SAS pranksters tricked US into believing in UFOs

BRITAIN’S most famous UFO mystery was a prank played on the Americans by the SAS, according to insiders.

The truth about the Rendlesham Forest incident in Suffolk has been hushed up for 38 years.

The mysterious events unfolded in December 1980 when there were reports of unexplained lights near the forest, which was home to RAF Woodbridge. At the time it was being used by the US air force, and it was the Americans who reported many of the sightings.

Now it is claimed the US was fooled by the SAS in revenge for capturing a squad and subjecting them to a brutal interrogation. The SAS was said to have regularly tested US security by probing the perimeters of Woodbridge.

But when an SAS troop parachuted into the complex one night in August 1980 they were unaware the guards had upgraded their radar system. Their black parachutes were detected and the British were hauled off for questioning.

They claimed they were beaten up by their captors who refused to believe who they were and referred to them repeatedly as “unidentified aliens”. They were released 18 hours

HOAX: An artist’s impression of the UFO in Rendlesham Forest

later but the SAS soldiers were seething at being called aliens.

British X-Files expert Dr David Clarke, who has been researching the story for three years, said: “After their release, the troopers made no complaint at their rough treatment but were determined to get their own back on the USAF.

“In particular, their repeated characterisation as ‘aliens’ sowed the seeds of a plan.”

Lights and coloured flares were rigged in the woods and black helium balloons were coupled to remote-controlled kites.

The incident, dubbed the British Roswell, took place over three nights between December 26 and 28.

“A great deal of nocturnal Christmas fun was had at the expense of the USAF – and the matter should have ended there,” according to a letter written to Dr Clarke by an alleged SAS source.

“Unfortunately, a senior US officer (Lt Col Halt) led the US contingent out into the forest on the second night and took along his tape recorder. The hovering and whizzing lights were sufficiently impressive for him to send a report to the MoD.

“Someone in London recalled the events of the previous August and questions were asked. A few red faces followed, but also some satisfaction and amusement. The USAF was ‘reassured’ at a senior level and no UK investigation was undertaken for obvious reasons.”