The Rendlesham Forest Incident

Over several nights in December 1980, US Air Force personnel stationed at RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge in Suffolk, England encountered and investigated a UFO in Rendlesham Forest. The incident involved multiple witnesses, physical evidence, and an audio recording by Deputy Base Commander Lt. Col. Charles Halt.

The First Night

December 26, 1980:

• Security patrol saw lights
• Investigated in forest
• Found triangular craft
• Touched the object
• It departed

Staff Sergeant Jim Penniston

The senior NCO:

• Led initial patrol
• Approached the craft
• Touched its surface
• Made detailed notes
• Described symbols on hull

Airman John Burroughs

With Penniston:

• Witnessed the craft
• Observed lights
• Felt strange effects
• Later had health issues
• Consistent account

The Object

Witnesses described:

• Triangular shape
• Metallic surface
• Covered in symbols
• Colored lights
• On landing gear

The Second Night

December 27-28:

• Lights returned
• Lt. Col. Halt investigated
• Brought team with equipment
• Made audio recording
• Observed phenomena

The Halt Recording

Lt. Col. Halt captured:

• Real-time audio of investigation
• Descriptions of lights
• Radiation readings
• Team reactions
• Dramatic evidence

Lt. Col. Charles Halt

Deputy Base Commander:

• Led second investigation
• Made official memo
• Recorded observations
• Later went public
• Stands by account

Physical Evidence

At the landing site:

• Triangular impressions
• Broken branches
• Radiation readings elevated
• Marks on trees
• Documented by USAF

The Halt Memo

Official document:

• Described the events
• Sent to UK Ministry of Defence
• Later released via FOIA
• Confirmed the incident
• Government acknowledgment

Cover-Up Allegations

Both governments:

• Downplayed the incident
• Denied significance
• Files were classified
• Witnesses frustrated
• Full truth unknown

Significance

The Rendlesham incident is significant for:

• Multiple military witnesses
• Official documentation
• Audio recording
• Physical evidence
• High-ranking officer involvement

Legacy

The Rendlesham Forest incident is often called “Britain’s Roswell.” The combination of multiple credible military witnesses, official documentation, physical evidence, and the Halt recording make it one of the most compelling UFO cases ever documented.