Book Sales – Update 27/12/11
I have received many queries in respect to my book sales. As a self publisher I have received valuable assistance from a number of bookshop outlets in South Australia to promote and sell my book. My web site sales to intrastate, interstate and overseas purchasers have been beyond my expectations. I have had exceptional sales to the USA, Canada, the UK and Germany and other sales to South Africa, Japan, Spain and Burma. I have received hundreds of letters and emails from purchasers who were pleased with the book generally and the content specifically. I have also supplied further details to a very large number of readers requesting additional information on the subject. The project has given me the opportunity to communicate with a large number of interesting people throughout the world.
Comments by Gerry re. H. C. Reynolds article – 20/11/11
A lengthy article was recently printed in the Sunday Mail relating to a comparison of two photographs by Professor Maciej Henneberg. One of the photographs depicted a male person on a U.S. Department of Labour Seaman's Identification Card, signed on 28 Feb 1918 in the name of HC Reynolds, 18 years of age, British nationality. The photograph of Reynolds was compared to the police photograph of the unknown man taken shortly after the autopsy. Prof Henneberg made a comparison of the facial features in both photographs cementing his opinion that it was more than likely the same man. It is necessary to read the complete article to analyse the comparison by Prof. Henneberg. The article has appeared on a number of web sites throughout the world.
A number of interested people have contacted me personally, via telephone contact and emails in respect to this article and asked for my comments. Basically I have supplied the following details to them.
In early February 2011, I received a letter from the woman (not identified in the article) containing comprehensive detail, a photograph of HC Reynolds and the circumstances under which it was found. This was followed up by a number of telephone conversations.
I had no doubt about the authenticity of the information supplied to me. I became aware that the same photograph and details had been forwarded to a number of other interested parties. I was also advised that Professor Henneberg had advised her: "The similarity, however is substantial and in my opinion warrants further investigation." I wrote in my reply inter alia, "I have no alternative but to accept his (Prof Henneberg) learned opinion. As I explained to you during our conversation I don't see any resemblance to the 'Unknown Man'. After studying his photograph for years (the Unknown Man) there is nothing in the face of Reynolds that 'jumps out' at me that is similar… Also Reynolds has a square chin with what appears to be a cleft or dimple, whereas the 'Unknown Man' has a rounded chin. My opinion, and I will stand corrected if I am wrong." I provided details of a record relating to H Reynolds, Able Seaman, on 'Empress of Asia', Suez Canal 1941, and advised that I could not locate any details to authenticate the U.S. Identity Card.
It soon became obvious that a number of people were 'tripping over each other' to obtain information about Reynolds so I removed myself from that line of inquiry. I have not seen an official statement from Prof Henneberg. I have every respect for Prof Henneberg and accept his qualifications. If he is positive that Reynolds is identical to the 'Unknown Man' I will reconsider my views on the subject.
Article titled 'Exhumation Denied' – 16/10/11
A lengthy article was recently printed in the Sunday Mail in respect to an application submitted to the Attorney General by Derek Abbott to exhume the body of 'The Unknown Man'. In a statement to the Sunday Mail, Mr Rau said: "Given that I have not received an application from the police or the Coroner, I'm not convinced that I have been presented with sufficient reasons to approve the exhumation of the remains.
"Exhumation is a step which I would only approve in very compelling circumstances. The application before me offers only the possibility that DNA could be used to provide police with further leads to investigate the unknown man's identity.
"There needs to be public interest reasons that go well beyond public curiosity or broad scientific interest for the Attorney-General to approve an exhumation."
Exhumation Refused - 09/08/11
The author has recently received documentation from the Attorney General's Office advising that an application from another party to exhume the body of the Unknown Man has been refused. May he rest in peace.
Another Code Theory – 23/07/2011
A Victorian Gentleman (name excluded) has maintained an interest in codes over the years. He has applied the interpretations of single and double letters produced by hoisted flags and pennants using the International Code of Signalling, and compared them to single or double letters of the Rubaiyat 'code'. The following interpretations are produced by using some of the single and double letters within the Rubaiyat 'code' as random examples of his theory. 'C' = Yes or, Affirmative, 'D' = No or, Negative, 'GO' = You are within gunshot, or, You are within reach of guns (or, of batteries), 'AB' = Abandon the vessel as fast as possible, 'BA' = Can damage be repaired at sea? 'BD' = Damage can be put to rights in…hours, 'ML' = Stop her, 'LI' = Go ahead full steam, 'IA' = Have received the following communication (or, instructions) from your owner (or, agents), 'IM' = Will you telegraph to … (ship or person named) the intelligence I am about to communicate?, 'TG' = Your orders are at …(or will be at … ), etc, etc. His interesting and unique theory has been included to share with others.
Comments by Gerry 4/7/11
A couple of callers have made mention that there are no spare pairs of socks listed as items found in possession of The Unknown Man. On page 30 of my book, under heading 'Post-war years', last sentence of first paragraph I wrote; "All across the country there were shortages of almost every consumer item, including things as basic as a pair of socks." I did not research the reason for this but I made mention of this fact because I did note there were no socks listed amongst his possessions. Perhaps it may have been more appropriate if I mentioned this fact under the listed items on page 155.
Comments by Gerry 18/4/11
I am aware there has been healthy debate in respect to numbers, letters and images being revealed on numerous items, in particular a copy of the 'Code' shown on page 106 of my book. I also make reference to a photograph of D/Sgt. Leane and Det. Brown holding items of clothing on page 61 of my book. I obtained this photograph from what I believe is a copy taken from the negative of the original newspaper photograph. On the left of the photograph and under the flashlight reflection on the open lid of the suitcase are clear numbers. Under various magnifications there are numerous numbers throughout the photograph and if a little imagination is applied other images appear on the suitcase lid and the coat pocket of D/Sgt. Leane, just above the camera flash. I also noted what appeared to be numbers, possibly written in indian ink on the bottom of the trousers pocket shown in the far right of the photograph. I have also viewed other photographs and newspaper articles where similar images appear under magnification. I have reservations as to the causes of these appearances but I am not learned enough to comment further. My comments are not meant to dissuade interested parties from continuing their analysis of the subject.
Comments by Gerry 12/4/11
I have been advised there is information on a facebook page that suggests a ridge on the forehead of the Unknown Man, seen in a photograph and the bust, may be an abnormality. This ridge was caused as a result of the autopsy examination and where stitches were inserted at the completion. I will not go into the gory details as to why an incision was made in that position.
Comments by Gerry 5/4/11
The following is a unique and original theory in respect to the 'code'.
This theory says that the code is composed of random letters, concealing a number of Roman numeral digits. These digits spell out a 4 digit number, which is consistent with a South Australian 'phone number in 1948. The area code for Glenelg was X at the time, and this explains the X floating above the 3rd line of the code. Hiding Roman numerals has been done for a long time, usually as a Chronogram to hide the year of the item. The idea appeals to the Occam's Razor concept of simplicity. It is effective and simple for both the encoder and decoder. Furthermore, study reveals that the chances of a string of 44 digits revealing a valid Roman numeral are about 10% likelihood.
Further information: http://www.simonfoxguitar.com/somerton_man.htm
Comments by Gerry 27/3/11
The original police investigation was titled the 'Somerton File'. For some reason references have since been made to the 'Somerton Man' and the 'Tamam Shud Case'. I titled my book 'The Unknown Man' because that is the inscription on his headstone.
All responses to the front and rear cover of the book have been complimentary. The front cover was designed to show that death occurred on a beach, and the deceased was wearing a particular style and colour of attire. It also directs the eye of the observer to the face of the 'Unknown Man' set within an array of the colourful rocks that have since replaced the original seawall. I originally placed the wording of his headstone on the rock near his right shoulder but excluded it to prevent clutter. The 'Code' and a telephone number (fictitious) was placed on the rear cover of the book because I am of the opinion they were found on (not in) the rear of the copy of the 'Rubaiyat'. The 'Code was placed on the rear to allow purchasers to easily copy it for 'doodling' purposes without damaging the interior of the book.
I have received a large number of queries and comments via emails, letters and personal contact from well meaning people. To date I have responded to all queries and comments apart from a few that are pending. The queries have ranged from minor to complex, and a few appear to be straight out of 'Star Wars'. All comments have been favourably to the cover, the structuring, the sequence and contents of the book. Readers have gone to complex in-depth analysis of the circumstances, and I am appreciative of their efforts to produce a range of interpretations, views and opinions. Most of the minor queries I have been able to answer by making references to various pages within the book. The 'Code' has certainly captured the attention and imagination of a large number of readers, and I apologise to those who have lost a considerable amount of sleep in the process of attempting to solve it.
As a matter of principle I will not be revealing the identity of the nurse and my reasoning is contained in the second paragraph of page 12 of the book. I cannot find a logical reason how by revealing her identity it would assist readers to further their comprehension of the known facts. If others choose to take an alternative course they can suffer the consequences.
My inquiries with security agencies have proved negative in respect to Boxall, the nurse and her husband.
I am aware that in the photograph on page 32 there is a double-decker bus parked in front of the Adelaide Railway Station. This is where the bus returning from the Glenelg area stopped.
I am also aware that in the photograph on page 37 there is a drain outlet in the seawall to the right of the steps. I have no knowledge as to the purpose of the outlet but I presume it was stormwater as apposed to sewerage. I am unaware if rotting seaweed emits any toxic gases. These queries were raised as a result of the mysterious deaths of Bogle and Chandler some years ago, and recent findings as to their cause of death.
The 'dot' in the centre of the map shown on page 38 indicates Jetty Road and not where a vehicle was parked. Recently, in a 'facebook' entry an identical map was produced with reference positions indicated by 'arrows', that caused some confusion. That map was extracted from a confidential copy of my original draft manuscript without my permission.
Thank you for offers but I do not wish to join or contribute to any 'facebook' sites. I have serious restrictions in respect to my time management, and I have strong reservations about the management, structuring, confidentiality and credibility of some 'facebook' sites and the like. I respect the choice of those who do not share my views.
