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Authorities are currently investigating an incident involving a man who participated in a Remembrance Sunday event in Llandudno, Conwy county, while dressed as a senior naval officer. The individual took part in the wreath-laying ceremony and saluted the war memorial alongside another person. However, doubts arose among serving and former military personnel about the authenticity of his rank and the legitimacy of the medals he displayed, which included the rare Distinguished Service Order.
The event drew hundreds of people to Llandudno’s seafront to observe the traditional silence and wreath-laying rituals. Members of the local Royal Naval Association noticed the man wearing the insignia indicative of a rear admiral, one of the highest ranks in the Royal Navy. In addition to the epaulettes and sleeve lace, he was adorned with numerous medals, sparking suspicion due to the rarity of some awards, particularly the Distinguished Service Order, which has been awarded only sparingly since 1979.
Concerns about the man’s true identity and credentials have been voiced on social media by veterans and current service members, who questioned whether he genuinely held the rank or earned the decorations he displayed. Llandudno Town Council, responsible for organising the ceremony, confirmed that no officer of that rank was scheduled to attend the event. Greg Robbins, chair of the council’s civic sub-committee, explained that the individual was approached by the parade marshal. Despite the challenge, the man claimed to represent the Lord Lieutenant’s office and insisted on his claimed rank. The parade marshal ultimately allowed him to take part to preserve the decorum of the ceremony.
The two men, the suspected impersonator and a colleague dressed in khaki uniform, were seen walking in formation to the memorial, where the colleague laid a wreath before both saluted and departed. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that impersonating a naval officer is offensive to those connected with the service and may constitute a criminal offense. They underscored the importance of maintaining the solemnity of Remembrance Sunday, a time when the Royal Navy community and the wider public honor those who have served or are serving their country
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