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A retired teacher posing as a high-ranking naval officer at a Remembrance Day ceremony was fined £500, but the incident exposed a network of veterans quietly working too unmask those who falsely claim military service.
The Secret World of ‘Walter Mitty’ Hunters
For over a decade, a clandestine group of ex-service members has dedicated itself to exposing individuals who impersonate military personnel.
- Jonathan Carley, 65, was fined for wearing a naval uniform and unearned medals.
- The “Walter Mitty Hunters Club” – a group of anonymous veterans – actively investigates these imposters.
- Motivations for impersonation range from seeking status to a need for belonging.
- Experts note that publicly shaming imposters is controversial, but can act as a deterrent.
The case of Jonathan Carley, a 65-year-old former history teacher, brought the issue into sharp focus. Carley admitted wearing a uniform or dress bearing the mark of His Majesty’s Forces without permission, complete with medals he’d purchased online. The incident at the Llandudno memorial event in November 2025 prompted witnesses to contact both the authorities and the Walter Mitty Hunters Club, a group with 48,000 Facebook followers dedicated to identifying and exposing such frauds.
The club, named after the protagonist of a James Thurber short story known for his elaborate daydreams, operates largely anonymously, with members sharing facts and photographs online. “It’s about respect for the fallen, for the people who have passed away but also for those that are currently away serving.”
Jones recounted spotting an imposter dressed as a senior RAF officer at a Remembrance parade near wrexham a decade ago. While distressing at the time, it wasn’t until police confirmed the individual’s deception that the full extent of the offense became clear. He believes groups like the Walter Mitty Hunters Club play a vital role in protecting veterans from such harm, allowing for quiet resolution of issues and safeguarding mental health.
However, Simpson cautions that public shaming carries risks, perhaps targeting individuals struggling with vulnerability rather then malice. “Imagine being so uncertain of your own worth that you borrow someone else’s identity just to feel seen,” she said.
A Growing Problem, Limited Legal Recourse
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that Carley was the eighth person charged with wearing military uniform without permission in England and Wales over the past decade. However, there are currently no laws prohibiting the wearing of unearned medals or simply lying about military service.
