| Description | Responding to advertisement in The Ceylon Times for information with a detailed account, spanning 12 pages, of noises heard in the Ceylon region between 26-27 August.
Refers to press cuttings from Ceylon Times, Ceylon Observer, and an Indian paper, as well as as providing his own testimony. States that explosions were audible throughout Ceylon: in the Mannar District, Mullaitivu District (according to M. S. Houghton, Ceylon Civil Service), villages West of Hambantota at night only (according to M. Grant, Ceylon Public Works Department), Tissamaharama, Kirinde (SE coast of Ceylon). Cross references his sources against media reportage. Identifies difficulties in establishing the exact time and intensity of the sounds heard, particularly as discrepancies existed between who heard what and when, and especially as most of the noise resembled distant large gun practice, vessels in distress, or nearby mining activity. Notes that he himself discounted the noises until he spoke to others and first began paying attention to the sound on 27 August, making observations and investigating potential deflection of sound waves.
Newspaper accounts he sent refer to observations of the sky and sun during September. His own account states he saw the sky resemble aurora borealis, but in a lighter and deeper tone. Detailed diary descriptions of sky appearance during various times of day, from 24 September-26 October. Offers his own theories to exmplain the causes. |