2 MAR 1945
[stamp: 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 [handwritten: mB. 164/14.]
INFORMATION : G-2 AIR STAFF
SHA EF FORWARD DISTRIBUTION
AG RECORDS ACTION | INFOR.
      A - 2 | [X] | A - 1 | ---
      A - 3 | --- | A - 3 | ---
      A - 4 | --- | A - 4 | ---
      S/1 | --- | S/1 | ---
      A G | --- | C. | [X]

2364 4.49
SMC IN 310 1 MAR 45 2200A AGD/vml REF NO: NONE
[strikethrough: S E C R E T]
THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN [illegible character] [handwritten: COPY NO. 8]

--- PAGE 10 ---
:- A.D.I. (K), Air Ministry.
[strikethrough: SECRET] PLUS 3A

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.

Reference your SHAEF AIR/S.37153/A.2
dated 14th February 1945 with the attached
GX report, this probably refers to "Flak Bombe"
mentioned in A.D.I. (K) Report No.562/1944,
paragraphs 128 and 129.
51A
52A

FWD
SHAEF MAIN
21 FEB 1945
5C [red triangle symbol] 37/53
[signature flourish]
S.D.Felkin,
Wing Commander.

SDF/GJ

2365
4350

--- PAGE 11 ---
AIR STAFF
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.

REF: SHAEF AIR/T8.37153/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,

[Signature: unclear]
C.M. GRIERSON,
Air Commodore,
A.C. of S., A-2,
Air Staff, SHAEF.

- 2402
- 4891

[oval stamp: 48A]

--- PAGE 12 ---
[strikethrough: SECRET]
[handwritten in red ink: FILE COPY]
[handwritten: !]
[handwritten, circled: 47A]

AIR STAFF
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

REF:- [handwritten: 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 also
information can be obtained from that source. It is
hoped to make arrangements for an Air Technical Intelligence
Officer from USSTAF to visit the Unit concerned.

For the Deputy Supreme Commander,

[Signature]
C.M. GRIERSON,
Air Commodore,
A.C. of S., A-2.

- 2403 . - 4392

--- PAGE 13 ---
37153
[strikethrough: S E C R E T]
Please return to A2 Sah
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.

for John E. Woolley
LEAVITT CORNING, JR.,
Lt. Colonel, G. S. C.,
A/C of S, A-2.

3rd Ind.
HEADQUARTERS, FIRST TACTICAL AIR FORCE (PROV), APO 374, U S Army, 5 February 1945.
D-Y-1
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.

1 Incl.
#1 - 1st & 2nd W/Ind, 23 Jan 45
and 30 Jan 45.

[handwritten: 15]
[handwritten: 051400]
[handwritten: GAF 46A]
D-W-2
[stamped: SI-HAEFMAIN]
[handwritten: A] [handwritten: 15C]

[signature: CalYoung]
C. A. YOUNG,
Colonel, AC,
AC of S, A-2

[circular stamp: SHAEF MAIN AIR - 8 FEB 1945 A2 REGISTRY.]

[strikethrough: S E C R E T]

- 2 -
[handwritten: 4393]
2404
[handwritten: 307]

--- PAGE 14 ---
SECRET
TH: CG, XII TAC
Initial: [unclear: initials?]
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.

[Signature]
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- [strikethrough: SECRET]
4395 [Signature]
S V BOYKIN
Major AC
Executive Officer

--- PAGE 15 ---


--- PAGE 16 ---
S-E-C-R-E-T

2 nd. 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 S-E-C-R-E-T 4397

--- PAGE 17 ---
[strikethrough: S E C R E T]

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 Weissenbourg 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.

                                        [handwritten signature]
                                        F. B. RINGWALD,
                                        Captain, A. C.,
                                        Intelligence Officer.

* Foofighters is the name given these phenomenon by combat crews of this
  Squadron.

[strikethrough: S E C R E T]
- 2408 - 4393