Fake medals scandal: veterans furious after man impersonates naval officer

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated an investigation after a man claiming to be an admiral appeared at a Remembrance Sunday event wearing fake medals.

Veterans were outraged, accusing the man of wearing counterfeit medals after allegedly talking his way into a wreath-laying ceremony before saluting the war memorial.

Despite ’behaving’ and laying his wreath ’respectfully,’ the man’s actions caused anger and confusion among veterans after he appeared at the ceremony in Llandudno, North Wales.

The individual has since been identified as Jonathan Carley, 64, with the MoD reportedly investigating following numerous complaints.

He is said to have participated in several Remembrance events according to reports, with The Royal Navy describing his behavior as "insulting."

They outlined that the impersonation "could be considered a criminal offence" under the Uniforms Act 1894 - a framework that prohibits anyone who has not served in the British armed forces from wearing military uniforms.

LBC has reached out to the MoD for comment.

Remembrance Sunday Parade Llandudno Wales

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "Impersonating a Naval officer is insulting to anyone connected to the service and could be considered a criminal offence.

"Nothing should detract from the significance of Remembrance Sunday, which can be a solemn 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."

Wearing 12 medals including the Distinguished Service Order, typically awarded to infantry officers, Mr. Carley also wore medals from the Queen’s Voluntary Reserves Medal, which are exclusively for military reservists.

The Walter Mitty Hunters Club, an online group exposing cases like this, said records show no one had ever won both.

Group members told The Sun: "This might be the highest-ranking Walt attempt ever."

When challenged by the parade marshal, the man claimed to be representing the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd.

A Llandudno council spokesperson said: "We are aware that a gentleman turned up to our Remembrance Sunday event.

"We were not notified of his attendance in advance.

"He was approached by the parade marshal and said he was representing the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd.

"He laid his wreath respectfully and behaved before leaving.

"We understand military organizations are looking into this.

"We would not wish it to overshadow an excellent parade and remembrance service."

A Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd spokesperson said: "The Lord Lieutenant had no knowledge of asking anyone to go to the event on his behalf.

"The council sent over a photograph of the man, but nobody here recognized him. The matter is under investigation at the moment."

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "Impersonating a Naval officer is insulting to anyone connected to the service and could be considered a criminal offence.

"Nothing should detract from the significance of Remembrance Sunday, which can be a solemn 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."