The Father Gill Sighting

On June 26-27, 1959, Anglican priest William Booth Gill and 37 other witnesses observed a hovering UFO with humanoid figures on top for several hours over two nights. When Father Gill waved at the figures, they apparently waved back. The case remains one of the best-documented mass sightings in UFO history.

The Witness

Father William Gill:

• Anglican priest
• Australian missionary
• Papua New Guinea
• Educated observer
• Credible witness

The Location

Boianai:

• Papua New Guinea
• Remote mission station
• Coastal area
• Clear tropical skies
• Mission staff present

Night One - June 26

Around 6:45 PM:

• Large bright light appeared
• Above mission
• Hovering
• Drew attention
• Staff gathered

The Object

Witnesses described:

• Large disc-shaped craft
• About 40 feet wide
• Hovering
• Bright light from base
• Blue spotlights

The Figures

Most remarkably:

• Four humanoid shapes
• On top of craft
• Appeared to work
• Moving around
• Clearly visible

The Wave

Father Gill waved:

• Figure waved back
• Others waved
• Figures responded
• Multiple times
• Interaction

Duration - Night One

Extended observation:

• Over three hours
• Multiple witnesses gathering
• Detailed observation
• Eventually went to dinner
• Object still present

Night Two - June 27

It returned:

• Similar time
• Same craft apparent
• More figures
• Continued observation
• Two-night event

The Witnesses

38 people total:

• Father Gill
• Mission staff
• Teachers
• Locals
• All signed statement

The Signed Statement

Documented:

• Written account
• 38 signatures
• Detailed descriptions
• Immediate recording
• Primary evidence

Gill’s Character

Father Gill was:

• Well educated
• Respected
• No UFO interest before
• Reliable witness
• Church representative

His Report

Gill reported:

• To church authorities
• To Australian government
• Detailed account
• Never wavered
• Maintained story

Skeptical Explanations

Some suggested:

• Venus and stars
• Bright planet misidentified
• Autokinesis
• But witnesses disagree
• Doesn’t explain figures

Problems with Skepticism

Witnesses noted:

• Figures clearly visible
• Interaction occurred
• Not just light
• Multiple nights
• Too structured for planet

Official Response

Australian government:

• Received report
• No investigation
• Filed away
• Later released
• No explanation offered

Significance

Father Gill case significant for:

• Multiple witnesses
• Clergy involvement
• Signed statements
• Interaction claimed
• Two-night duration

Legacy

The Father Gill sighting remains one of the most significant mass-witness UFO cases. The credibility of the priest, the 37 other witnesses, and the apparent interaction make this case exceptionally compelling.