Fake Rear Admiral Arrested for Impersonation at Remembrance Sunday in North Wales
November 14, 2025
A 64-year-old man was arrested in Harlech, North Wales, on suspicion of offences related to the unlawful use of military uniforms after allegedly posing as a rear admiral at Remembrance Sunday events in Llandudno.
He is due to appear at Caernarfon magistrates’ court on December 11.
Images circulated showing him in the uniform and medals of a high-ranking navy officer during a wreath-laying service in Llandudno on Remembrance Sunday.
An online group, the Walter Mitty Hunters Club, said none of the medals matched known recipients and that they investigated the incident after a tip-off.
The inquiry involved swift police action in response to reports and remains ongoing.
Public records show the man had a brief reserve commission in 1991 and that it was terminated in 1995; he has claimed to have studied at Oxford and Harvard and taught at Eton College.
The Royal Navy and media notes reference prior appearances in 2018 and 2019 involving the same individual, linked to the Walter Mitty Hunters Club which documents stolen valour cases.
Local authorities, including Llandudno town council and the lord lieutenant for Clwyd, believed the individual was an impostor and not known to the organizers.
A council spokesperson noted the parade marshal encountered the man, who claimed to be from the Lord Lieutenant’s office; although he laid his wreath and behaved respectfully, questions about his identity emerged after the event.
North Wales Police said the incident stirred public concern due to Remembrance Sunday timing and urged people not to speculate or share content that could affect court proceedings.
Photographs showed the man wearing a Rear Admiral’s rank with epaulettes and sleeve lace that did not align with his verified service record.
Remembrance Sunday, observed near November 11, honors those killed in World War I, with ceremonies attended by veterans and officials.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Nov 14, 2025
Man charged after ‘fake admiral’ seen at Remembrance Sunday event
The Guardian • Nov 14, 2025
Man, 64, arrested after reports of ‘impostor’ dressed as rear admiral at Remembrance event in Wales
The Independent • Nov 14, 2025
Man charged over allegedly posing as admiral at Remembrance Sunday event