The Military Imposter Walts fakes etc thread

Hi guys,

I thought i would bring this to your attention as i think it warrants as wider audience as possible.

'We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to pass a new
law making it illegal to impersonate, misrepresent, or falsify
connections (past or present) with HM Forces including the
wearing of uniforms complete or in part and the adorning of
medals awarded either for campaign service, long service and
services of distinction for which they are not entitled.
Further to this and in particular, we would request that the
government consider making it a criminal offence for those who
aspire to make personal or corporate financial gain from such
acts of fraudulent deceit.'

I think it is something over looked and needs to be addressed.

Here is the link: Petition to: pass a new law making it illegal to impersonate, misrepresent, or falsify connections (past or present) with HM Forces including the wearing of uniforms complete or in part and the adorning of medals awarded either for campaign service,

And also a video that accompanies the petition:
YouTube - Stolen Honour


Regards, Donnie.

 

Read the small print mate on the petition site....dont worry.. Re-enactors are welcome!

Donnie

 

Is it not already illegal to wear a current issue uniform, and medals of any conflict?

 

I'm afraid not mucker, thats why we need to push this. I believe it is illegal in America?

Donnie

 

It would outlaw gamekeepers, bird watchers, fishermen and me! I still wear a desi and tropical DPM hat a desi combats as cargo pants.

 

I see some of those signing are taking it seriously

James Shortarse (Ex MI5)

Baron James Shortt (ex SAS)

Mr Sun Jock (the waltercommando)

 

I really think that an outing on ARRSE as a Walt is punishment enough !

...and what does this mean ? ..."posing as an authority in military matters were (sic) clearly no formal qualifications exist,"

If I should choose to write a pamphlet on Military Nortons despite my lack of formal qualifications (How dare I !) should I be criminalised ?

The WD / MOD have been happily selling off surplus clothing for centuries. It's a bit rich if it's then illegal to wear it. Would it rule out me wearing my Dad's old CD greatcoat as well ? Damm'it Man, I'd have to buy a winter coat for the first time since 1973 !

Sorry but I think that this is a very blunt instrument to deal with a small problem...and even ARRSE posters seem to find 'Walting' OK if it's for carnal advancement.

 

Its outlawed in Ireland I believe

 

Do you think its alright for someone like Bob Spour to advertise himself as Ex SAS make an absolute pile of cash from deceiving people? Men wearing medals to which they are not entitled? Wearing uniform that they are not entitled to wear?

I personally hate it, WTF do people think they are doing when they walt with medals, tell stories that never happened and worst of all say that they HAVE HAD FRIENDS KILLED IN ACTION! It makes me sick, how can someone live of the glory and death of someone else? because they didnt have the bottle to earn it all themselves?...i know of someone who does this but sadly i cant chin him but if the law could stick him with a fine etc it would be the next best thing.

Donnie.

 

Buy new trousers and sign a worthwhile petition!

Donnie

 

Sat here in my customary Flek Tarn myself. Best cammo for the vegetation and terrain round here. Not to mention the fact that I'd feel 'a little uneasy', wandering down the roads with my rifle cradled and wearing my old British (Gov. Surp) DPM jacket!

I take ye point, Donnie. I'd guess we all do. But, where does the line go, mate? I'll never forget this din' I saw hanging about in a motorway service station. High leg combat boots at one end. SAS badged baseball cap at the other. Everything but the guns in between. He just stood out like a punch in the mouth as a absolute wanker, probably scared to death of his own shadow. Hardly worth dragging him off to court over though.

On the same point; I suspect ye govt. has rather more to think of, right now, than trying to devise laws which separate students in RAF great coats from fat and forty plus 'Re Enactors'.

Personally, I don't think anyone over thirty five or with a paunch should ever be allowed out in public with a deactivated Lee Enfield! But, there we are

 

I wouldn't want in any way to belittle Donnie's concerns but these people have always existed and always will. The problem lies with the gullible folk who believe them (but then look at the audience for TV soaps and reality shows - there's no shortage of the gullible).

Plenty of old soldiers have talked up their service just as fisherman have done with their catches and I've occasionally been caught out doing with tales of my exploits on two wheels.

Bullshit merchants are everywhere and until the public at large can be taught to think critically, they'll profit from it...but prison, for spinning a yarn ?

 

Hi mate,

Its not really about people wearing S95 trousers in the pub after work, it more for people who build a franchise around supposed SAS, PARA etc ex service like Bob Spour did. Conning people out of their hard earned....

Donnie

 

So if I wear an Arty T Shirt or an Arty Collar-dog on my lapel when apt. I will get nicked will I?
B--locks!
Rob

 

While I agree with the spirit, the wording is too draconian and re-actionary... "posing as an authority in military matters were (sic) clearly no formal qualifications exist"; I'm sorry people do not have to have been in the military to talk about it with conviction, knowledge and sincerity. This needs more work, and more thought IMHO.

I have a mate who I was at school with; he was badly injured in his basic training with the REs and discharged. I know he wears a veterans badge as he was proud to serve and saddened he couldn't serve longer; wouldn't this put him in with the Walts too?

 

Its not really about people wearing S95 trousers in the pub after work
No, but like most government over-reactions, if it can be so interpreted, it could be when it suits their purpose. For that reason, I'm sure Brown won't turn a blind eye to this petition, especially if he thinks he can buy a bit of instant popularity with the Forces at the same time.

it more for people who build a franchise around supposed SAS, PARA etc ex service like Bob Spour did. Conning people out of their hard earned....
Is that really morally worse than bogus charities defrauding people? Or cowboy builders targetting OAPs? Fraud is still technically a crime, so do we need another law to deal specifically with walt-fraud?

 

Who is this Bob Spour ?

 

Linky Link mate : Bob Spour - ARRSEpedia

Donnie