The man, who has been dubbed a supreme “Walter Mitty figure”, even saluted at the war memorial during the wreath-laying event as outage over the ‘phoney medal’ wearing suspected imposter was shared online
Military veterans were left absolutely livid after a suspected fake dressed as a Rear Admiral gatecrashed this year’s Remembrance Sunday service in Wales.
Donning a Royal Navy uniform decorated with medals, he wormed his way into the sacred ceremony by falsely claiming to represent the Lord Lieutenant’s Office at the Remembrance day event Llandudno, Conwy.
The individual, branded an ultimate “Walter Mitty figure“, even saluted at the war memorial whilst wreaths were being laid.
Fresh inquiries by North Wales Live have uncovered that the same bloke had previously turned up in Rear Admiral regalia at Remembrance Sunday services in Caernarfon, Gwynedd.
The Royal Navy declared that masquerading as a Naval officer was “insulting to veterans”, reports North Wales Live.
Red flags were raised at the solemn Llandudno gathering when he turned up wearing what looked like a poorly-fitted uniform and non-regulation shirt whilst flaunting a chest packed with medals that simply couldn’t have been earned together.
The incident has been flagged to military organisations, though probes aren’t typically launched in such circumstances.
His presence meant one genuine local naval representative couldn’t properly participate in the proceedings.
Chief Petty Officer Terry Stewart, from Llandudno, said: “This Walter Mitty owes me my place on the parade as I dropped out to specifically chat.
“I don’t suspect he will return next year.”
The suspected fake donned the Distinguished Service Order, a decoration traditionally bestowed upon infantry officers – yet no active Royal Navy officer has ever been granted the DSO, and it hasn’t been awarded for over thirty years.
He also sported the Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal, which is exclusively given to military reservists and has never been received by any DSO recipient.
Two additional reserve long service medals were also on display.
He was spotted wearing an Operation Telic medal (Iraq) as well.
One furious observer posted online: “That was a conflict in which our very own Llewelyn Evans died and whose name is displayed on that very cenotaph… that level of disrespect is disgusting!”.
“He’s wearing the uniform and medals that 1,000s of men have died earning, or risked their lives.”
The individual was reported to the Walter Mitty Hunters Club, a web-based group that probes fraudulent military claims.
Following their examination of his decorations, they declared it could be the “highest ranking Walt attempt ever”.
According to Llandudno Town Council, when the parade marshal confronted the individual during the ceremony, he maintained he was present representing the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd.
However, the council confirmed he wasn’t included on their guest list.
The Royal Navy has slammed the impersonation of a Naval officer as “insulting’ to veterans” to veterans, stating: “Nothing should detract from the poignancy of Remembrance Sunday which can be a sombre time for members of the Royal Navy family and an opportunity for people in communities across the United Kingdom to pay their respects to people who have served or are serving their country.”
Veterans were quick to condemn the alleged imposter. Online, a former Royal Marine Regimental Sergeant Major from the resort said: “Whoever is the sergeant major taking the marching parade should be looking out for these people.
“It’s absolutely shameful. Next year I’ll be down at Llandudno – I live on West Shore.”
A retired Navy officer added: “I haven’t seen so much gold on ones chest ever, this is shocking.”
The accused was labelled with “stolen valour”, a term used to describe the act of falsely claiming military service, rank, or medals to deceive others.
Under UK law, updated in 2006, donning unearned medals is no longer illegal unless it involves fraudulent activities such as fundraising for military charities.
The Royal Navy confirmed that it does not probe into stolen valour cases unless illicit activity is suspected, and will not be investigating the Llandudno incident.
Images from a military ceremony in Caernarfon also revealed man dressed in a Rear Admiral’s uniform.
A naval source confirmed it was definitely the same individual – sporting an identical set of medals, though notably missing the coveted DSO.
They explained: “The Royal Navy is a relatively small community and we know who our Rear Admirals are.”
Llandudno Town Council has confirmed they received no prior notification about the man’s participation, stating he simply “appeared on the day”.
A council spokesman commented: “The council would like to add that it would not wish this to overshadow what was an excellent parade and remembrance service.
“The council understands that military organisations are looking into this, and we are awaiting any response.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.