A SUSPECTED “Walter Mitty” has been arrested after being accused of posing as a Royal Navy admiral with a chest full of medals on Remembrance Sunday.
The man sparked fury at the weekend after he was allegedly caught wearing a string of fake medals and laying a wreath as the nation paid tribute to the fallen at Llandudno in Conwy, Wales.
Serving and former service personnel became suspicious when they saw him allegedly dressed as a Rear Admiral and wearing the rare Distinguished Service Order medal.
Cops have now swooped on the alleged imposter, aged 64, after he was accused of “blagging” his way into a wreath laying ceremony in North Wales on Sunday.
North Wales Police confirmed that the man, who resides in the Harlech area, was arrested for offences relating to the unlawful use of military uniforms.
He was accused of wearing a naval uniform adorned with 12 medals and the MBE.
The gongs were said to include a Distinguished Service Order – won by for command in battle – and the Queen‘s Voluntary Reserves Medal, exclusively for military reservists.
Pictures appeared to show him standing next to veterans and local dignitaries in full naval uniform.
And he even appeared to be seen carrying a ceremonial sword during a two-minute silence.
The man was seen walking in formation to the war memorial with a colleague, dressed in a khaki uniform.
The colleague then laid a wreath, before the men saluted and walked away.
Online group, the Walter Mitty Hunters Club, searched military records after receiving a tip-off and claimed no one had ever won all the gongs he was wearing.
Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan told The Sun today: “Our enquiries into this incident are currently ongoing.
“We can confirm that, during a search of the male’s address earlier today, a naval uniform and a selection of medals were recovered from within.
“Further updates on this investigation will be provided when available.”
Llandudno Town Council, which organised the event, confirmed that no-one of that rank had been due to attend the ceremony.
When challenged on Sunday, Carley said he allegedly said he was representing the Lord Lieutenant of Clywd.
But Lord Lieutenant Harry Fetherstonhaugh told The Sun yesterday: “I’ve never seen him in my life.”
Greg Robbins, chair of the council’s civic sub-committee, previously said: “The man was challenged by the parade marshal, but stated that he was of a certain rank, and that he was representing the Lord Lieutenant’s office.
“The parade marshal was left with little choice but to accommodate him in the wreath-laying ceremony.
“The most important thing with Remembrance Sunday ceremonies is that they are suitably dignified, as this one was.
“This individual did not disrupt the ceremony, but we are keen to know who he was, and will be working with the Ministry of Defence on its investigation.”
North Wales Police said in a full statement: “A 64-year-old male has been arrested in connection with an incident at the Remembrance Sunday event in Llandudno on 9 November.
“Images widely circulated in the press and on social media showed a male wearing the uniform and medals of a high-ranking navy officer whilst in attendance at the wreath-laying service.
“The man, who resides in the Harlech area, was arrested for offences relating to the unlawful use of military uniforms.”
