Glamorgan Man
Can you help to solve the mystery of a man who was found in 1979 in Glamorgan, Wales? We believe we can find the answers to return his name to him, even after 45 years.
On December 9, 1979, the skeletal remains of a man were discovered in Rheola Forest, Vale of Neath, Glamorgan, Wales. Several items found on his person suggest a link to South Africa.
Despite extensive investigation, his identity remains unknown. Can you help us identify this man?
He was possibly a visitor from South Africa. He is believed to have died between nine and 18 months before he was discovered.
A vital fact that could jog someone’s memory is that he walked with a noticeable limp. His right leg was fused at the knee, preventing it from bending. He possibly spoke with a South African accent.
Description:
Male, approx. 40 to 60 years old
173-178cm (5’8” – 5’10”) tall, stocky build
Short, mixed light brown hair, grey streaks
Noticeable limp, right leg unable to bend due to a fused knee
May have worn dentures as he had no teeth
Clothing:
Brown twill trousers – 28” inside leg
Blue shirt
Light brown V neck jumper – 40” chest
Grey socks
Brown shoes – size 8
Belongings:
Holdall
Grey trousers
2 shirts
Pair of green socks
Brown imitation leather briefcase
Salvation Testament containing the name D MALAN and address PO BOX, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa (pictured above)
Commemorative bookmark for a Christian mission conducted in King William’s Town (now known as Qonce) by ‘Rhodes Varsity Trekkers’ which was held at Easter (April 9 -17) 1960 (pictured)
South African Airways timetable of flights from London to Johannesburg dated 1977 (pictured)
Notes on an airmail envelope planning an internal flight to Durban. The handwriting appears to be the same as that in the Bible (pictured)
Welsh Tourist Board issued Map of South Wales and West England
Blank headed notepaper from the Sheraton Hotel, Heathrow
Small amount of Canadian and US Dollars suggesting he was possibly well travelled
Questions you can ask yourself
Think back to 1978 and where you were at that time, and who you knew. You truly may be able to help - please consider our questions.
Who could you ask that might be able to help?
Share these questions with your family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours.
Help us identify Glamorgan Man. If you recognise him or have any information that could help, please come forward.
1. Do you remember someone fitting this description in South Wales, in or around 1978?
2. Were you the owner of a bed and breakfast/guesthouse at that time and have a record or even a memory of this man as a guest in 1978, regardless of how vague?
3. Did you work in a hotel during the late 1970’s and remember a visitor leaving behind possessions? What happened to those possessions?
4. Did you drive a Taxi in the mid to late 70’s, was this man a passenger in your cab? Any slight detail could help us.
5. Were you a chapel-goer in South Wales and the Vale of Neath in particular, during this period and remember someone fitting this description, even if it was just once?
6. Did you work in the mining industry during the mid to late 1970’s and possibly meet this man in your line of work?
7. Do you remember someone who was from South Africa, or who spoke of South Africa who walked with a heavy limp?
8. Were you involved in the anti-apartheid movement? Some prominent members lived near Resolven, Wales after leaving South Africa.
9. A popular rambling and hiking area, did you see him or speak to him in passing when walking the forest and waterfalls?
Do you have information?
There is always hope, and you could be the person that makes the difference.
No matter how seemingly small the information you have, it really may be the answer we need. Information provided can be submitted anonymously, and submissions will be treated in confidence. Everything we receive will be reviewed by our dedicated team of volunteers. Please do not use this form for emergency assistance in locating a person. Please call 999.