Neil R. Storey’s UFOs Over Britain blends military history and the unexplained in a captivating journey through a century of sightings and secrets, writes DAVID SAUNDERSON
UFOs Over Britain, by Neil R. Storey, was published in August and it’s been a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I wouldn’t call myself an expert, nor am I on a mission to uncover the truth about UFOs.
But I’ve always enjoyed the UFO/alien stories featured on Spooky Isles — especially those by Neil Nixon. (What is it about Neils and their fascination with UFOs?)
And I’m also a fan of Neil R. Storey.
Neil R. Storey, though, brings something different to the subject. He’s a respected historian, and in this book, he treats UFOs not as fantasy, but as part of our social history.
The writing is accessible and engaging. Storey takes readers through key UFO sightings in the UK, explores the available evidence, and places it all within the wider historical context.
It’s the sort of book you can dip in and out of. It’s not quite an encyclopaedia, but it comes close. Because of its ease of reading and rich content, I imagine it will earn a permanent place on my bookshelf.
The earliest documented UFO sightings in Britain date back to the early 20th century. These accounts span both World Wars and continue into recent decades.
Cases include the mystery airships over Peterborough and the eastern counties in 1909, the Burton Dassett ghost lights of 1923, and reports of RAF gremlins during the Second World War.
Other notable events include the Newbiggin enigma in 1942, Dorothy Kilgallen’s report on a UK saucer crash during the war, the Tenterden spaceman in 1952, the Ranton landing in 1956, the RAF Cosford incident in 1964, and the infamous Rendlesham Forest case of 1980.
Drawing from an archive of unpublished British UFO material — much of it compiled by former RAF and ROC officers — Storey presents a comprehensive overview of sightings throughout the twentieth century.
He also includes rare articles, eyewitness accounts, and press cuttings, offering both a factual and social context for these encounters.
The book features illustrations that include archival photographs of witnesses and locations, as well as drawings of the unidentified flying objects described.
Whether you’re curious about alien encounters or fascinated by Britain’s social history, this book offers something compelling for both camps.
UFOs Over Britain by Neil R Storey is available from Amberley Publishing.
Have you ever witnessed something unexplained in the skies over Britain? Share your story in the comments section!
