NCA CASE 03-000611 / DYFED-POWYS POLICE

DOE NETWORK DATABASE #1163

A man's body was found in the sea, approximately half a mile from St. Margarets Island in Pembrokeshire, on June 14th 2003. He was 5'10" (178cm) tall, had short brown hair, aged between 30 and 70 years of age, and was described as having a 'fat' build.

He was found dressed in black underwear, one grey woollen sock, dark blue canvas style trousers, and one black fabric walking style trainer boot ('Salomon', size 8).

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NCA CASE 03-000163 / BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE

A man jumped off the train platform at Llanfairfechan Station and sat in the path of an oncoming train on September 20th 2002. He was killed instantly.

The man was white, of thin build, between 16 and 45 years old, and stood 5'6" (168cm) tall. He had short dark brown hair, and was wearing black trousers and a grey flecked hooded jumper.

In his possession the man had two plastic lighters, a pack of cigarettes ('Richmond'), and £17.85 in cash.

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North Wales Live reported on the inquest on May 16th 2003:

Man killed by train still not identified

A MAN who deliberately jumped onto the track in front of a speeding train in North Wales may never be identified, an inquest was told yesterday. But North Wales Central coroner John Hughes praised the actions of train driver Andrew Lock who was just six weeks into his job when the tragedy happened.

Mr Lock said in a statement he was driving the Holyhead to Chester First North Western train on September 20, and approaching Llanfairfechan Station at about 70 mph, not intending to stop there. "I saw a man walk across the platform from behind a shelter and although I sounded a warning he jumped off the platform onto the track about 40 yards in front of the train. I thought he was playing 'chick-en' by running across the tracks but he sat down. I braked but I heard a thud and the train gradually came to a stop. I felt shaken and shocked and afterwards I broke down in tears. I had only been in the job for six weeks and I wondered why he chose my train."

Consultant pathologist Dr Anthony Caslin said death was due to multiple injuries and although the body was intact there were massive head injuries and the face was severely distorted. "Tests showed he had consumed the equivalent of eight pints of beer," he added.

Pc Edward Walden said the dead man was white, aged between 30-40, five feet six inches tall and was wearing a grey polo top and black trousers. "We made extensive inquiries in the area and checked mental health units with no success, and also contacted the Missing Persons Bureau at New Scotland Yard," he added.

The coroner said: "I am recording a verdict of suicide but I must commend the train driver Mr Lock who behaved in an exemplary manner, looking after the welfare of his passengers before the enormity of the situation got to him. I hope that the publicity of this inquest will help to provide a positive identification."

NCA CASE 03-000084/ NORTH WALES POLICE

A man's body was found washed up on Aberffraw beach, Anglesey, on December 4th 2001. He was white, aged between 40 and 60 years old, of medium build, and stood 5'8" (175cm) tall.

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NCA DATABASE 12-004386 / SOUTH WALES POLICE

Skeletal remains of a man were found in a garden at Mountain Ash, Glenboi on September 24th 2001. The man was white, aged between 30 and 40 years old, and would have stood between 4'11" (152cm) and 5'4" (165cm) tall.

He had two protruding front teeth, a gap behind his right canine tooth, and an abcess in his upper jaw which would have required medical treatment.

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A reconstruction of the man's face was made:

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NCA DATABASE 03-000094 / NORTH WALES POLICE

Male remains were found washed ashore at Hells Mouth Beach in Porth Neigwl on February 18th 2001. Very little could be determined about him beyond the fact he would have likely been between 14 and 45 years old, and stood between 5'3" (162cm) and 5'7" (172cm) tall.

He was wearing a green sweatshirt and a large fleece top with dark blue inner collar lining ('Headworx-HDX Surfwear').

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NCA CASE 04-006035 / DYFED-POWYS POLICE

The decomposed body of man was found in Mynydd Fronfelin, a wooded area commonly used by hikers, on February 5th 2000. The man was white, of medium build, had dark brown greying hair, and stood between 5'8" (175cm) and 6 foot (185cm) tall. He was believed to have been between 25 and 65 years old.

The man was wearing dark blue casual chinos, a blue shirt ('Cluttons', an Italian brand), a brown and white herringbone round neck sweater, a red cable woven hand-knitted jumper, a cord jacket with white lining ('Green Leaves'), and a navy blue anorak. On his feet he wore a pair of 'Technica' brand hiking boots in a size 8.5.

He also wear a flat woollen cap and a 'Swatch' silver bracelet watch. This was set an hour fast, showing Saturday 1st.

Found clutching a bottle of whiskey, he was believed to have died of natural causes. In his possession the man had a 'Karrimor' rucksack, a series of maps of the area, 'Winston' and 'Camel' brand cigarettes, and 'Deep' books. There were two British Railway tickets: one issued April 11th 1999, suggesting he may have travelled from Bristol Parkway to Cardiff. Another issued four days later assumes he travelled from Water Orton, near Birmingham, to Machynlleth.

The NCA database notes that the man has been proven not to be Mark Graeme Krostewitz.

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A reconstruction of the victim and his possessions was made by Diana Cullington:

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The Daily Post of November 25th 2002 reported:

Mystery of body in wood still unsolved

The body of a hill walker which was found in a mid Wales wood three years ago remains unidentified. The skeletal remains of the man, aged between 40 and 65, were found by a member of the Llanbrynmair Hunt in remote woodland at Mynydd Fronfelen, near Ceinws, Machynlleth, in February, 2000. Despite examination of dental records and even DNA testing, the hill walker, who was found clutching a bottle of whisky, still remains unidentified.

A Dyfed Powys police spokesman said: "The belief is that the person died of natural causes." The man, who was thought to be a foreign national, was discovered with two British Rail train tickets on his person, one issued on April 11, 1999, suggesting he may have travelled by train from Bristol Parkway to Cardiff. The other, issued just four days later, implied that he travelled from Water Orton, near Birmingham, to Machynlleth.

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NCA CASE 06-026109 / SOUTH WALES POLICE

A man's body was found in the Bristol Channel near Newport on Valentine's Day 1988. The man was afro-caribbean, of stocky build, and stood 6 foot (183cm) tall. He had short black hair and was estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old.

He was wearing faded blue jeans (Wrangler, 36" waist and 34" leg) and brown belt, a grey t-shirt with an Amandla power fist symbol with spear and 'Cultural Ensemble of the National African Congress', a brown checked shirt (Tesco, size large), and an olive green crew neck chunky knit woollen jumper. He was also wearing a grey/blue scarf, a navy blue donkey jacket with blue/green check lining (Boys Own, size medium), and a pair of polyester/cotton shell gloves with foam lining (size large).

On his feet the man was wearing a pair of green flash Dunlop trainers in a size 9.

He was carring an A-Z street map opened on pages marked Bristol, but showing the area of Cheltenham.

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The South Wales Echo reported on Monday February 15th 1988:

Body still not identified

South Wales Police are still trying to identify a body floating in the Bristol Channel near Usk-mouth, Newport yesterday. The body, thought to be of a black man in his 20s, may have been in the water for up to two weeks, said a police spokesman. It was retrieved by the Penarth lifeboat.

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NCA CASE 06-023700 / DYFED-POWYS POLICE

A woman's body was found washed up on Musselwick Beach in Milford Haven on November 21st 1987. She was white, stood between 5'4" (165cm) and 5'6" (168cm) tall, and was estimated to be between 20 and 45 years old.

The woman's body was believed to have been in the water for several weeks or months.

The woman was found dressed in short white socks with a blue, green and red flower pattern, jeans (Steer, size 12), and a green round necked sweater with yellow horizontal stripes and elasticated waist, cuffs, and neck.

She was also wearing two rings - one gold with a large ruby stone on her left middler finger, and the other tarnished silver with a small ruby stone on her right little finger. Her toenails were painted red.

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The South Wales Evening Post reported on the discovery on November 25th 1987:

Woman's body mystery

Police are puzzled over the identity of a woman's body washed ashore on a West Wales beach at the weekend. A description of the woman, aged between 25 and 40, who washed up on the beach at Musselwick, near Marloes, Milford Haven, has been circulated to police forces on both sides of the Irish Sea.

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NCA CASE 06-025590 / GWENT POLICE

A man's body was recovered from the River Usk, Newport, on July 6th 1983. He was white, of medium build, and stood 5'8" (173cm) tall. He had light brown greying hair, and brown eyes, and was estimated to be between 35 and 45 years old.

The man was found wearing blue underwear (St. Michael, size 36-39), blue/grey jeans (Finesse), white socks with blue and yellow horizontal stripes, and a navy blue acrylic sweater (Sleightex). The NCA database lists his possessions as '33.69', presumably meaning cash?

The inquest recorded a verdict of "found drowned."

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The South Wales Echo of December 14th 1983 reported:

River body still a mystery

A man whose body was recovered from the River Usk at Newport, on July 6, had not been identified despite intensive inquiries throughout Britain, a Newport inquest was told.

Police Sergeant David Game said that every police force in Britain had been contacted, the dead man's fingerprints had been compared with all fingerprints on record, the Metropolitan Police missing persons bureau had been notified and the man's dental chart had been published in the British Dental Journal.

But all attempts to indentify the man, who police said at the time was believed to be in his mid 30s, had proved negative. Newport coroner Mr E Glyn Evans said he was satisifed that all possible inquiries had been made and recorded a verdict of "found drowned" on the unidentified man.

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NCA CASE 06-025461 / NORTH WALES POLICE

The remains of a man were recovered from the sea off Llandudno on May 8th 1983, caught in the fishing nets of the 'Celtic Pride'. He was white, of medium build, and believed to have been in the water for around three to four months.

The man was found dressed in blue underwear with a white band, fine fawn grey houndstooth patterned trousers, a maroon shirt with black and white hoops (Wrangler), and a maroon quilted jacket with zip fastening (Belgium make). On his feet he wore brown leather shoes with a frill, marked Made in England.

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The Aberdeen Evening Express of Monday 9th May 1983 reported:

Sea body mystery

A post mortem was being held today on a body landed by a fishing boat off the North Wales coast. The unidentified body, thought to be that of a young man, came up in the nets of the Celtic Pride, ten miles west of Llandudno.

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NCA CASE 06-024310 / NORTH WALES POLICE

The body of a man was found washed up on the beach at Aberdyfi on December 28th 1982. He was white, of medium build, and 5'10" (178cm) tall. The man was estimated to be between 55 and 60 years old. His body was believed to have been in the water for around three weeks.

The man had a surgical scar on his neck and wore false teeth.

He was found fully dressed in brown socks, a singlet vest, a shirt ('Richard Davies'), a grey jumper ('Poetic'), and blue trousers (self-supporting 'Ambassador'). On his feet he wore brown leather moccasins. He also wore a watch - black faced with standard numerals, and a black leather strap.

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The Liverpool Daily Post reported that no progress had been made in identifying the man on March 26th 1983:

No clues in body mystery

Despite three months extensive enquiries, North Wales Police and the missing persons bureau at Scotland Yard have failed to identify a body that was washed ashore at Aberdyfi last December. Meirionydd coroner Mr Donald Jones yesterday recorded an open verdict on the unnamed male person.

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In 2021 the man's body was exhumed for further testing. Steve Bagnell for Wales Online reported on September 11th 2021:

Unknown man's body to be exhumed to try and identify him decades after he was found on a Welsh beach

The body of a man is set to be exhumed from Dolgellau cemetery to try and identify him decades after he was found on a Welsh beach. Police say recent developments have provided a strong lead on a possible identity for the body of the man, who was found on Aberdyfi beach on December 28, 1982.

It is hoped the body can be identified and give closure for bereaved relatives. If successful, a DNA profile will be gained from the exhumed remains. The profile will then be compared to DNA samples provided by the missing man’s family, North Wales Live reports.

The process is the latest in a series of similar operations held under North Wales Police's Operation Orchid which is an investigation with the aim of identifying previously unidentified bodies found in North Wales between 1968 and 2001. The investigation has so far identified three people who went missing between 1983 and 1994; Pauline Finlay, Joseph Dowley and Conor Whooley, all of whom came from Ireland.

North Wales Police (NWP) will be conducting the exhumation at Dolgellau Cemetery on Wednesday, September 22, which will be closed from 8am to 5pm "to facilitate a safe and respectful operation." Temporary Det Sgt Don Kenyon said: "This operation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to identify these people and provide their families the opportunity to grieve and conduct a funeral service in accordance with their faiths. From meeting with the relatives of missing people the importance and value of this work cannot be overstated, and I hope that this operation will allow another family to understand and come to terms with their loss."

Steffan Jones, head of Gwynedd Council’s highways and municipal department, added: "We have been working with North Wales Police to make the necessary arrangements at the council’s cemetery in Dolgellau. Whilst we recognise that there may be a temporary inconvenience on Wednesday, 22 September for those wishing to visit the cemetery, this is important work and we hope that it can bring peace to the family."

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NCA CASE 06-024291 / NORTH WALES POLICE

On August 21st 1981 the badly decomposed body of a man was found in a shallow grave (c. 8 to 12 inches deep) near a lay-by off A525, opposite the Hucan Cement Works in Ruthin. Lorry driver, William Roberts (29), spotted a skeletal leg protruding from the ground and notified police.

Home Office pathologist, Dr. Donald Wayte, helped remove the body and performed the autopsy. The man had been suffering with coronary trouble.

The man had light brown, greying hair, and stood 5'8" (173cm) tall. He was estimated to have been between 60 and 100 years old, and to have been dead approximately 6 to 12 months. The only clothing recovered with the body was a pair of red underpants.

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The Manchester Evening News reported on the ongoing investigation on Saturday 22nd August 1981:

Lay-by body death riddle

The mystery body in a shallow grave near a lay-by is that of a middle-aged or elderly man. He was about 5ft 5in tall with light brown, greying hair.

Home Office pathologist, Dr. Donald Wayte and a forensic scientist are today carrying out tests to try and find out how the man died. Murder squad detectives are probing the discovery made in trees 10ft from a lay-by a mile from Ruthin, near the village of Rhewl on a North Wales holiday route to the coast.

Lorry driver, Mr. William Roberts, aged 29, of Ffordd Top Rhos, Treuddyn, near Mold, raised the alarm after seeing the skeleton of a leg protruding from the earth. Under arc lights, Dr. Wayte and a biologist worked for several hours at the scene while the badly decomposed body was painstakingly removed. It had been buried between 12 and 8 inches from the surface.

Today the body was in a chapel of rest at Ruthin but some organs have been removed for scientific tests. Det Chief Supt Gwyn Owen, head of North Wales CID said: "Obviously we are treating this as a suspicious death. We will be checking lists of missing persons. It was fortunate the lorry driver spotted the leg. It could easily have been mistaken for the branch of a tree."

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Similarly, the Daily Post of August 22nd reported:

Mystery of body near to lay-by

Forensic scientists were last night trying to solve a gruesome puzzle following the discovery of a man's body alongside one of the busiest roads in North Wales. The macabre find was made by a lorry driver who pulled into a layby near Ruthin and spotted part of the decomposed body sticking out of a shallow grave.

William Roberts (29), of Ffordd Tops Rhos, Treuddyn, near Mold, pulled into the layby alongside the main Ruthin to Denbigh road near Rhewl Quarry. He went into the nearby wood to relieve himself and spotted part of a leg with the foot missing in the undergrowth. Missing persons list throughout the country will be checked in a bid to identify the body but no local people have been reported missing in recent years.

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Manchester Evening News, Thursday 25th August 1981:

Riddle of body in lay-by

The mystery of a body found in a shallow grave beside a busy lay-by in North Wales has deepened. Police say that the man had been dead between six to 12 months - but no evidence of violence was apparent. Forensic tests are continuing.

The body was found a mile from Ruthin, near the main road to Denbigh and the coast. Det Chief Supt Gwen Owen, head of North Wales CID: has appealed for help to identify the man, aged 60-plus, 5ft 8in tall, with brown hair containing streaks of grey. He had suffered from heart trouble and may have seen a doctor.

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On September 2nd the Daily Post reported that police were no closer to naming the man:

Bid to identify body by teeth

Dental experts have been called in to try to identify an elderly man whose body was found near a lay-by at Ruthin two weeks ago. Police are no close to being able to put a name to the man who was found in a shallow grave alongside the busy A525 road.

He is known to have suffered coronary trouble but the exact cause of death has not yet been established. Detective Chief Superintendent Gwyn Owen, head of North Wales CID, said yesterday that the man's teeth had been sent to New Scotland Yard for the dental records of registered missing persons to be checked.

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NCA CASE 06-024325 / NORTH WALES POLICE

The body of a white man was recovered from the sea at Holyhead - with a rucksack still on his back. He had short black hair, was of a large build, and stood between 6 foot (183cm) and 6'2" (188cm) tall.

He was wearing red socks, blue jeans with a brown leather woven belt, a blue and yellow tartan shirt, a grey sweater with navy check from C&A, a blue crew neck lambswool jumper (marked 'Canada'), a blue body warmer from Berghaus, and a blue kagoul marked 'Santa Fe'. On his feet he wore calf length brown boots. His possessions included the rucksack and Pondersa Camp trail badges.

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The Manchester Evening News for June 1st 1982 briefly mentioned the discovery:

Body riddle. Police are mystified by the identity of a young man whose body was found in the sea near Holyhead. There was a rucksack near and it is believed he could have have been a climber or walker.

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NCA CASE 06-023692 / NORTH WALES POLICE

The partial remains of a woman were recovered some 15 miles off the coast of Llandudno on January 2nd 1980. Her body had been in the water around 12 months.

The woman was white, of medium build, and estimated to between 5'2" (160cm) and 5'5" (167cm) tall. She was believed to be between 40 and 50 years old. There was a surgical scar on the woman's abdomen; Home Office pathologist, Dr. Donald Wayte, told the inquest it was evidence of a caesarian birth.

The woman was found wearing red panties with blue and yellow spots of c. ½ inch and brown nylon tights. (In addition, the NCA database lists elasticated white panties and light coloured trousers.)

Priscilla Berry has been ruled out as a potential candidate.

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The Liverpool Echo for Thursday 3rd January 1980 briefly mentioned the discovery: The bottom half of a woman's torso was caught by the trawler Prospect in Liverpool Bay. It was landed at Conwy Quay and taken to Bangor for examination by a pathologist.

The Reading Evening Post also covered the find on the 3rd:

Post-mortem on part of a body. A post-mortem was expected to be carried out on part of a woman's body found by a trawler in the Irish Sea. The remains were dredged up yesterday by the Conway-based Prospect in the Bay of Liverpool, 17 miles off the Great Orme, a peninsula at Llandudno, North Wales.



The North Wales Weekly News ran the discovery of the woman's remains on the front page for Thursday 10th January 1980:

POLICE HUNT FOR CLUES TO WOMAN - Body found in trawler net still a mystery

By Richard Simpson. A post mortem on the lower half of a woman's body, pulled up in fishing nets, has revealed that she was in her forties, and had been in the water for more than 12 months. Her bone structure was that of a woman of five foot four inches tall.

Police are combing through lists of missing persons, and they have been able to draw up a "short list" after evidence from the post mortem carried out by Home Office pathologist Dr. Donald Wayte.

Conwy trawlerman Tom Jones found the body when he and his two crew members dragged up nets while fishing 14 miles off Llandudno. His trawler, The Prospect, was at the beginning of a three-day fishing trip. "When we saw the body in the net we knew what it was," he said.

Mr. Jones of Glyn, Iolyn Park, bought the Prospect in November, and it had been his first fishing trip with the trawler. The boat had been dragging its nets for four hours in a deep fishing channel in the Irish Sea.

"We pulled in the nets and we saw the body. When we examined it on the deck of the ship, it was in a bad state. We could have picked up the body anywhere because we were trawling for four hours," he added. Mr. Jones, aged 29, and crewman Eamon Seeley, 24, put the torso into a fish box and radioed to the coastguard that they were returning to Conwy.

When they arrived at Conwy late on Wednesday last week, police were waiting on the quayside. The body was taken to the C and A Hospital, Bangor, where a post mortem was carried out the following day.

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The North Wales Weekly News followed up on Thursday 17th January with a short report:

Identity of torso still a mystery

There are still no clues as to the identity of the woman's torso which was pulled from the sea by the Conwy trawler, Prospect, two weeks ago. Police have circulated a description of the woman to all police forces in England and Wales, and have been sifting through Scotland Yard's missing persons file.

The post mortem report on the half of the woman' body picked up by the trawler nets 14 miles out in the Irish Sea, revealed that it was of a woman in her middle forties, and had been in the water for more than 12 months. Police say it will be extremely difficult to identify the torso because of its badly decomposed state.

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The Daily Post for Thursday 21st February 1980 reported on the opening of the inquest:

Body 'in sea for a year'

An unidentified woman, the lower part of whose torso was brought ashore by a Conwy trawler, could have been in the sea for a year, Home Office pathologist Dr Donald Wayte said when an inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday. Dr Wayte said there was evidence of her having given birth by Caesarian section. Brown nylon tighte and red spotted panties were still adhering to the torso.

The North Wales Weekly News of Thursday 21st February 1980 included more detail:

Mystery of torso unsolved

An inquest on the unidentified woman whose torso was found 16 miles north of the Great Orme on January 2 was opened and adjourned at Llandudno yesterday. The lower half of the body, found in a trawler net was that of a woman believed to be in her forties.

Pathologist Dr. Donald Wayte said she would have been about five feet four inches tall. A post mortem examination indicated that there was no evidence of any violence. Her body had been in the water for at least 12 months.

The deputy coroner for Eryri, Mr. Dewi Pritchard Jones, said he would now release the body to the public health authority for disposal, and he would adjourn the inquest pending further enquiries.

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The end of the inquest was covered by the Daily Post on Wednesday 26th March 1980:



On March 27th 1980 the Weekly News reported that the woman's identity was still unknown:

Torso in trawler net stays mystery

The identity of the headless torso, scooped up in a trawler net 16 miles off the Great Orme's Head on January 2, is likely to remain a mystery. The body could have come fron anywhere along this part of the coast, said fisherman Thomas Henry Jones, Hillcourt, lolyn Park, Conwy, at a Llandudno inquest on Tuesday. The torso was that of a woman, over 40 years of age, and had been in the water for at least 12 months, said Dr. Donald Wayte, pathologist.

Police Constable Andrew Davies said nationwide inquiries and a thorough examination of missing person files provided no clue. "The police have exhaus ted inquiries and there is no chance of getting any positive identification," he said.

Mr. Jones said he found the torso in his fishing net after being at sea for nearly 12 hours. It was about 7 p.m. on January 2, and it was only the third time for the 82 ft net to be hauled in that trip. The net had been dragging the bottom of the sea bed, about 30 fathoms deep. He agreed with the coroner, Mr. J. Pritchard Jones, that it had been "one chance in a million" for the torso to be caught in his net.

A number of vessels used that part of the sea, and the sea bed was dredged regularly. The tide flooded every 12 hours berween Liverpool and Lynas.

Dr. Wayte said the torso was clothed in the remains of red panties, blue and yellow spots patterned and tights. There were no identifying labels on the garments.

Part of the spine, the complete pelvis and part of the left thigh bone remained. An examination revealed that the woman would have been about 5ft. 4ins. tall, and there was evidence that at one time she may have had a caesarian operation. There were no marks of violence.

Recording an open verdict, the coroner said the police had obviously made all the inquiries possible, but it was impossible to gain any clue as to the women's identity because of the scanty information avallable. Inquiries could be re-opened in the event of any further information becoming avallable, he said.

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In January 2015 her remains were exhumed and DNA samples taken. This ruled out an identification of Priscilla Berry, a 39 year old woman who went missing from Mochdre in 1978.

NCA CASE 06-026118 / SOUTH WALES POLICE

The skeletal remains of a man were found on a mountainside on December 9th 1979. The stockily built man had short grey hair, was between 5'7" (172cm) and 5'9" (177cm) tall, and was estimated to be between 40 and 60 years old. His right leg was fused, meaning he would have been unable to bend his knee and would have walked with a limp.

The man was found dressed in size 8 shoes, casual grey trousers with a 28" inside leg, a blue shirt, and a beige sweater. Near the body were found a South African Airways timetable for 1978, a map of South Wales and West of England, and headed notepaper from the Sheriton Heathrow hotel.

There was also a Salvation New Testament bible with an inscribed name and address on the flyleaf: D Malan, PO Box Randeburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.

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According to an online article at 2oceansvibe.com, Locate Internationale have been working on the case because of its South African links. They gave expanded information on the man's posessions:

"Although no return ticket was traced, he had South African Airways timetables for 1978. On one were hand-written notes, indicating that he was planning a return flight from London to Johannesburg and then an onward internal flight to Durban. A commemorative bookmark for a Christian mission conducted in King William’s Town by ‘Rhodes Varsity Trekkers’ which was held at Easter (April 9 -17) 1960 was also found."

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NCA CASE 06-026113 / SOUTH WALES POLICE

A man's body was found washed up on a beach in Neath Port Talbot on August 15th 1979. He was white, 5'8" (175cm) tall, and had mousey greying hair. He had no teeth and was estimated to be between 45 and 60 years old. His right hand was also missing.

Dr. David Richards performed the post-mortem, and told the inquest he believed the man was of heavy build, about 5'9" tall, and probably worked in industry.

The man was wearing black woollen socks, a white shirt with a small brown checked pattern, a black and blue diamond patterned kipper tie, a black leather belt, and size 10 shoes marked 'Consulate Quality Shoes For Men.'

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I think this report from the Guardian (February 21st 1980) is referring to this case:

Riddle of washed-up body on beach

An afternoon walk along Morfa Beach had a gruesome ending for two Port Talbot men, when they stumbled across the badly decomposed body which had been washed up on the beach from the sea.Giving evidence at the inquest on the unidentified body, Mr. Frederick Westacott, of Olive Street, Aberavon, told how his weak stomach had forced him to back away from the grisly discovery, while his companion, Mr. Graham Mulholland of Aberavon went for help.

"We saw what we thought was a bunch of old clothes lying in the sand about 50 yards from the dunes, but when we walked towards it we found it was the decomposed body. I suffer from stomach trouble and walked away from the body while Mr. Mulholland went for help", said Mr. Westacott.

Mr. David Richards who performed the post-mortem on the body, told the inquest that the body was so badly decomposed that it would be impossible to establish the cause of death. "The body was of a male, aged possibly between 50 and 60 years. He was of heavy build and was about 5'9" tall. Further examination showed that he probably worked in industry", he said.

The only really distinguishing marks Dr. Richards found were that the corpse had no teeth and that its right hand was missing. West Glamorgan coroner, Mr. Ian Cameron decided to close the inquest after hearing that police were no longer receiving inquiries about the body and recorded an open verdict.

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NCA CASE / South Wales Police

The body of a man was found floating in the Bristol Channel, near the multi-storey car park at the Esplanade, on May 24th 1979. The body was of a thin white man, 5'10" (178cm) tall, estimated to be between 60 and 70 years old.

He had brown greying hair, was clean shaven, and had a number of noted distinguishing features: a vertical abdominal scar below the naval, two large warts below the left shoulder blade, a burn scar on the right hand, false teeth, and a small tattoo on his left wrist. This was of a horizontal line with a dot above and below it, possibly the mathematical division symbol.

His left big toe was noted as having 'abnormal bending', suggesting he may have walked with a limping gait.

The man was found wearing black shoes and socks, combat green/khaki trousers (similar to ex-army type), a dark blue studded shirt with a white and blue collar, a red tie, a black waistcoat, and a dark green checked jacket. About his person he had two receipts dated May 1979 from Woolworths in Neath and Cardiff.

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NCA CASE 06-025465 / NORTH WALES POLICE

A man's skull was recovered from Liverpool Bay near Douglas Head in Conwy. The man was estimated to have been between 50 and 70 years old, and his death was believed to have occurred during the past year.

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NCA CASE 06-023877 / NORTH WALES POLICE The body of a woman was recovered from the sea, about a mile off shore from Barmouth, on June 28th 1978. She was believed to be white, between 4'11" (152cm) and 5'6" (168cm) tall, and to be of medium build. She had been in the water for two to three weeks.

The woman was wearing a St. Michaels (i.e. Marks & Spencer) brand 38" bust lycra swimsuit, with a navy blue background and white floral pattern.

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NCA CASE 06-024311 / GWENT POLICE

A man's body was recovered from the Severn Estuary at Redwick on February 26th 1977. Estimated to be between 20 and 50 years of age, he was white, of thin build , and stood 6' (183cm) tall.

The man had black receding hair and was dressed in light coloured socks, blue jeans with a 30" waistband and two stud fastenings at the front, and a pair of size 9 slip-on black shoes by Blvd (UK brand). A handmade light grey v-neck sweater was found 10 yards away from the body.

About his person the man had a brown leather wallet marked 'Made in England' and containing English banknotes. In addition he had a pair of scissors, a dominion lock, a yale mortice key marked 'C20' and another yale willen 160 key.

There were a couple of sketches included with the NCA notes:

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NCA CASE 06-024882 / SOUTH WALES POLICE

A man's body was recovered from the sea at Porthcawl on September 28th 1976. Standing 6' (183cm) tall, the man was believed to be white, of medium build, and had black / grey receding hair. He was estimated to be between 40 and 60 years old.

The man had large ears and hands, with nicotine stains on his right fore and middle fingers. His front upper and lower teeth were missing, and there were no signs of dental treatment.

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NCA CASE 06-024903 / NORTH WALES POLICE

The skeletal remains of a man believed to have been a vagrant were found on a hillside c. 500 yards from the A5 at Capel Curig on September 16th 1975. The man was white, of medium build, and had blonde curly hair and a full beard. He stood 6' (183cm) tall and was estimated to be between 45 and 60 years old. He had likely died some six to nine months previously.

Pathologist Dr. D. M. Wayte concluded the man would have had a strong build, and had likely died of natural illness or exposure.

The man was dressed for cold weather; for example he was wearing two pairs of socks - a dark pair covered by white nylon 3/4 length socks - with sacking material then wrapped around his feet. He had a pair of casual grey checked trousers beneath another pair of blue casual trousers, plus a brown nylon leisure shirt, a blue cotton leisure shirt, a brown v-neck jumper, and a brown sports coat. The clothing was of poor quality.

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The Weekly News for September 18th reported:

Skeleton Mystery

The skeleton of a man believed to have been between 45 and 55 years old, was found on Tuesday in a remote spot near Capel Curig. It was discovered on rough ground on a hillside 400 yards from the Ogwen Valley stretch of the A5. Police said yesterday that the identity of the body was not yet known and enquiries were proceeding. It had apparently been at the spot between six and nine months.

On Thursday 25th September 1975 the Weekly News followed up with:

Skeleton Appeal

An appeal for Information which might help to find out the identity of a man whose skeleton was found near Capel Curig nine days ago was put out by North Wales Police yesterday after their inquiries had so far been unsuccessful. The skeleton, which was discovered on a hillside 500 yards off the A5 road on the Ogwen Valley side of Capel Curig, was of a man believed to be between 45 and 55 years old. Apparently it had lain at the spot for between six and nine months.

The police now consider that the man might have been from 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 1 inch tall, with long blond hair and a fair to gingerish beard, thin-featured and heavily built. From his clothing it was thought that he might be a vagrant. A spokesman appealed to anybody who could remember seeing a man of this description in the Capel Curig area some months ago to get in touch with North Wales Police headquarters (Tel. Colwyn Bay 57171), or with the nearest police station.

Finally, the Weekly News covered the inquest on the unknown man on December 11th 1975:

Open Verdict On Skeleton

An open verdict was recorded by the Coroner for Eryri, Mr. J. Pritchard Jones, at Tuesday's inquest in Llandudno on human remains found on September 16 in Capel Curig. The Inquest heard that the skeleton remains were discovered by Mr. Owen Wynne Owen, of Heulfryn, Capel Curig, who had been on the mountain walking his dog.

Mr. Owen said he had been out about 20 minutes when he noticed the remains lying in rushes. He said the body was partly clothed and was about 300 yards from the road. Mr. Owen said it was a part of land he did not visit very often. Evidence was also given by Pc D. P. Roberts, who said he had made extensive enquiries in the area, and throughout the country to identify the person. Appeals had also been made through the media he said, but all had proved negative.

Dr. D. M. Wayte, area pathologist, told the court the body was dressed in three sweaters, two pairs of trousers, and two pairs of odd socks. Dr. Wayte said the remains were that of a man aged about 50 with curly blond hair and eyebrows, and possibly a curly ginger beard. He estimated the man's height to be approximately six feet and of strong build.

He said he had probably been there between six and nine months. He was probably a tramp who may have been taken ill or have suffered from exposure, said Dr. Wayte. The Coroner said he would record an open verdict.

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NCA CASE 06-024902 / NORTH WALES POLICE

A man's body was found washed ashore on Henborth Beach near South Stack cliffs in Holyhead on Spetember 15th 1975. Estimated to be between 45 and 60 years old, the white male was of medium build and stood 5'8" (173cm) tall. He had brown eyes and brown receding hair, plus a moustache. A surgical scar (two inch appendix scar according to the newspapers) was noted on his left hip.

Home Office pathologist Dr Donald Waite determined the man had been in the sea for between four and seven days; his cause of death was drowning. His teeth were found to be well maintained and contain British-type fillings.

He was found fully clothed - a purple vest, multicoloured socks, black jeans with a brown leather belt, and a maroon sweater. He had a brown/green checked woollen sports coat. The right inner pocket was marked 'Pure Loine Vierge' (i.e. pure virgin wool) and the left pocket had a 'H Desvignes' label. Over that was a 3/4 length blue raincoat with zip fastening.

On his feet the man was wearing brown patent leather shoes with a woven pattern. The shoes were size 7 and marked 'International' on the heel. Around his neck he had a gold chain with a pendant featuring 'two boys back to back in a circle' - at the inquest this was described as signifying the Gemini zodiac symbol. He was carrying a brown wallet with some British bank notes (£63 according to press reports on the inquest), and a plastic lighter.

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The Daily Post for Tuesday 16th September reported:

Riddle of body found on beach

NORTH WALES police were last night trying to identify the body of a man that had been washed up on a remote beach near South Stack, Holyhead. It is believed that the body had been in the sea for less than 24 hours before being washed up on Henborth Beach, which is practically inacessible because of the high cliffs.

Police and coastguards recovered the body which was fully clothed. The Holyhead inshore rescue boat was called to take it from the beach to Treaddur Bay.

On Wednesday 17th September the Post followed up with:

Pendant clue to body in sea

POLICE yesterday issued a description of the man whose body was washed ashore on a remote beach near South Stack Cliffs, Anglesey, on Monday night. The man was fully dressed and had no identification papers on him, but was understood to be carrying a large sum of money. An unusual feature was that he wearing a gold necklace with a pendant in the shape of two boys sitting back to back within a circle.

Police say he was 5ft 8½in. tall, well built, and had a well trimmed beard and moustache. The body had a two inch long appendix scar and was clothed in a threequarter length raincoat, a check brown-grey green sports jacket, dark brown slacks, with leather belt, a mauve jumper, purple vest, and multi-coloured socks, and brown patent slip-on shoes with the words "International" on the heels.

It is believed the body had been in the sea for only about 24 hours before being washed up on Henborth Beach. The beach is practically inaccessible because of high cliffs and an inshore rescue boat was called to recover the body.

The Post reported on the outcome of the inquest on September 24th:

Anglesey body still a mystery

ALL efforts to establish the identity of man's body washed ashore on a lonely beach near the South Stacks cliffs in Anglesey had so far failed, a Holyhead inquest was told yesterday.

It was September 16 that the body of a man in his early 50s was washed ashore at Hereford beach. Despite intensive inquiries involving Merseyside police, New Scotland Yard and Dublin, no identification had yet been made. Inspector Tudor Davies told Anglesey Deputy Coroner Mr. R. Peredur Hughes. There were no clues in his clothing, his wallet contained just £63 in cash and around his neck was a pendant signifying the Gemini birth sign of the Zodiac.

Home Office pathologist Dr Donald Waite said the man had been in the sea for between four and seven days and the cause of death was drowning. His teeth contained British-type fillings and gave the picture of a man who regularly went to the dentist. The coroner recorded an open verdict, saying there was no evidence to show how he came to be in the sea.

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NCA CASE 06-023868 / DYFED POWYS POLICE

A woman's body was found washed ashore on Traeth Gwyn Beach in Ceredigion on October 23rd 1974. The woman was white, 5'6" (168cm) tall, and of medium build. She was fully dressed and had no visible scars, though her feet were calloused. Consultant pathologist Dr William Beasley determined she had likely been in the water between one and three weeks; forensic tests showed no presence of poison and that there was a strong possibility the cause of death was drowning.

The body was clothed in underwear including a vest with a 38"-40" bust, a 40C Playtex bra, and brown tights. She had a blue round neck sweater, paired with a red short-sleeved slip over jumper, and a pair of trousers. On her feet the woman was wearing a pair of 'Rustlers' brand pigskin lace-ups in a size 6. These were made in Poland and had surgical insoles. At the inquest it was suggested she may have walked with a limp.

Around her neck the woman had a 30 inch white pebbled chain link necklace, described at the inquest as most probably a Catholic rosary. She was buried at the RC Church in Aberystwyth on December 19th 1974.

(Placrug Cemetery, grave 798, plot 13 unconsecrated - ref number #453)

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I couldn't find much about the Rustlers brand, but there were a few pairs of shoes listed on ebay. Here's an example of their logo from a pair of brown lace-ups:



In terms of newspaper coverage, October saw a flurry of reports on a body washed up on Llandudno beach, quickly identified as Miss Gwendoline Croxall from Smethwick - her death was ruled a suicide at an inquest in November. By contrast this poor lady, whoever she was, doesn't seem to have attracted the same kind of press attention.

The Daily Post for Thursday 19th December 1974 did report on the inquest however:

Mystery of Body on Beach

The identity of a well built woman washed up at New Quay on October 23 still remains a mystery, an Aberystwyth inquest heard yesterday. Detective Constable Barry Jones said extensive police inquiries had been made to try and identity the woman who he described as 5ft 6ins tall, with dark hair, who was in her 30s.

Her size six lace-up pig-skin shoes were fitted with surgical insoles which, with other physical characteristics suggested that she might possibly have walked with a limp. Around her neck was a 30in white pebbled chain link necklace, probably a Catholic rosary. During the week before her body was found, strong north-north westerly gales prevailed.

Dr. William Beasley, a consultant pathologist, said the woman had probably been in the water for up to three weeks. Forensic tests showed no presence of poisons, but there was a strong possibility that the cause of death was drowning. An open verdict was recorded by the Coroner, Mr Reginald Edwards. The woman will be buried today following a service at the RC Church, Aberystwyth.

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NCA CASE 06-024878 / GWENT POLICE

The body of a white man was recovered from the foreshore of the Bristol Channel at Goldcliffe on May 6th 1973. He was estimated to have been between 30 and 50 years old, and to have stood between 5'6" (168cm) and 6' (183cm) tall. The man was believed to have been in the water for 9 to 18 months.

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NCA CASE 06-024612 / GWENT POLICE

The body of a white man, aged between 25 and 35 years old, was found on the foreshore of the Severn Estuary at Fisherman's Walk, Rogiet, on March 31st 1971. The man was medium build, 5'8" (175cm) tall, and had black curly hair. He was believed to have been in the water for at least 18 months.

His clothing consisted of one black sock on the right foot, and a 'Spinney' 100% Acrilan polo neck jumper in black, gold and white in size M.

Spinney was a fairly ubiquitous brand at the time - here's an example of their logo tags from a deadstock 1960s dress:

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NCA CASE 06-024618 / NORTH WALES POLICE

Doe Network Database #3178.

The skeletal remains of a young man were found hanging from a tree by schoolboys searching for birds' nests in woodland on the Penrhyn Estate, near Bangor. Estimated as being aged between 20 and 30, little could be gleaned from the remains beyond the fact he was of medium build and would have stood between 5'4" and 5'6" (165-170cm) tall.

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The Daily Post of Monday 11th May 1970 featured this report on the front page:

Bird nest boys find skeleton hanging from tree

SCHOOLBOYS loking for birds' nests yesterday found a skeleton upside down in a tree. It was 50 yards from the busy A55 coast road at Llandegai, near Bangor. On the other side of a wall, close by, is a foot-path used by children going to the local school. One of the boys, Ken Oates, aged-14, of Ffordd Tegid, Bangor, said: "We first noticed clothing on the trees. I touched a jacket and a lot of bones like ribs fell out. There was a shoe with part of an ankle in it. One of the lads shouted there was a skull hanging just behind me. It was all very frightening. The legs, all bones, seemed to have been caught in a fork up the tree."

Ken's mother said: "He came in as white as a sheet and said they had found a body."

Another of the boys, Richard Hughes, aged fifteen, of Ffordd Elfed, Bangor, said: "I ran to a house but there was no one in, and then called the police."

Spanish boots

Detective Chief Superintendent Alan Clark, head of Gwynedd CID, and other officers went to the woods, part of the Penrhyn Estate. The remains of the body and clothing were taken to the C & A General Hospital in Bangor to be examined by a pathologist. A senior officer said the body, believed to be that of a man, could have been in the woods for some years. The remains of clothing included a peaked cap with zip fasteners either side; dark blue shirt; Spanish-made boots size nine or ten; blue-grey all wool London tailored overcoat; grey trousers with light blue plastic belt and a green pullover.



The following week, the Guardian Journal of Friday 22nd May reported on the inquest:

Skeleton in tree mystery

Police inquiries throughout Britain failed to identify a skeleton of a man found in a tree in Bangor, North Wales, 10 days ago, it was said at an inquest in Bangor yesterday.

A pathologist's report said the skeleton, and items of clothing found on it und nearby, suggested the man, aged between 20 and 25, had been dead between three to five years, possibly longer. There was no evidence to say how he died.

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The NCA database lists the mans clothing as consisting of socks, a blue shirt, a green jumper, and dark blue suit trousers and jacket by 'Alexander'. Over that he was wearing a blue / green wool coat from 'Manapparel'. On his feet he was wearing brown suede boots, size 9 or 10, from 'Vacon'. Finally, he had a peaked cap with a zip fastener on the side from 'Falcon Headwear'.

I couldn't find any obvious options for 'Alexander' brand, as the variants I came across (Alexander Clare, Countess Alexander, Alexander Jeanette, etc) were all women's clothing. 'Alexandre' is an Oxford Street tailor, which could make sense as the coat was described as being 'London tailored' by the press. Along with the Spanish boots and cap, the clothing seems to suggest a young man interested in fashion and / or with decent money coming in.

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NCA CASE 06-024620 / SOUTH WALES POLICE

Only extremely scant details are available on a man who was presumably sleeping rough in a derelict building in Cardiff, found dead just before Christmas 1967...

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On December 22nd 1967 a male body was found in a derelict building in Cardiff. The man was estimated to be around 50 years of age and described as having a 'dark European' complexion. He was of medium build and, in life, stood 5'6" (168cm) tall.

The unidentified man had brown eyes, 'long' black hair, and a full beard. There were no noted distinguishing physical features, but he was recorded as having only one remaining tooth in his upper jaw.

His clothing, as listed on the UK's missing persons unit database, consisted of:

Jacket - Donkey - Blue - Unknown - Two Navy Blue Donkey Jackets

Jacket - Suit - Blue - Pin Stripe - Navy Blue

Trousers - Unknown - Brown - Unknown

Trousers - Unknown - Unknown - Unknown - Denim Trousers

Underwear - Vest - Unknown - Unknown

Tie - Unknown - Brown - Unknown

Footwear - Sandals - Brown - Unknown - One Sandal

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This case is also on the Doe Network database.

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Suitably spooky pic, as in keeping with the theme of the blog, but this series is more tragic than anything. Here you will find links to write ups of the unidentified bodies found across Wales over the last 60 years.

Perhaps someone, somewhere, knows who they are and can provide some closure to the people left behind...

Date Found:

22/12/1967 - Male, Cardiff. Presumed vagrant found in a derelict building.

10/05/1970 - Male, Llandegai. Well dressed skeletal remains of a young man found in a tree by boys searching for birds' eggs.

31/03/1971 - Male, Rogiet. Body of a young man believed to have been in water for at least 18 months.

06/05/1973 - Male, Goldcliffe. Found on the shore, believed to have been in the water between 9 and 18 months.

23/10/1974 - Female, Traeth Gwyn Beach. Had been in the water two to three weeks.

15/09/1975 - Male, Henborth Beach, Holyhead. Fully clothed drowning death, had been in the water under a week.

16/09/1975 - Male, Capel Curig. Skeletal remains, police considered the man likley a vagrant who had died of exposure.

28/09/1976 - Male, Porthcawl. Body recovered from the sea.

26/02/1977 - Male, Newport. Body recovered from Severn Estuary at Redwick; one of the few cases with an accompanying sketch.

28/06/1978 - Female, Barmouth. Woman's body recovered from sea clothed in a swimsuit.

05/12/1978 - Male, Conwy. Skull recovered from Liverpool Bay, its owner was believed to have died within the preceding year.

24/05/1979 - Male, Glamorgan. Body of an older man found floating in the Bristol Channel; he had receipts in his pockets from Woolworths stores in Neath and Cardiff.

15/08/1979 - Male, Neath Port Talbot. Man's fully clothed body washed up on beach.

09/12/1979 - Male, Glamorgan. Skeletal remains of a man found on mountainside with possible name and address details.

02/01/1980 - Female, Conwy. Lower torso of a woman dredged up by a fishing trawler off the coast of Conwy.

21/08/1981 - Male, Ruthin. Decomposed body of an older man found in a shallow grave in woodland near a lay-by.

30/05/1982 - Male, Holyhead. Young man's body with rucksack recovered from sea.

28/12/1982 - Male, Aberdyfi. Fully clothed body of an older man washes up on the beach.

08/05/1983 - Male, Llandudno. Body is caught in the fishing nets of the 'Celtic Pride' about 10 miles off the coast.

06/07/1983 - Male, Newport. Body of a man in his 30s recovered from the River Usk.

21/11/1987 - Female, Milford Haven. Woman's clothed body washed up on Musselwick Beach, believed to have been in the water at least several weeks.

14/02/1988 - Male, Newport. Young man found in the Bristol Channel near Newport.

05/02/2000 - Male, Mynydd Fronfelin. Decomposed body found in a wooded area used by hikers.

18/02/2001 - Male, Porth Neigwl. Decomposed remains of a man washed up on Hells Mouth Beach.

24/09/2001 - Male, Mountain Ash. Skeletal remains of a short man found in a garden; facial reconstruction included.

04/12/2001 - Male, Aberffraw. Man's body washed up on beach.

20/02/2002 - Male, Llanfairfechan. An unidentified man committed suicide by jumping on to the tracks from the platform at Llanfairfechan Station.

14/06/2003 - Male, St Margarets Island. Partially clothed body recovered from the sea.

05/02/2006 - Male, Pontyberem. Skeletal remains of a man found sleeping in a home made den in woodland.

23/05/2011 - Male, Capel Curig. Man believed to have died the day before found in river, sketch available.

14/11/2015 - Male, Clocaenog Forest. Skeletal remains found; facial reconstructions available.