SHAEF Air Staff File 37153: "Foo Fighter" / Night Phenomena and Cylindrical Object Reports, ETO, 1944,1945

[page 1]
## DECLASSIFIED

Authority:

NND 947020

FILE COPY
63A

AIR STAFF
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
(FORWARD)

REF:-- SHAFF/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 phenonema (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 Bombor Command crews have for some time boon reporting anilar phononema.

2. The Air Ministry view is that a few of the alleged aircraft may have been e.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 Commonore
A.C. of S., A-20

2354

4336

[page 2]
T

A/Cmdr. Grierson,
A.C. of S. A-2
Air Staff S.H.A.E.F

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

| Date:   | 13th March, 1945.   |
|-|-|
| Ref:    | 111/45/DDI2 AR1945  |

FD

6c 37153
BALLS OF FIRE DO RED.

[page 3]
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS

ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORWARD) Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff

(61A

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

14 March 1945

SUBJECT: Request for Photographs.

TO LHQ. 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 .I.380 dated 4 arch, 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

Message: 37153
Heading: OUT

Signal Code File No. 581

No. of Groups: GR
Office Date Stamp: <empty>

SIGNALS OFFICE
- 5 MAR 1945
SIGNALS HEADQUARTERS

(Above this line is for Signals use only)
FROM AIR STAFF, SHAFF. (FORWARD). <signature>
TO AIR MINISTRY, WHITEHALL.

REPEATED

## The papers dealing with (cont.)

| inator's Number<br />A.I. 321   | Date<br />5 MARCH 1945.   | (Write horizontally)   | YOUR AX 222     | 4TH MARCH(.5    |
|-|-|-|-|-|
| UNDERSTAND.                     | FROM DRI2                 | VISITING               | HERE TODAY      | THAT ALL 10     |
| AVAILABLE                       | BOMB                      | TORPEDOES              | FROM            | TRIPPELWERKE 15 |
| -MOLSHEIM                       | ALD                       | BEEL                   | TO HOHLCHURCH() | DDI2. 20        |
| WILL CHECK                      | FURTHER WITH              | USSTAF AND             | REPORT CIT      | RETURN TO 25    |
| -U.K.- ABOUT                    | 8TH MARCH()               |                        |                 | 30              |
|                                 |                           |                        |                 | 35              |
|                                 |                           |                        |                 | 40              |
|                                 |                           |                        |                 | 45              |
|                                 |                           |                        |                 | 50              |

## The papers dealing with (cont.)

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
Send in CYPHER *(1) By ANY Signal Method *(2) NOT by Wireless

Signature: <signature>
Signature: 2359

Rank: <signature>
Rank: <empty>

(* Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Summary use only.)

Date-Time Group
05 1700 A.

Originator's Instructions
Degree of Priority
SCHEDULE
IMPORTANT

(Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals use only)

| Systeto<br />in   | Time<br />in   | Reader   | Sender   | Systema<br />out   | Time<br />out   | Reader   | Sender   | System<br />out   | Time<br />4344   | Reader   | Sender   | T.O.R. 051716   |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|                   |                |          |          |                    |                 |          |          |                   |                  |          |          | T.O.R. 051716   |

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

[page 5]
- **Origin:** Air Ministry, Whitehall
- **Identifier:** 37153
- **Other markings:** "ASOS", "236", "04143 2 A.", a stamp with "SIGNA" and "4 MA", and some red markings.

TO

S.H.A.E.F. (FORWARD)

FOR AIR COMMODORE GRIERSON-ED

1945

HAEFM NO

fivd.

5MAR1945

ABLE XRAY TWO TWO TWO FOURTH MARCH

11c

A

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

[page 6]
IMMEDIATE

25 MAR 1945
56A 90

1-IAEFN <signature>
5 MAR 1945
10c. A 37/53

ARSTAFF
DISTRIBUTION
ACTION
.NFOR.
A.-
A-
A-B
A-3
A-4
G
C

989/21

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 #51102A
DRP AR
AFF R ...05/1132 KS AR

2361

4346

1136

## The papers dealing with (cont.)

R.A.F. Form 96.
MESSAGE FORM
Signal Office File No. 91

MESSAGE: 37153
No. of Groups: 55
GR

OFFICE DATE STAMP:
SIGNALS OFFICE
4 MAR 1945
SIGNALS HEADQUARTERS

heading: OUT

(Above this line is for Signals use only)

FROM: AIR STAFF S.H.A.E.F. FORWARD.
TO: W41TEHALL AIR MINISTRY. USSTAF. (M) 2nd T.A.F. (M) 1ST TAC A.F. H.Q. IXTH TAC.
REPEATED: NINTH AIR FORCE. (M)

## The papers dealing with (cont.)

| Otor's Number<br />AI. 320   | Date<br />4 MARCH 1945   | (Write horizontally)<br />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 FLANE            | 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 |

## The papers dealing with (cont.)

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

Send in CYPHER *(1) By ANY Signal Method
*(2) NOT by Wireless

Date-Time Group: <empty>

Signature: <empty>
Signature: 2362
IMMEDIATE

Rank: <empty>
Rank: <empty>

Originator's Instructions
Degree of Priority

(Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals use only)

| Syster<br />in   | Time<br />in   | Reader   | Sender   | Systema<br />out   | Time<br />out   | Reader   | Sender   | System<br />out   | Time<br />Out   | Reader   | Sender   | T.O.R.   |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|                  |                |          |          |                    |                 |          |          |                   |                 | 4347     |          | T.O.R.   |

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

[page 8]
MESSAGE FORM Signal Office File No. <empty>

| R.A.F.   | Form   | 96. MESSAGE FORM   | ignal                      | Office File No..   |
|-|-|-|-|-|
| MESSAGE  | IN     |                    | No. of<br />Groups<br />GR | Office Date Stamp  |
| HEADING  | OUT    |                    | No. of<br />Groups<br />GR | Office Date Stamp  |

(Above this line is for Signals use only)
FROM <empty>
TO <empty>
- PAGE 2 -

## REPEATED

## REPEATED (cont.)

| Donor's Number<br />_ AI.   | Date<br />MARCH   | (Write horizontally)   |            | S             |
|-|-|-|-|-|
| 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            |
|                             |                   | 4248                   |            | 44 45         |
|                             |                   |                        |            | 50            |

[page 9]
SECRET

# SHAEF
STAFF MESSAGE CONTROL

54A

# INCOMING MESSAGE

JEUS

SHAN

02/1

800 011947A MARCH

TOR 012100A MARCH
mhm 01.2115A MARCH

SECRED

OP PRIORITY

HAEFM fud

## 92 MAR1945

FROM : HQ IX TAC SIGNED QUESADA
TO : CG SHAFF MAIN ATTN A-2, CG NINTH AF ADV ATTN A-2
REF NO : NONE, 1 MARCH 1945
37153

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

INFORMATION

: AIR STAFF

: G-2
SHAEF FORWARD
AG RECORDS

MP. 164/14.

AIR STAFF DISTRIBUTION

ACTION: A-2
NFOR.: [x]

ACTION: A-3
NFOR.: [ ]

ACTION: A-4
NFOR.: [ ]

ACTION: S11
NFOR.: [ ]

ACTION: A G
NFOR.: [x]

2364 4249

SMC IN 310 1 MAR 45 2200A AGD/wmil REF NO: NONE

SECRET
SECRET

COPY NO.

8

THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN

[page 10]
:- A.D. I. (K), Air Ministry.

OLUS SA

To:- A/Car. Grierson, S.H.A.E.F.Main,
(Air Div.).
Copy to C. I.0. 2nd T.A.F.

Date: 17th February 1945.

SIA

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.

DA

SI-AEFMAIN
FWD
21 FEB 1945
5 C ▲ 37/53
<signature>
S.D. Felkin,
Wing Commander.

SDF/GJ

2365

4350

[page 11]
AIR STAFF
SU REME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.

48A

REF: SHAEF ATR/T8.37153/A-2.

11 February 125.

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 alightly 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 (r. 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>

2402

C.M. GRIERSON,
Air Commodore,
A.C. of S., A-2,
Air Staff, SHARE

4091

[page 12]
FIL 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 15th 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 hoped to make, arrangements for an Air f8cffeal Intelligence information can be obtained from that 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 Plean return to A2 Jul SECRET GAF 46A 051400 B
2nd Ind. D-W-2

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.

SI-IAEFMAIN
8 FEB 1945
A 15

<signature>
for LEAVITT CORNING, JR.,
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.

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

789 SHAEF MAIN эхо 8 FEB 1945 REGISTRY. AIR Az 12 13 14 18/19
12 102

<signature>
C. A. YOUNG,
Colonel, AC,
AC of S, A-2

SECRET

4393
2404
307

- 2 -

# INCOMING MESSAGE (cont.)

## 92 MAR1945 (cont.)

SECRET

SECRET
TH: CG, XLI TAC
Initial <signature>
Date: 16 Jan 1945

00

HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND (ADV) Office of the A/C of S, A-2

D-C-1

APO 374, US Army,
16 January 1945.

SUBJECT: Night Phenomenon.

ΤΟ 00 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.

[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.

John E. woolley
[x] LEAVITT CORNING, JR., 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.

[page 16]
SE-C-R-E-T

# INCOMING MESSAGE (cont.)

## 92 MAR1945 (cont.)

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 (26745) 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. Instruded 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."

# INCOMING MESSAGE (cont.)

## 92 MAR1945 (cont.)

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."

L

N ght 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 clasing 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."

[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.

<signature>
F. B. RINGWALD,
Captain, A. C.,
Intelligence Officer.

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

S-E-C-R-E-T

2408 - 4393