331_120752_Numeric_Files_1944–1945_37153_German_Armament_Equipment_Documents

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DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 947020 FILE OPY 63A AIR BEATE SUPRESAR TRADQUARETRS ALLIED EXENDI VICHALY FORCE (FORWARD) KNE: - SHATE/A/18.37153/4.2. SUB: - 111ght Phenonema. 18 arch 1945. TU: - Pirat Tactical Kir Force (Prov.) APD 374, US ARMY. With reforence to reporte Cariended from the XIEth Tactical Air Cormand through your Meadquartern on the subjent of night phenonema (foolighter), and further to this Hoodquarters' Lotter of eveii reference dated ]l Februnry, a zeply haa now been received fron the Air Miniatry wio say that Bombor Comind crows have for some time boon ropor ling aiii am phononema. The Air nintry Viow lo that a fow al the alleged aizcraft rey have been Me, 262's and for the reat, floll rockets It is regretted that no further, or more definite, infortation can be given. for the Deputy Suprene Cormender, C.M. GROMRSON A.0. 0.m, 9-2. 2354 4336

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A/cmdr. Grierson, A.C. of S. A-2 Air Staff S.H.A.B.F Fr Air Ministry, D.D.I.2. Date : 15th March, 1945. F. D Ref : 111/45/DPT2#AR1945 BATTS OF VIRE - R830. 34153 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 tine been reporting simi- lar phenonema. A few of the alleged aircraft may have been Me. 262 and for the reat, 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. - 23 55 ні творіні M. Hopkins Group Captair

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-S SOR ST SUPREME HEADQUART ARS ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORWARD) Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff A-2 L/A 14 March 1945 R SF : SHAEP/ AIR/S.37183/A-2 SUBJSCT: Request for Photographs• TO ¿ HQ. IST 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 - 1.380 Autod 4 March, this office has since been informad by HQ. IX TAC. That the pictures of "Long oylindrical objeots" claimed by the 107th P.R. Squadron pilot provedito be unsuccessful. For the Deputy Supreme Commender: T. Go /MSS. Lt-Col. AC• A-2 RECCE. 2356 - 4338

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R.A.F. Form 96. IN ESSAGE FORM MESSA 37153 OUT HEADING FROM (Above this line is lor Signals use outy) AIR STAFP, SHANE. (FORWARD). TO AIR MOLESTRY, WEENIE. REPEATED or's Number 321 _UNDERSTAND Date 5 BARCH 194,5. BROM DO12 (While horizontally) VISITIG _ AVAILABLE TORE DOGS. TANTE MIYA - TILL CHECK. - NOTNE USSIAT AND -U.K.- ABOUT Signal No. off Groups GR le File No. 58A Office Date Stamp SIGNALS OFFICE - 5 MAR 1945 SIGNALS HEADQUARTERS ilo YOUR AX 222 DODAY PROA REPORT .ORT - May be sent AS WRITTEN °(1) By ANY Signal Method *(2) NOT by Wireless *(3) But if liable to Interception Ot Capture SEND IN CYPHER Send in CYPHER *(J) By ANY Signature. Rank Sigaal Method *(2) NOT by Wireless Signature. 2359 aл0er iRank. (° Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals lise only ) Systeto Time in Reader Sender Systero out Time out Reader Senderne System Time out 434 reader 4175 MARCHI(.) SAT ALL 10 JRIPEEENERKE 15 20 RISSURE 70 25 30 35 40 45 50 Date- Time Group 05 1700 Originator's Instructions Degree of Priority. Sender T.O.B. 031716 A kales. 724899 WL. 49887/03734 497.000 Pade 3/44 MP 51-8336

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231 04/43 2 A FRO AIR MINISTRY WHITEHAIL, TO S.H.A.E.F. (FORWARD) FOR AIR COMMODORE GRIE = 5 MAR1945 ABLE XRAY TWO TWO TWO FOURTH MARCH • 23 REFERENCE MIKESUGARWIILJAN SIX DATED SECOND JANUARY ONENIN EFOURFIVE FROM VCAS TO AIR MARSHAL ROBB STRESSING IMPORTANCE OF RECOVÉRING BULK STOCKS OF GERMAN BOMB TORPEDOES FROM TRIPPEIWERKE MOISHETM AND REPIY JIG MIKE ROGER SLANT ONE TWO TWO DATED SECOND JANUARY BULK DELIVERIES HAVE NOT REFEAT NOT YEP BEGUN PD PIEASE INVESTIGATE AS STOCKS ARE REQUIRED URGENTLY. m1B.9871 AIR STAFF DISTRIBUTION ACTION .NFOR. A - 2 A - 2 A 3 A 3 A - 4 PRIORITY IMPORTANT -- 4345 2360 IMPORTANT SMC .

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IMMEDIATE 1-IAERN - 5 MAR1945 10c. 37153 - feud 5 MAR 19 STA 90 F. S AFT DISTRIBUTION IN .NPOR. A 989/21 FF V JEZO NETS 21- OPOR 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 051102A DRP AR AFF R •••••05/1132 KS AR 2361 - 4346 113!

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R.A.F. Form 96. MESSAGE FORM 3713 MESSAGE OUT Signal Office File No. o. of Offce Date Stamp 65N Groups GR SIGNALS FIC HEADING Ens FROM (Above tit hiac is for Signals use only) AIR SIAFF S.H.A.E.F. FORWARD. 10 ATR MINISTRY. USSTAF. MRna T.A.P. *)IST PAC A.P. H.Q. IXTH TAC. REPEATED NINTH AIR FORCE. (M) AI. 's Number 320• Date 4 MARCH 1945 (Wrie horizontally) FOLLOWING RECEIVED FROM H.Q. NINTH 5 TAC AIR COMMAND COLOURED DATED 1 MARCH CYLINDER QUOTE PILOTS REPORT FOLLOWING AN ALUMINUM 10 SHAPIND 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 END ( •) _ THE OBJECT WAS ATTACKED AND PARITALLY DEFLATED COMMA A RED FLANE RESULTEE 30 35 40 45 _DID. NOT DISINVEGRATE OF 67 TAC/R GROUP AT May be sent AS WRITTEN *(1) By ANY Signal Metiod *(2) NOT by Wireless *(3) But if liable to Interceptio or Capture SEND IN СУРНЕК WITHOUT SMOKE (.) THE CYLINDER (.)_ PHOTO TAKEN BY 107 SQ. 011030 HOURS VIC F-5710 ' UNQUOTE (•) 50 end in CYPHER *(I) By ANY Signal Dase- Time Group Method *(2) NOT by Wireless 2362 Signature. Signature. Originator's Instructions Degree of Priority IMMEDIATE Rank ('.Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals use only ) Systero in Time in Reader Sender Systera Time 011! out Reader Sender System out - Time out Reader 4347 T.O.R. Sender 724899 WL 49887/03734 497,000 Pade 3/44 MP 51-8336 •

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R.A.F. Form 96. TIN MESSAGE OUT FlEADING MESSAGE FORM Agnal Office File No. No. of Office Date Stamp Groups GR (Above this tine is for Signais use ouly) FROM TO REPEATED ne'or's Number _AI. PHOTOS ALSO FULL TO - (.) ANY _REPORTED (.) Date 4 MARCH AIR MINISTRY WRITTEN FURTHER - PAGE 2 - (Wale horizontally) COMMA REPORT BY INSTANCES USSTAF PILOIS ALSQ.. TO AND 4:48 May be sent AS WRITTEN °(1) By ANY Signal Method *(2) NOT by Wireless *(3) Butif liable to Iniceceptio Send in CYPHER °(1) By ANY Signal "Method ° (2) NOT by Wireless Signature Shitesen or Capture SEND IN CYPHET Signature 2363 Rank анси fRank (* Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals use only ) Systera Time in Reader Sender Systema out lunc DEST Reader Sender Symem out - Time out Reader 5 A.C.I.U. 10 CONCERNED 15 BO 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Date-Time Group 04.1, 745A. Originator's Instructions Degree of Priority SEORET IMMEDIATE Sender T.O.R. Smith 187 7:4899 WL. 49887/03734 497,000 Pade 3/44 MP 51-8336

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SECRET SHAEF STAFF MESSAGE CONTROL SECRET 5 4A J405 INCOMING MESSAGE/ TOR 012100A MARCH COO 0L1947A MARCH mhm 01.2115A MARCH furd FROM REE DO OREBIOBILY HYAEFN - 2 MAR1945 : HQ IX TAC SIGNED QUESADA 37153 :CO SHAEE MAIN ATTN A-2, CG WINTH AB ADV ATTIN A"₴ : NONE, 1 MARCH 1945 Pilots report the following. An aluminum colored cylinder sheped object, about 12 ft long and 1 fo in diameter was observea floating in the sir at 9,000 ft. It appeared to be suspended vertically with smell ins and a mast projecting from the lower end. The object was attacked and partlally deflated, a red flame resulted without smoke. The cylinder d1d not disintegrate.. Photo taken by 107 SQ of 67 TAC/R Group at 012.030 hours vic E-5730. A CUION INFORMATION : AIR STAFF : G-2 SHAEP FORWARD AG RECORDS m/R. . 164/14. AIR STAFF DISTRIBUTION NFOR. ACTION A -2 3 A -3 A - 4 G 2364 SMC IN 320 1 MAR 45 2200A AGD/wnl REF NO: NONE SECRET 2AEZ THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN COPY NO. 8

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LOS SA : - A.D. I. (K), Air Ministry® 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. Reference your SHAEF ATR/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. FWD SHAEFMAIN 21 FEB 1945 5 C 37153 SiA S.D.Felkin, Wing Commander. SDF/GJ 2365 4350

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AIR STAFE S ROMES HRADQUARTERS ATLIND IXENDISICRARY FORCE. REP: SHARE ATR/18.37153/A-2. 12. February 1945. SUBJECI: Night Phenomena. TO: Hendquarters, U.S.S.T.A.F (For attention of Chief Techtical Intelligence Offices, Col. Bradley). 1 Attached are copies of papers received fron the Virat Tac. Air Force (Prov). Iron the number of reports quoted in the 2nd. w/Ind from the 415th Night Pighter Sousdron, it would seem that there must be somthing more than have irgination behind the matter, and in view of the faet that pilots and crews ere becoming alightly vorried by them, it in corsidered that everything possible should be done to get to the root of the matter. 2. Copien of the reports have been sent to the Air Ministry for their considoration, and the Scientifle Investigation Division of this Headquarters (lir. Robertson) hag alao been asked to cotialder the problem. In the nantino, it is supgested that is might be as well for en Air Jochnical Intelligence Officon to visit the Unit sorcerod and obtain reports and impressions at first hand fron aircrew personnel. For the Deputy Suprene Commender - 2402 - 291 C.M. GRIERSON Aiz: Commodore, A.C. of S., A-2, Air Staff, STARD

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FIT Copy REE': - TO: - AIR STAFF SUPREE HEADQUARIARS ALLIND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE 37153 11 Febzuary 1945. Pirat Tactical Air Force (Prov.), APO 374, U.S. ARMY. 1. Reference to your 3rd Indorsement on the subject of night phenomenon originated by the 4,15th Night Fighter Squadron, there is no information at this Headquartera which might explain the nature and cause of the lights and other phenomena described. by the pilots of this Squ dron. 2. The matter is, therefore, being referred to the Air Ministry in order to find out whether any fuzthey elso no to me a beaten an at foamifeal Intelligence hoped to make, arrangements Officer from USSIAP to visit the Unit concerned. For the Deputy Suprene Commender, Serian C.M. GRIMESCE, Air Commodore, 1.C. of 8., A-2. - 2403 4892

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37153 71400 46A 2nd Ind. GAE® HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND (ADV), APO #374, Army 1 February 1945. TA FMAIN TO: Come Any: General, It at Batical Atr Force (Prov) BO19574, IS C Attention is invited to 2nd WInd. LEAVITT CORNING, JR. Lt. Colonel, G. S. Co, A/c of S, A-2. 3rd Ind. D-Y-1 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 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. 8 1 1 Incl. #1 - lst & 2nd W/Ind, 23 Jan 45 and 30 Jan 45. 10 111|12/13 MAIN NIR 1945 8 FEB REGISTRY. Ca voung YOUNG, Colonel, A0, AC of S, A-2 2404 4393 307 - 2 -

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SECRET SECRET TH: CG, XII TAC Initial :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 : Commending 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 subjoet, such as similar experiences of other night units". 2. Further information is requested. Leavitt drun LEAVITT CORNING, JR., Lt. Colonel, G. S. Co, 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 Army, 20 January 1945 TO: AC of S A-2, XII Tactical Air Command, APO 374, US Army l. 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- SECRET ви. S V BOYKIN Major AC Executive Officer

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ist W/Ind. D-W- 2 HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND, APO #574, U.S. Army, 23 January 1945. TO: S-2, 415 Night Fighter Squadron. Forwarded for compliance with paragraph 2 of Ist Ind. John E. coolley LEAVITT CORNING, JR., Lt• Colonel, G. S. Co, A/C of S, A-2. 2nd. W/Ind. 415th. NICHT 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 verious pilots who have encountered the Night Phenomenon are subnitted for your information. Night of 14-15 December 1944 - "In vicinity of Erstein (V-9381) flying at 1000 ft. observed large red light at 2000 ft. going East at 18:40 hrs. Travelling at approximately 200 MPH" 800 ft. observed 5 or 6 flashing red and green lights in "" shape. Thought they were flak. About 10 minutes later saw the same lights much closer and behind me. We turned port and Starboard and the lights followed. They closed in to about 8 0'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 coning towards A/e from the ground. Upon reaching eltitude of plane, they leveled off and stayed on my tail for approximately 2 minutes. Lights appeared to be a large orange glow. After staying with A/c for approximately 2 minutes, they would peel off and turn away, fly along level for a few minutes and then go out. They appeared to be under perfect control at all times. Lights were seen somewhere in vicinity of Hagenau." 2406 96

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S*E-C-R-E-T 2 nơ. W/Ind., 415th. Night Fighter Squadron 30. January 1945 con't. Night of 23-24 December 1944 - "Observed reddish colored flanes 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 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.. Aîter seeing yellow streaks, made starboard vector lost altitude and streaks disappeared from view. Called CCI Blunder and asked if any B/4 were in vicinity. They answered No. Instruded to return to Angels 10. Ve felt what was thought to be prop wash; very distinct. Noticed several groups of lights off port while patrolling in vicinity of 2-9050 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 ve observed airborne white lights. They were staggered evenly vertically and ve could see from l to 4 swing at once. They appeared stationary at 10,000 ft." Night of 26-27 December 1941 - "Observed light at same altitude while in vicinity of Vorms. 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." I ght of 27-28 December 1944 - "While on North heading in patrol area nôticed in vicinity of Q-1378 lights suspended ih 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 it. to 2000 ft. to rear and clösing 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 Bast 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 Januery 1945 - "Observed a large orange glow in sky approx. 5ft. in diameter in vicinity of Ingweiller at 6000 ft. at 20:00 hrs." 2407 S-D-C-R-E-T 4397

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S DORIT 2nd. /Inâ., 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/e in the area he received a negative answer. RINGV ALT Captain, A. C., Intelligence Officer. * Foofighters is the name given these phenomenon by combat crews of this squadron. S-D-0-I-I-T - 2408 - 4293