MOD file DEFE 24/2032/1

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all available displays, observed the same plot on the same Claxby
radar in the same position. This information was also relayed to
ARCC thence to MRCC; by now, MRCC had conscio~sly or
subconsciously associated the reports of lights with the Boston
radar return and assumed an investigative and coordination role
for the rest of the night.
3. Actions by Air Defence System. Meanwhile, CRC Neatishead's
inquiries had revealed no sign of air movements or military
exercises in the area and there was no evidence of unidentified
air activity on any radar; the stationary radar plot, without
associated height or IFF/SSR support, therefore, was judged by
experienced operators at both Neatishead and the D&D Cell to be a
permanent echo, and the separate stationary lights as some form of
natural phenomena of no air defence or air concern. It was clear
that no flying craft had penetrated the UKADR or was present on
any radar; furthermore, the unrelated stationary light reports
were not suspicious in nature or of significance to air or
maritime safety, therefore, no recommendation to scramble a Quick
Reaction Alert aircraft from RAF Leuchars to investigate either
the permanent echo or the reported lights was sought.
4. Subsequent Reporting. Updates and further information on
both the plot and lights continued to be sought by MRCC from
several sources on open circuits,and reported, and sometimes
distorted, in the process. Further interest in the radar plot was
kept alive at the instigation of the coastguard, leading to the
eventual involvement of several other control agencies including
LATCC(Civil), LATCC(Military), Anglia Radar and Waddington
Approach. Further interest in the lights was maintained by the
coastguard until they disappeared with the dawn, involving a
tanker vessel at sea, Boston and Skegness Police Forces and
LATCC(Civil).
INVESTIGATION OF RADAR PLOT AND VISUAL SIGHTINGS
5. The various observations which occurred in the early hours of
5 Oct 96 and the various phenomenae have been investigated in
considerable detail. The relevant logs maintained by on-duty
Military and civilian personnel have been studied and, where
possible, key observers and operators, both civil and military,
have been interviewed by telephone.
THE BOSTON PLOT
6. Plot Characteristics. A radar Plot was observed in the
position of Boston, Lines, on the National Air Traffic Services
(NATS) sensor at Claxby, near Market Rasen, when attention was
drawn to the area by Great Yarmouth Coastguard. It was observed
by the D&D Cell from approximately 0225Z and by CRC Neatishead
from 0230Z; both organisations have access to the same radar
display although neither uses that radar on a routine basis for
surveillance or aircraft control in the Wash area. Later, the
plot was observed by Anglia Radar at stanstead, which opened at