Some Mother’s Son
On 22nd January 1982, the skeletal remains of a man were discovered by a farmer at Trethill Cliff near Tregantle Fort, Cornwall. Over 40 years later, his identity remains a mystery.
Date found: 22nd January 1982.
Location found: In overgrowth in a farmer’s field at Trethill Cliff bordering the B3247 near Tregantle Fort, in southeastern Cornwall.
Age range: 25-30 years.
Possessions: A British passport with an embossed issue date, and a blue Merchant Navy discharge book. All other details on the passport and discharge book had been destroyed by time and the elements.
Close to the man’s body was a pouch containing coins, some dating from the late 1970's, and a copy of the Sun newspaper dated 1978.
A newspaper article from the time of the man’s discovery reported that he was found with a backpack and an overcoat.
Image credit – Google maps
Example of British Passport and Merchant Navy Discharge Book
Police Investigation
During 1982, local police and CID made extensive efforts to try and identify the man, reducing the number of possible names attributed to the issue date on his passport from twelve thousand to twenty-three that could not be accounted for.
These names were checked against National Insurance records, circulated to local police forces for examination, and then on to the Merchant Navy to check against their records.
Unfortunately, these enquiries did not lead to the man’s identity:
“This case has stayed with me since that winter’s day in 1982. We did all we could with the tools we had, yet the young man we found — ‘Some Mother’s Son’ — still has no name. Today, with modern technology and a community working alongside Devon & Cornwall Police and Locate International, we have our best chance yet to finally restore his identity. Please, come forward or share this appeal — by sharing, you may reach the one person who holds the answer.”
With nothing to indicate that suicide, an accident or foul play were involved in the man’s death, the Cornwall Coroner recorded that he died by natural causes — that he had probably lain down for shelter and succumbed to exposure.
Marking the man’s grave in Horson Cemetery in Torpoint is a headstone with the inscription:
IN MEMORY OF SOME MOTHER’S SON FOUND AT TRETHILL CLIFF, TREGANTLE, ON 22. JAN. 1982, BURIED 24. OCT. 1983.
His grave is cared for by the residents of the local community, many of whom would love to see him reunited with his name.
If you’re having trouble casting your mind back to 1978 these reminders may help:
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18th-20th February
The blizzard of 18th-20th February 1978 was one of the worst snowstorms to hit the UK. Some of the heaviest snowfalls and worst conditions were concentrated in Devon, drifting snow caused by gale force winds affected higher ground, including the Trethill cliff area.
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![Winning Ipswich Team]()
6th May
On 6th May, Ipswich Town won the FA Cup for the first time, beating Arsenal 1–0 in the Wembley final.
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![Test Tubes]()
25th July
Louise Brown, the first ‘test-tube baby’, was born on 25th July in Oldham, Manchester.
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![Cinema Screen and Seating]()
13th December
On 13th December, the first Superman movie starring Christopher Reeve premiered in the UK.
Questions you can ask yourself
We’re confident that after 44 years, Some Mother’s Sons’ identity can be found thanks to just one person with one piece of information.
You may have elderly family, friends or neighbours who might be able to recall meeting or seeing him in the area in the years before he was found in 1982. If you could share our appeal with them or talk to them about this case, it may jog their memory. The smallest piece of information could solve this case.
Did you or anyone you know serve in the Merchant Navy in the late 1970s?
Do remember a Merchant Navy man who went missing in 1978?
Merchant Navy vessels arrive at and depart from Millbay Docks and Cattewater Commercial Wharves in Plymouth, Devon. Brittany Ferries have operated from Millbay Docks since 1973, and commercial ships such as Rowbotham Tankship’s ‘Bridgeman’ were bringing goods to Cattewater Wharves in 1978. Did you, or anyone you know, work at Millbay Docks or Cattewater Commercial Wharves in the late 1970s?
The man had his Merchant Navy discharge book on his person, which means that he may either have just completed a voyage, or was on his way to join a ship. Were you expecting a man to join your crew in 1978 but he failed to board the ship?
Did someone you know unexpectedly stop contacting friends or family in 1978?
You could be the person that makes the difference.
Even the smallest detail may hold real significance. If you know something, no matter how unsure you are, we want to hear from you. Information can be shared in confidence, and you can remain anonymous if you wish.
Every submission is carefully reviewed by our team of volunteers. This is a safe and confidential way to ensure your voice is heard.
We also welcome contact from anyone who may have previously tried to share information and felt it wasn’t fully considered, or would like to share it again. Please do not use this form for emergency assistance in locating a person. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.