Community

Man accused of posing as Royal Navy admiral at Remembrance event

Published

4 weeks ago

November 14, 2025

A MAN who turned up unannounced to Llandudno’s Remembrance Sunday parade wearing what appeared to be a senior Royal Navy uniform is under investigation amid claims he is an impostor.

Jonathan David Carley, aged 64, was seen marching at the front of the parade and saluting the town’s war memorial while dressed in a rear admiral’s jacket and displaying twelve medals. His appearance immediately raised suspicions among veterans and serving personnel.

The Royal Navy has since described the incident as “insulting” and confirmed that impersonating a Naval officer “could be considered a criminal offence” under the Uniforms Act 1894, which prevents anyone who has not served from wearing military uniform.

He has now been arrested, police said.

Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan said: “Our enquiries into this incident are currently ongoing.

“We can confirm that, during a search of the male’s address earlier today, a naval uniform and a selection of medals were recovered from within.

“Further updates on this investigation will be provided when available.”

Unusual uniform and medals

Observers at Sunday’s event noted several inconsistencies: an unlikely mix of medals including a Distinguished Service Order, an MBE, the Gulf War Medal and the Queen’s Voluntary Reserves Medal — the latter awarded only to reservists and never to someone who also holds a DSO. His shirt, collar style and oversized sleeves also appeared to breach Navy dress regulations.

A retired senior officer told national media that “it’s disgraceful”, adding that the uniform lacked essential branch badges and that the combination of medals made no sense. A serving soldier was similarly blunt, saying he did not understand why anyone would pretend to be “a mega-senior officer”.

Not on the guest list

Llandudno Town Council, which organised the service, has confirmed that Mr Carley was not invited. When approached by the parade marshal, he allegedly claimed he was representing the Lord-Lieutenant of Clwyd. The Lord-Lieutenant, Harry Fetherstonhaugh, said that this was not true and that he had “never seen him before”.

Mr Carley appears to have taken part in other Remembrance events in Caernarfon in 2018 and 2019 wearing similar attire.

Background questioned

Public records show Mr Carley listed only once in the London Gazette — as a 2nd Lieutenant (on probation) in the Combined Cadet Force at Cheltenham College, where he worked as a history teacher. He has previously claimed to have studied at Christ Church, Oxford, and at Harvard University, though veterans’ groups say his name does not appear on Harvard’s alumni list.

The Walter Mitty Hunters Club, which exposes military impostors, has called this “possibly the highest-ranking Walt attempt ever”.

Residents in Harlech, where Mr Carley lives, told the press he had boasted about his supposed military service, describing their shock at the allegations now emerging.

Royal Navy response

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “Impersonating a Naval officer is insulting to anyone connected to the service and could be considered a criminal offence. Nothing should detract from the poignancy of Remembrance Sunday.”

Llandudno Town Council added that although the man had laid his wreath respectfully, the matter was now in the hands of military organisations.

Mr Carley declined to comment when approached.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

3 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

23 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).