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.
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.
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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