A man dressed as a Rear Admiral wearing a Royal Navy uniform with an ‘impossible’ collection of medals
16:47, 13 Nov 2025Updated 16:48, 13 Nov 2025
The suspected imposter approaches Llandudno’s Cenotaph
Military veterans were left fuming when a suspected imposter dressed as a Rear Admiral turned up at this year’s Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Llandudno, Conwy. Wearing a Royal Navy uniform adorned with medals, he inveigled his way into the solemn event by claiming to represent the Lord Lieutenant’s Office.
The man, dubbed a supreme “Walter Mitty figure”, even saluted at the war memorial during the wreath-laying event. Subsequent investigations by North Wales Live have revealed the man previously appeared in a Rear Admiral’s uniform at Remembrance Sunday ceremonies in Caernarfon, Gwynedd.
The Royal Navy said impersonating a Naval officer was “insulting to veterans”.
Suspicions were aroused at the sombre Llandudno event when he appeared in what appeared to be an ill-fitting uniform and non-regulation shirt while sporting a chest full of medals that couldn’t have been achieved in combination. The matter has been reported to military organisations but investigations are not usually carried out in these sorts of cases.
His appearance meant one local naval representative was unable to fully take part in the occasion. 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 alleged impersonator wore the Distinguished Service Order, typically awarded to infantry officers: no serving Royal Navy officer has been awarded the DSO and it hasn’t been presented for more than three decades.
He also wore the Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal, which is given exclusively to military reservists and which no DSO holder has ever received. Two other reserve long service medals were also present. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
The man wore at least 10 medals that couldn’t possibly have been earned in combination
He was also seen to be wearing an Operation Telic medal (Iraq). Online, one man said: “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 man was reported to the Walter Mitty Hunters Club, an online community that investigates false military claims.
After examining his medals, they suggested it might be the “highest ranking Walt attempt ever”.
The ‘Rear Admiral’ joins VIPs at Caernarfon’s Remembrance Day service in 2018(Image: Arwyn Roberts/North Wales Live)
According to Llandudno Town Council, when the parade marshal approached the man during the ceremony, he insisted he was there on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd. But the council said he was not on their guest list.
The Royal Navy said impersonating a Naval officer was “insulting’ to veterans”. It added: “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.”
He stood to attention as a wreath was laid before saluting Llandudno’s Cenotaph on Sunday
A retired Navy officer added: “I haven’t seen so much gold on ones chest ever, this is shocking.”
The alleged imposter was accused of “stolen valour” – the act of falsely claiming military service, rank, or medals to deceive others.
Under UK law, updated in 2006, wearing unearned medals is no longer illegal unless it involves fraud such as raising money for military charities. The Royal Navy confirmed it does not investigate stolen valour cases unless illicit activity is suspected, and won’t be examining the Llandudno incident.
The ‘fake admiral’ pictured second from right in Caernarfon’s in 2019(Image: Arwyn Roberts/North Wales Live)
Photos from a military ceremony in Caernarfon show a man wearing a Rear Admiral’s outfit. A naval source said it was 100% the same man – he was wearing the same set of medals, minus the prestigious DSO. They added: “The Royal Navy is a relatively small community and we know who our Rear Admirals are.”
Llandudno Town Council confirmed it wasn’t told about the man’s attendance beforehand, saying he just “appeared on the day”.
A spokesperson said: “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.” Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox