A MAN believed to be from Caernarfon has sparked anger among veterans after allegedly posing as a naval admiral and claiming to represent the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd at Llandudno’s Remembrance Sunday service.
The alleged imposter attended the wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial on Sunday, November 9.
The Walter Mitty Hunters Club HQ, which works to expose "cheaters, stealers, scammers and fantasists who attach themselves to situations, occupations, and organisations," claimed the alleged impostor attended the service dressed as a Rear Admiral, wearing a Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and a large collection of medals he reportedly had no right to wear.
He is also alleged to have worn the Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal (QVRM) along with two other reserve long service medals.
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The Walter Mitty Hunters Club HQ told the Pioneer: "His attitude [made him stand out]. He just turned up and muscled his way in. When challenged, he was very cagey with what he did, where he did it, and even what his name was.
"Little details became obvious - wrong shirt, ill fitting jacket, no qualification badge over his medals, amongst other things. After more digging, we couldn't find any serving admiral that matched his description, let alone one that was attached to NATO, (that's who he claimed he was currently attached to)."
The DSO is an operational gallantry award given for highly successful command and leadership during active operations.
The QVRM was created by Royal Warrant of Queen Elizabeth II on 29 March 1999. Only 13 Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medals may be awarded in a year. The medal is presented only to members of the Volunteer Reserves of the British Armed Services for "exemplary meritorious service" in the conduct of their duties.
Richard Kendrick, a former Royal British Legion Poppy appeal organiser, said: "Any person pretending to be a Veteran is a disgrace. Men and women wear medals they have earned from acts of valor.
"These people pretending to be veterans dishonour the real heroes we are remembering at Remembrance."
A spokesperson from Llandudno Town Council said: "The Town Council was not aware of, or notified of, the gentleman’s attendance in advance. He appeared on the day.
"He was approached by the Parade Marshall and identified himself as a Rear Admiral and that he was representing the Lord Lieutenants Office.
"The council would like to add that it would not wish this to overshadow what was an excellent parade and remembrance service, and that with the exception of the identity of the gentleman he laid his wreath respectfully before leaving.
"The council understands that military organisations are looking into this, and we are awaiting any response."
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