An individual claiming to be an admiral has sparked outrage during a Remembrance Sunday event in Llandudno, North Wales. Jonathan David Carley was seen wearing an ill-fitting rear admiral uniform complete with a dubious array of twelve medals.
Details of the Incident
Carley, who reportedly has infiltrated multiple Remembrance events over the years, attended the ceremony uninvited. His choice of decorations raised eyebrows, featuring the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), an MBE, and the Gulf War Medal. Notably, he wore the Queen’s Voluntary Reserves Medal, which is typically awarded exclusively to military reservists who have not achieved a DSO.
Regulatory Violations
The Royal Navy condemned Carley’s actions as “insulting” to veterans. An official noted that his attire could be classified as a criminal offence under the Uniforms Act of 1894, which prohibits individuals without military service from wearing military uniforms.
Community Reaction
- Llandudno Town Council stated that Carley was not on the guest list.
- When questioned, he falsely claimed to represent the Lord-Lieutenant of Clwyd.
- The actual Lord-Lieutenant, Harry Fethersonhaugh, denied ever meeting Carley.
Residents of Harlech, where Carley lives, expressed their shock at his impersonation. One local claimed he boasted about false military service, stating, “It’s outrageous.”
Previous Impersonations
Carley has also been linked to similar incidents in Caernarfon during the Remembrance events of 2018 and 2019. Photos from those events show him wearing an identical combination of medals and an excessively long-sleeved rear admiral jacket.
Expert Opinions
A retired senior Navy officer criticized Carley’s impersonation, highlighting that he lacked essential badges that denote actual military experience. The officer remarked, “It is impossible to imagine someone earning a DSO without being in a command role.”
The Walter Mitty Hunters Club, dedicated to exposing military impersonators, suggested this might be the most audacious case of impersonation witnessed. They pointed out that Carley is not listed as an alumnus of Harvard University, contradicting his claims of education from prestigious institutions.
Conclusion
Impersonating a Naval officer is not only an ethical breach but could also lead to legal repercussions. As Remembrance Sunday is a time for honoring those who served, actions like Carley’s detract from its significance and respect.
