What to do with a Walt?
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Fishing for Walts
I spent a diverting hour of company time surfing the ANZMI link (see above). What is interesting is the gall many of these characters have in presenting themselves, bedecked in medals, to veterans. Is there a similar website in the UK?
At a recent ANZAC service at Westminster Abbey, several members of Legion of Frontiersmen pitched up bedecked in Cavalry-style uniforms (and made-up medals) and remonstrated with the Parade Marshalls that they had to line up behind the Women's Auxilliary Balloon Corps (or some such). Whilst waiting to file in to the Abbey after the short parade at the Cenotaph, I engaged in conversation a young-ish chap (perhaps 30) wearing a RTR-style dress uniform. It was clear that he was uncomfortable speaking to a serving officer with a rash of recent campaign medals (Balkans, ME); moreover he was unable to give a convincing explanation why he was at the parade and service at all - as his connections were tenuous to the extreme, as far as I could make out. Oh well, at least he appeared harmless...
CF
At a recent ANZAC service at Westminster Abbey, several members of Legion of Frontiersmen pitched up bedecked in Cavalry-style uniforms (and made-up medals) and remonstrated with the Parade Marshalls that they had to line up behind the Women's Auxilliary Balloon Corps (or some such). Whilst waiting to file in to the Abbey after the short parade at the Cenotaph, I engaged in conversation a young-ish chap (perhaps 30) wearing a RTR-style dress uniform. It was clear that he was uncomfortable speaking to a serving officer with a rash of recent campaign medals (Balkans, ME); moreover he was unable to give a convincing explanation why he was at the parade and service at all - as his connections were tenuous to the extreme, as far as I could make out. Oh well, at least he appeared harmless...
CF
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I spent a diverting hour of company time surfing the ANZMI link (see above). What is interesting is the gall many of these characters have in presenting themselves, bedecked in medals, to veterans. Is there a similar website in the UK?
At a recent ANZAC service at Westminster Abbey, several members of Legion of Frontiersmen pitched up bedecked in Cavalry-style uniforms (and made-up medals) and remonstrated with the Parade Marshalls that they had to line up behind the Women's Auxilliary Balloon Corps (or some such). Whilst waiting to file in to the Abbey after the short parade at the Cenotaph, I engaged in conversation a young-ish chap (perhaps 30) wearing a RTR-style dress uniform. It was clear that he was uncomfortable speaking to a serving officer with a rash of recent campaign medals (Balkans, ME); moreover he was unable to give a convincing explanation why he was at the parade and service at all - as his connections were tenuous to the extreme, as far as I could make out. Oh well, at least he appeared harmless...
CF
At a recent ANZAC service at Westminster Abbey, several members of Legion of Frontiersmen pitched up bedecked in Cavalry-style uniforms (and made-up medals) and remonstrated with the Parade Marshalls that they had to line up behind the Women's Auxilliary Balloon Corps (or some such). Whilst waiting to file in to the Abbey after the short parade at the Cenotaph, I engaged in conversation a young-ish chap (perhaps 30) wearing a RTR-style dress uniform. It was clear that he was uncomfortable speaking to a serving officer with a rash of recent campaign medals (Balkans, ME); moreover he was unable to give a convincing explanation why he was at the parade and service at all - as his connections were tenuous to the extreme, as far as I could make out. Oh well, at least he appeared harmless...
CF
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A good friend of mine has a cousin who pretended to be a Royal Marine. This chap was about 25 and had lied to his friends and also to his girlfriend etc.
On the walts stag do someone mentioned how it was good that although he had been through a bombing in N Ireland that it hadn’t affected him in any bad way.
My mate asked what the hell he was talking about. As he had me and another friend who were serving in the corps at the time he knew a little bit about what went on etc. To cut a long story short my mate started laughing his head off on the stag do bus and shouted out "You must be joking, xxxxxxx has never been in the army cadets yet alone the Royal Marines". Poor unfortunate walt was ousted and ended up standing up and grovellingly admitting to his friends that he was a liar.
When he admitted it to his Fiancé she dumped him. Oh the justice.
I met the fool last year and he is the typical type of person that you would imagine would try this kind of crap, shifty and very dull when engaged in conversation. Mind you I don't think he was all that interested in conversation, seeing as my friend introduced me as "This is Alex.....he was a real one".
On the walts stag do someone mentioned how it was good that although he had been through a bombing in N Ireland that it hadn’t affected him in any bad way.
My mate asked what the hell he was talking about. As he had me and another friend who were serving in the corps at the time he knew a little bit about what went on etc. To cut a long story short my mate started laughing his head off on the stag do bus and shouted out "You must be joking, xxxxxxx has never been in the army cadets yet alone the Royal Marines". Poor unfortunate walt was ousted and ended up standing up and grovellingly admitting to his friends that he was a liar.
When he admitted it to his Fiancé she dumped him. Oh the justice.
I met the fool last year and he is the typical type of person that you would imagine would try this kind of crap, shifty and very dull when engaged in conversation. Mind you I don't think he was all that interested in conversation, seeing as my friend introduced me as "This is Alex.....he was a real one".
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You can always try the reverse line - start spinning him some Walt-like stuff of your own, in the hope that he'll say "yeah, met a few of those guys, great lads", at which point you say "Hah, caught you, no such unit as..."
Try 49Para as for starters!
Try 49Para as for starters!
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I know the Americans take their 'Walt hunting' very seriously - as they actually value their vets and what they have done as there are some benefits for veterans. If we valued ours, then we might do something more.
ARRSE do have several threads on the subject - some strange people out there.
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Fishing for bites...
Mr Chine...
As you well know I attend ANZAC thingies for very good reason (did I see you at the opening of the memorial at Hyde Park Corner? I think not!). As for medals check your PMs!
Bu then we can't all be stackers....
As you well know I attend ANZAC thingies for very good reason (did I see you at the opening of the memorial at Hyde Park Corner? I think not!). As for medals check your PMs!
Bu then we can't all be stackers....
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You've simply got to 'out' him in front of everyone that he is trying to impress. Assuming he is a genuine Walt, find lots of information on what he pretends to have done, get him to relate stories of his derring-do in front of the group. Make him dig a LARGE hole for himself and use your knowledge to slowly knock him down.
Making him squirm and finally admit his dishonesty in front of his peers will be the ultimate humiliation for him.
I doubt whether he will do it again.
Making him squirm and finally admit his dishonesty in front of his peers will be the ultimate humiliation for him.
I doubt whether he will do it again.
Not wanting to appear a bit of a Walt myself - and speaking as an "Ex".
If I had occasion to wear my medals - would it be considered Rude or Waltish, to wear the Saudi and Kuwaiti medals that I couldn't wear whilst in the RAF?
At present they are all buried in a deep box somewhere in the Garage.
Oops! Forgot to say that I have seen many of my ex-oppo's with rows of medals - 'cause they had done many things on SF/SH.
Age, Rank or Trade doesn't make a lesser man - just less expectations in others.
If I had occasion to wear my medals - would it be considered Rude or Waltish, to wear the Saudi and Kuwaiti medals that I couldn't wear whilst in the RAF?
At present they are all buried in a deep box somewhere in the Garage.
Oops! Forgot to say that I have seen many of my ex-oppo's with rows of medals - 'cause they had done many things on SF/SH.
Age, Rank or Trade doesn't make a lesser man - just less expectations in others.
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Not wanting to appear a bit of a Walt myself - and speaking as an "Ex".
If I had occasion to wear my medals - would it be considered Rude or Waltish, to wear the Saudi and Kuwaiti medals that I couldn't wear whilst in the RAF?
At present they are all buried in a deep box somewhere in the Garage.
Oops! Forgot to say that I have seen many of my ex-oppo's with rows of medals - 'cause they had done many things on SF/SH.
Age, Rank or Trade doesn't make a lesser man - just less expectations in others.
If I had occasion to wear my medals - would it be considered Rude or Waltish, to wear the Saudi and Kuwaiti medals that I couldn't wear whilst in the RAF?
At present they are all buried in a deep box somewhere in the Garage.
Oops! Forgot to say that I have seen many of my ex-oppo's with rows of medals - 'cause they had done many things on SF/SH.
Age, Rank or Trade doesn't make a lesser man - just less expectations in others.
Yes you were presented it for taking part in an operation, and yes they are very shiny and nice but you were also issued a legit one sanctioned by Liz in the big house, London. Wear that one with pride and leave the African dictator style medals at home.
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To support THS, the Yank that sat next to me in Berlin received one of the Kuwait baubles because 'it was a team effort' 
Naah, IMO if Liz said you can't wear it........OTOH have a look at the current Private Eye for a description of King (U/T) Chuck Windsor's (nee Saxe-Coburg-Gotha) medal bar
Naah, IMO if Liz said you can't wear it........OTOH have a look at the current Private Eye for a description of King (U/T) Chuck Windsor's (nee Saxe-Coburg-Gotha) medal bar
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I spent a few days on a military history tour of Arnhem guided by a member of the Airbourne Museum staff. He told me a story of a man who turns up every year at the commemoration claiming to be one of the few survivors of the Arnhem landings in September 1944. Our guide tells me that after a little research that this man was never there, but finds it difficult to "out him".
Stealing "Dead Mens Glory" is in my opinion a most despicable act and I would have no mercy on him.
Stealing "Dead Mens Glory" is in my opinion a most despicable act and I would have no mercy on him.
Dog Tired
Agreed. I trust a few of you have been to Ypres. A life-changing experience, even now.
Anyway, one has heard of persons turning up on occasions with no less than fake MCs/DFCs/AFCs/whatever-they-can get-away-withs.
Nothing less than a severe beasting is merited.
Anyway, one has heard of persons turning up on occasions with no less than fake MCs/DFCs/AFCs/whatever-they-can get-away-withs.
Nothing less than a severe beasting is merited.
Last edited by fantom; 28th Nov 2006 at 15:12. Reason: order of Orders was wrong.
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Charles' Medals
Not wishing to create a small amount of thread drift, but at least Charles has served in the Forces, will one day be CINC, knows how to behave and takes his job seriously. Moreover he doesn't wear campaign medals and the honorifics 'go with the territory'. New Zealand decided to award him the 'Austin Powers' QSO petal-shaped medal in the early 1980s - the one with the zig-zag ribbon. Now it is simply not the done thing to refuse a medal (ironically bestowed by the Vice Regal) from a loyal Commonwealth member. Who would want to be a Walt when you are Prince of Wales, married to Camilla and have two sons serving in (your) Forces? (some hint of irony)!
Last edited by Cumbrian Fell; 28th Nov 2006 at 16:13. Reason: Irony
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The "Walts" seem to be on the increase then. I can think of four whom I am aware of.
The first used to work with my father--picture always in the local rag, respected war "hero" in Burma--charity worker etc-until the day a new manager arrived-who had been there, and not UK based as was the case with our "hero"---a word to the local rag--and endex the "hero".
The second was somebody who er, not only flew as gunner in Mitchell's over Angola, had a golf handicap around par ( but always declined a game when offered the chance-strange that--for a golfer ) but was also the only F/ E in the world without an "O" licence---given that there is a slight difference between a type rated F/E--and a flying spanner ! Used to keep us entertained on nights though
The third was quite recent. Thought there was a chance of doing some business with him so we met. Went straight into his career history --ex Army in this case--and then proceeded to tell me about his gliding exploits. Casually mention the names "x" "y" an "z"--the GSA being a small world after all---and got the "yeah, know them well " routine--which was odd because when I called them later----never heard of the guy. A bit of digging revealed a participation in the GSA, but not "quite to the level" he wished to impress.
The fourth is somebody who claims to have an award--it just doesn't appear in the London Gazette--must be a typo error of course on their part. His latest incarnation is as a "former middle ranking ex Air Force officer". I feel though, the ground may well be just about to open beneath him.
What to do with a Walt is another question. Once they are blown, tempting though it is to expose them, the best course is to ignore----loudly. If they are unstable enough to create another persona, then there is every chance they could react badly and, if they haven't actually harmed anyone in their deception, why risk the chance they could harm themselves as a result of being exposed.
That said, I wish I could name no's 2 and 3 on here though ---
The first used to work with my father--picture always in the local rag, respected war "hero" in Burma--charity worker etc-until the day a new manager arrived-who had been there, and not UK based as was the case with our "hero"---a word to the local rag--and endex the "hero".
The second was somebody who er, not only flew as gunner in Mitchell's over Angola, had a golf handicap around par ( but always declined a game when offered the chance-strange that--for a golfer ) but was also the only F/ E in the world without an "O" licence---given that there is a slight difference between a type rated F/E--and a flying spanner ! Used to keep us entertained on nights though
The third was quite recent. Thought there was a chance of doing some business with him so we met. Went straight into his career history --ex Army in this case--and then proceeded to tell me about his gliding exploits. Casually mention the names "x" "y" an "z"--the GSA being a small world after all---and got the "yeah, know them well " routine--which was odd because when I called them later----never heard of the guy. A bit of digging revealed a participation in the GSA, but not "quite to the level" he wished to impress.
The fourth is somebody who claims to have an award--it just doesn't appear in the London Gazette--must be a typo error of course on their part. His latest incarnation is as a "former middle ranking ex Air Force officer". I feel though, the ground may well be just about to open beneath him.
What to do with a Walt is another question. Once they are blown, tempting though it is to expose them, the best course is to ignore----loudly. If they are unstable enough to create another persona, then there is every chance they could react badly and, if they haven't actually harmed anyone in their deception, why risk the chance they could harm themselves as a result of being exposed.
That said, I wish I could name no's 2 and 3 on here though ---
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One came to work for the same company as me, "Aircrew, Ex Nimrods, *** squadron and just left the mob", he said.
Didn't ring true, somehow.
One of my mates was the current display pilot and Sqn beefer on that squadron so I casually dropped his name into a conversation. This character had never heard of him.
He was later found "wanting in the honesty department" in other areas and was shown the door sharpish, by the Bossman himself.
Didn't ring true, somehow.
One of my mates was the current display pilot and Sqn beefer on that squadron so I casually dropped his name into a conversation. This character had never heard of him.
He was later found "wanting in the honesty department" in other areas and was shown the door sharpish, by the Bossman himself.
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After GW1 I spent some time playing a small "Token Brit" walk-on part on a certain well known base in Southern Turkey.
Bored one day , I took up an invitation to go tanking with the Americans and spent a happy few hours,orbiting over the mountains, lying next to the Boomer and watching the operations.
There were a number of others on board who were spread about the aircraft , displaying a total lack of any interest in proceedings.
After touchdown, said bunch of itinerants headed for the flight deck , where I could see much signing of paperwork in progress.
They had just qualified for their Air Combat medals.
Bored one day , I took up an invitation to go tanking with the Americans and spent a happy few hours,orbiting over the mountains, lying next to the Boomer and watching the operations.
There were a number of others on board who were spread about the aircraft , displaying a total lack of any interest in proceedings.
After touchdown, said bunch of itinerants headed for the flight deck , where I could see much signing of paperwork in progress.
They had just qualified for their Air Combat medals.
Is it not a case of feeling very sorry for this fellow. As QFI alluded perhaps a "public" outing may have disastrous effects for which you may not be prepared. Of course he must be stopped from impersonation but please have a care as you know not what started it. We on here do not have the first hand knowledge that you have AT so it is difficult to be specific, but I am sure you get the gist of it.
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ummm, "Air Medals" maybe? I'd wager that they were getting their 'combat pay' and/or 'tax free' exemption forms initialed vs. medals. And if you can wangle it on a flight on the end of the month that goes into the first, it's a two-fer!