Father Gill Papua New Guinea
Anglican priest Father William Gill and 37 others watched a UFO with visible occupants for hours over two nights. When they waved, the beings waved back in one of history's most remarkable encounters.
On June 26-27, 1959, Anglican missionary Father William Gill led 37 witnesses in observing a UFO with visible humanoid figures. The beings’ apparent response to their waves remains one of the most remarkable details in UFO history.
The Witness
Father William Gill was an Anglican missionary, an Australian citizen, and possessed an excellent reputation. He had no prior interest in UFOs and maintained impeccable credibility throughout the incident.
The Location
The sighting occurred at the Boianai Mission, a remote coastal station in Papua New Guinea. The mission served as a congregation for native people and was a British territory at the time. The setting was isolated, contributing to the unusual nature of the event.
June 26, 1959
The first night of the observation began around 6:45 PM, under a clear tropical evening. Father Gill noticed a light in the sky and subsequently called others to witness the phenomenon. This led to a mass observation that began shortly after.
What They Saw
A craft appeared, shaped like a large disc. Four legs were visible on the craft, and it possessed an extremely bright light. The object was hovering overhead and clearly structured, indicating a technologically advanced design.
The Figures
The most remarkable aspect of the sighting was the presence of humanoid figures visible on top of the craft. There were four beings, appearing to be moving about and seemingly engaged in some kind of work.
Father Gill’s Response
Father Gill, recognizing the unusual nature of the situation, decided to wave at the beings. He raised his arm, and one of the beings responded by waving back. This remarkable interaction prompted others to join in waving, and the communication continued, suggesting an apparent recognition.
The Wave Exchange
Father Gill waved both arms, and the beings mirrored his movements. Other witnesses joined in the waving exchange, and this continued for an extended period, indicating a form of communication or acknowledgment. It appeared as though the beings were responding to his gestures.
The Witnesses
That first night, 25 people signed a statement documenting their observations. The group included teachers, a medical assistant, Indigenous staff, and multiple other observers, reflecting a diverse range of perspectives.
The Duration
The viewing continued for several hours, with the object making multiple passes and returning repeatedly. This sustained observation allowed for a thorough examination of the craft and its occupants.
June 27, 1959
The second night of the sighting began when the object returned at approximately the same time. Additional witnesses arrived to observe the phenomenon, and the same phenomenon continued, further confirming the pattern of events.
Total Witnesses
Over the course of both nights, a total of 38 people witnessed the event. These individuals signed affidavits detailing their accounts, representing a variety of backgrounds and consistent descriptions of the sighting.
Father Gill’s Written Account
Father Gill documented his observations in a detailed account, recorded the same night before any investigation took place. This document served as a primary source and an excellent record of the event.
The Investigation
The case was examined by the Royal Australian Air Force, but no explanation was found for the sighting. The witnesses were considered credible, and the case was officially classified as significant and unexplained.
The Venus Explanation
Skeptics initially suggested that the object was simply a misidentified appearance of Venus. However, Father Gill possessed knowledge of astronomy, and both Venus and the craft were visible in the sky that night. The object’s movement differed significantly from Venus, rendering this explanation unsatisfactory.
The Figures Problem
Venus cannot account for the humanoid shapes observed, the responsive behavior of the beings, the structured craft, or the extended observation period, nor does it adequately explain the detailed descriptions provided by the witnesses.
Character Assessment
Father Gill was described as a rational observer and an educated man, with no apparent motive to fabricate the account. His career remained unblemished, and he was believed to have ended his life with a deep sense of wonder and conviction about what he had witnessed.
Significance
The Father Gill case is significant for several reasons, including the presence of 38 witnesses, the credibility of the priest involved, the interaction with what appeared to be intelligent beings, the excellent documentation of the event, and its status as a classic case in the field of UFO research.
Legacy
Father Gill’s sighting remains one of the most credible mass UFO observations. The apparent communication with beings aboard a craft, witnessed by nearly 40 people, has never been explained, continuing to intrigue and fascinate researchers and enthusiasts alike.
Sources
- Wikipedia search: “Father Gill Papua New Guinea”
- Project Blue Book — National Archives — USAF UFO investigation files, 1947–1969
- CIA UFO/UAP Reading Room — Declassified CIA documents on UAP