Stolen Valour

There are liars, medal cheats, valour thieves, and then we have Robert John Clark, who has managed the trifecta!

Clark has been on our radar for some time, thanks to those in military circles suspicious of this clown, who has appeared over recent years at both his local RSA (Kaukapakapa) and at a school in Takapuna in Auckland, New Zealand.

We have established that Clark served in the NZ Army in the early 1990’s, having never left NZ shores during that short period of service.

This hasn’t stopped Clark taken to wearing 13+ medals, to ANZAC parades and services, over recent years. And if that wasn’t sufficient, he carries, or wears, the highly honoured SAS (Special Air Service) beret at these occasions. But even this was not enough glory for Clark, who also tacked on his right chest, the US citation presented to the NZSAS by President George Bush, although, being the fool he is, Clark wore his upside down, which is the ultimate insult to those who served and actually earned this acclaimed citation!

Finally, Clark wears an NZSAS tie.

Clark never earned any of these medals or accoutrements!

Medals left to right:
1. NZ OPERATIONAL SERVICE MEDAL
2. UN – UNPROFOR (FORMER YUGOSLAVIA)
3. UN – UNMIS (SUDAN) WITH CLASP
4. NZ – GSM (WARLIKE) WITH CLASP – either SUEZ CANAL REGION, MALAYA, VIETNAM, KUWAIT * ?
5. UN – UNMIT (EAST TIMOR)
6. NZ – GSM (SOLOMON ISLANDS)
7. NATO MEDAL – could be: FORMER YUGOSLAVIA, or A NON ARTICLE 5 OPERATIONS with either BALKANS or AFGHANISTAN CLASP) ?
8. NZ – GSM (IRAQ) – still a current mission
9. NZ – GSM (EAST TIMOR)
10. NZ – LS & GCM (ARMY) – NO BARS = service of between 15 and 29 years (Bar issued at 30yrs)
11. NZ DSM with 2 x CLASPS: REGULAR + TERRIORIAL (or NATIONAL SERVICE)
12. MULTINATIONAL FORCE & OBSERVERS - SINAI PENINSULA MEDAL – still a current mission
13. TIMOR LESTE (East Timor) SOLIDARITY MEDAL
14. On THE right chest - US NAVY Presidential Unit Citation

By his own admission, Clark bought these medals online (NZ$700 according to him), and admits he made the citation in a drunken session with a friend. He claims to have been gifted his military SAS tie and beret.

Clark says “he had spent years allowing people to think he had service with the NZSAS.” This, despite admitting that, although serving in the NZ Army in the early 90’s, he never once left NZ shores, or saw active service.

When questioned on this disgusting deception, Clark claimed that this year’s ANZAC service was the first occasion he had worn the medals, beret, tie and citation. ANZMI has received complaints from ex-servicemen who have witnessed Clark wear “his” tin and bluster at many previous ANZAC services over recent years.

But instead of owning his deception, when caught, Clark still chose to lie about the reason he has deceived his friends, family, fellow RSA members, and those who would be deceived by this shabby man.

Clark"s excuse for this deception? He stated that he presented himself as an NZSAS soldier as part of a cunning scheme to expose what he called profiteering from the sale of medals and military equipment online.

To add insult to injury, Clark then claims he had eventually intended to write a book about his experience as a medal cheat and valour thief.

Rob Clark, we will save you the bother.

Clark even admits his “stupidity” in an article in the NZ Herald on 1 May 2017 - There is a video and full admission in that article.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11848290 

NB. The act of wearing un-earned medals is a crime under the Military Decorations and Distinctive Badges Act 1918. The maximum $500 fine and/or up to one month in prison.

Clark will remain on this site in perpetuity as a reward as a medal cheat, valour thief, and liar.

There were Soldiers who were posted to the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) in Swanbourne, Western Australia as Support Staff. Anthony Joseph Barrett was one of them, he was a Driver. He was never an SASR Trooper who did the "Hard Yards" to qualify for that elite job. For many years Barrett has told a different story.

Notice he has an SASR Dagger symbol tattooed on his shoulder. His motor car regularly seen around Tamworth is emblazoned with an SASR badge, but that's not all, he wears an SASR Signet Ring. The photograph below is of Barret's right hand. He uses the tattoo and the Signet Ring to illustrate that he was a genuine SASR Trooper.

He also has confabulations to support his accoutrements. We have Statutory Declarations stating that Barrett claims:

"He was a Major in the SASR and served in Vietnam

Has combat experience in Vietnam and Cambodia

Was awarded the Medal for Gallantry"

Barrett spent all of his Defence Service in Australia, he was never deployed overseas and was never awarded a Medal for Gallantry.

He was born on 11 December 1952. His Discharge Certificate shows he enlisted as a Private Soldier on the 18 July 1972 and was discharged as a Private Soldier on 8 September 1976 for being "Medically Unfit". Unfortunately for Barrett, four years’ service is not enough to have started off as a Private Soldier and been promoted to the rank of Major. In addition had he been a genuine Major or SASR Trooper that would have been shown on his Discharge Certificate.

An Association of genuine ex SASR personnel have become aware of Barrett and here is what they have to say.

Barrett is the ultimate "Lily gilder" who relates to anyone who will listen that he was an active member of the SAS Regiment. He displays SASR paraphernalia to "give proof" that he was an SASR Trooper. He has been questioned many times in his home town of Tamworth in NSW, and most ex Service people are aware of his deception, but when away from home, and has an audience, he will give them the sad lies.

We welcome Anthony Barrett and hope that our exposure will stop his lies and deceit and get him back into the world of reality. Barrett can now look forward to years of infamy as a participant on our website

James Anderson joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1965, under his birth name of James Anderson Dick.

Anderson trained as an Aircraft Handler at HMAS Albatross, his duties involving the marshalling of aircraft, and also aviation firefighting and rescue.

Anderson was posted to HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Sydney, undertaking operational service with Melbourne, as part of the Far East Strategic Reserve (FESR), and Sydney, providing logistic support to Australian troops in Vietnam.

For his service, Anderson is entitled to the medals he is wearing in the above picture, namely:

1. Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75.
2. Vietnam Logistic Support Medal.
3. Australian Service Medal 1945-75.
4. Australian Defence Medal.

He is a veteran entitled to recognition for his service, however, Anderson took it all that little bit further.

Anderson came to attention through a media article in the Gold Coast Sun, on 24 April 2016, where he recounts his exploits and experiences during the ‘Indonesian Confrontation’ and the Vietnam War:

Gold Coaster Jim Anderson has finally put the past behind him after surviving the horrors of the Vietnam War

A VIETNAM veteran who has battled the demons of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for decades has finally emerged on the other side, stronger for the harrowing experience and more at peace with himself. Jim Anderson, 70, of Wongawallan, served in the Royal Australian Navy for 12 years. As a 20-year-old he went to sea to serve in the Indonesian conflict where he was confined in a small box in the ship’s magazines for 10 long days.

He then did a two-and-a-half-year stint on the HMAS Sydney from 1967.

“We did about nine trips to take troops and supplies to Vietnam and to bring soldiers home,” he said. “We anchored off Cape St Jacques, near Vung Tau in South Vietnam, and the troops we picked up were very traumatised. Some of those poor fellas were literally ripping their hair out.”

Mr Anderson said the growing fear of being blown out of the water by the Viet Cong and other experiences triggered PTSD. “They bombed the harbour while we were there and we had no way of protecting ourselves. We were sitting ducks,” he said. “The USS Meeker County had her stern blown out and we came alongside her just after she had sunk. I remember feeling so vulnerable. I had never drunk alcohol before but that’s when I started drinking. It was all the tension.”

To make matters worse, the RAN ships were docked at the mouth of the Mekong River and sailors unknowingly bathed in and drank water contaminated with deadly Agent Orange. Mr Anderson’s hands still shake and, worse, he has seen too many of his mates die of cancer or their children born with deformities.

However, he said when he came home, the PTSD really kicked in.

“Vietnam soldiers like me were spat on and abused. That was the worst part. We had pigs’ blood thrown on us in Sydney and I was punched by a woman who called me a baby killer,” he said.

Mr Anderson started experiencing debilitating nightmares and crippling anxiety.

“I would dream of chasing people around the house and of a woman dressed in black standing in the corner of the bedroom. I would jump out of bed and frighten the hell out of my wife, Lorraine,” he said. “I had flashbacks to Vung Tau every five minutes and such bad anxiety that I couldn’t go to the shops in case they were crowded.

That’s when I really got stuck into the grog. I was full of anger and I remember going down to a pub in Botany Bay in full uniform, hoping someone would pick a fight with me.”

Mr Anderson struggled with PTSD for 20 years until he finally took his wife’s advice and started intensive counselling. He was given medication and, with the unwavering support of Lorraine, started to tackle his demons. “I still have counselling but the anger has gone,” he said. “Life is good and I feel blessed.”

Today, Mr Anderson has eight grandchildren and is a much-loved husband, father and friend with a wicked sense of humour and unwavering optimism.

“Our experiences in life make us what we are.”

Anderson has made quite an emotive statement, however, upon examination of the readily available evidence, Anderson is simply telling nothing more than fantastic stories.

Within the day of this article appearing online, reader comments were made, throwing doubt on the claims made by Anderson.

Let us examine Anderson’s claims.

“As a 20-year-old he went to sea to serve in the Indonesian conflict where he was confined in a small box in the ship’s magazines for 10 long days.”

Anderson joined HMAS Melbourne on 21 March 1966, the ship sailing 3 days later for the Singapore exercise area. On 24 March 1966, Melbourne came under control of Commander, Far East Fleet (CMFEF), and became attached to the Far East Strategic Reserve (FESR), until 25 April 1966, when the ship left that area of operation and conducted escort duty to the HMAS Sydney enroute to Vietnam.

Anderson speaks of the ‘Indonesian Conflict’. Although a treaty officially ending hostilities was not signed until August 1966, the conflict effectively ceased in September 1965, when Indonesia’s President was removed after an anti-communist coup.

As shown in the above extract of the Report of Proceedings (ROP) for April 1966, Melbourne entered potentially hostile waters on the 3^rd of April whilst transiting from Manus Island to the Basilan Straits (Philippines). As the ship was in proximity of Indonesia, Defence Stations were assumed until 2359 hours on 7^th April. This was a total period of five days at Defence Stations.

Anderson was an Aircraft Handler and during Defence Stations, if on watch, would be part of the team marshalling aircraft on the flight deck and inside the hangar, as well as providing aviation fire fighting support.

Although the Melbourne was armed with 40/60 Bofors anti-aircraft guns, ammunition

would not have been prepared for distribution from magazines to each gun mount, until the ship had proceeded to Action Stations, the next level up from Defence Stations, and a situation where attack is imminent.

Anderson, as an Aircraft Handler, would not have been positioned in the magazines during Defence Stations and, if he had, it was certainly not for 10 days.

Melbourne’s ROP shows that this short period was the only time the ship went anywhere in the vicinity of Indonesia during that deployment.

The official publication on Navy involvement in the ‘Indonesian Confrontation’, produced by the Navy History Unit in Canberra, totally rebuffs the claim made by Anderson:

“Prior to the "official" period of the Indonesian Confrontation, Melbourne was allocated to the FESR for 17 days from 28th February 1962 to 16th March 1962 and in company with the Daring class destroyer, Voyager & the "Q" class anti-submarine frigate, Queenborough, challenged the right of sea passage through the Indonesian Archipelago. This was the only time in the history of the ship that she was prepared for, and placed in a position to engage with an enemy if challenged”.

The next claim made by Anderson is just as fanciful when the facts are disclosed.

“Mr Anderson said the growing fear of being blown out of the water by the Viet Cong and other experiences triggered PTSD. “They bombed the harbour while we were there and we had no way of protecting ourselves. We were sitting ducks,” he said. “The USS Meeker County had her stern blown out and we came alongside her just after she had sunk. I remember feeling so vulnerable. I had never drunk alcohol before but that’s when I started drinking. It was all the tension.”

Vietnam service is recorded on a Nominal Roll, maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Whereas service for Army was calculated from the date of arrival in country until the date of departure, Navy ships were considered to be rendering operational service from the date of departure from the last Australian port, to the date of arrival at the first Australian port.

Accordingly, a ship could be accredited with 28 days ‘warlike’ service, yet only spending a few hours actually anchored in Vung Tau during that period, as was the case for HMAS Sydney whilst engaged in logistic support to the Vietnam operations.

The Reports of Proceedings for both Melbourne and Sydney, were accessed on the Australian War Memorial website to ascertain the validity of the claims made by Anderson.

Anderson was onboard Melbourne for the following Vietnam deployments:

25 Apr to 06 May 1966 – Melbourne did not enter Vung Tau, instead being diverted to what is now known as Con Son Island, some 100 km away, to refuel with HMAS Supply, and on completion, proceeded to Hong Kong on 04 My 1966.

25 May to 09 Jun 1966 – Once again, Melbourne did not enter Vung Tau, escorting Sydney down the Vietnam coast until these duties were taken over by HMAS Derwent. Melbourne then made passage for Penang, arriving on 09 Jun 1966.

In relation to those two deployments, Melbourne was not anchored in Vung Tau or even close-by to hostile forces.

Anderson served six deployments on Sydney which qualify for Vietnam service.

The following, taken from Sydney’s ROP, shows the dates of those deployments and actual time anchored in Vung Tau.

27 Mar to 26 Apr 1968 – 7h 00m

21 May to 13 Jun 1968 – 6h 58m

13 Nov to 28 Nov 1968 – 4h 20m

08 Feb to 25 Feb 1969 – 5h 25m

08 May to 30 May 1969 – 5h 30m

17 Nov to 05 Dec 1969 – 6h 12m

There is no mention in ROPs of Vung Tau harbour being bombed whilst Sydney was anchored or in transit. By comparison to other areas of the conflict, Vung Tau was largely free from Viet Cong activity.

In all, Anderson spent a total of 35 hours and 25 minutes anchored in Vung Tau. As no leave was granted during those port visits, Anderson did not, at any time, set foot on Vietnam soil. Unlike the majority of those who served in Vietnam, Anderson had the comforts and safety of Sydney at his disposal at all times.

So, let us now consider his claims about the USS Meeker County:

USS Meeker County (LST-980) was an LST-542-class tank landing ship built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named after Meeker County, Minnesota, she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name.

Originally laid down as LST-980 on 22 December 1943 at the Boston Navy Yard; the ship was launched on 10 February 1944 and de-activated in 1955.

In 1965, an urgent need for amphibious types caused Meeker County to be reactivated. Modernized at Baltimore, she recommissioned on 23 September 1966, underwent intensive training at Little Creek, and on 20 January 1967 departed for her new home port, Guam. She arrived at Apra Harbor, Guam, on 7 April and then sailed for Vietnam for a tour of duty as a unit of Landing Ship Squadron 3. Operating from Da Nang, she provided almost continuous support to combat operations in Vietnam into 1970.

Decommissioned in December 1970 at Bremerton, Washington, Meeker County was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 April 1975. 

The USS Deeker County only suffered battle damage during the D-Day landings in World War Two. Participating in the invasion, LST-980 was bracketed by bombs, one of which, a 125-pound dud, penetrated the hull and two bulkheads, killing one man and causing minor damage.

Again, Anderson has simply lied. The only bombing, so far, has been of his outright fantasy stories.

Then there was the following statement, which we will not even go into, other than to say, given the evidence, none of it is true.

“I had flashbacks to Vung Tau every five minutes and such bad anxiety that I couldn’t go to the shops in case they were crowded. That’s when I really got stuck into the grog. I was full of anger and I remember going down to a pub in Botany Bay in full uniform, hoping someone would pick a fight with me.”

The reporter at the Gold Coast Sun was contacted and could not speak highly enough of Anderson. To date the paper has not retracted his story or followed the matter up, even after public comments doubting the validity of the article. A simple bit of fact-finding by the reporter would have avoided the embarrassment which has followed.

As ANZAC Day once again approaches, more ‘wannabees’ will crawl out and want to tell grandiose stories of their exploits to anyone prepared to listen, some of these stories will once again appear in the media, as gullible reporters fall for such tales of derring-do.

Veterans abhor other Veterans who grossly exaggerate their service, Anderson has done just that for no other reason, than to falsely raise his profile and gain preposterous sympathy and benefits from Department of Veterans Affairs.

It is best summed up in the final statement by Anderson ; “Our experiences in life make us what we are.” We are quite confident that his lack of experiences have justifiably made him the liar he is.

James Anderson, the lies about your history now cement your future place here on the website with others of your ilk.

Markovic UPDATE 21 Apr 17

Go to the bottom of this page to see the latest update

 WARNINGbeware of Goran Markovic, a Serbian born Australian citizen, from Lalor Park  NSW who is now roaming Europe.  He is a relentless con man, liar and wannabe with no conscience.  Saying he has the morals of a pig is insulting pigs.  He targets vulnerable people and like a pig hunting truffles, he is relentlessly.  He applies charm and hard luck stories until he has exhausted his victims money supply.  It is known that he works on multiple "victims" at the same time.

Markovic is an Australian Citizen who does his dirty work in Europe, mainly in France but also in Belgium, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and Serbia.  He falsely claims to be:

A Colonel in the Royal Australian Air Force. (RAAF)

A Group Captain in the RAAF

A Pilot in the Australian Flying Doctor Service

An Officer of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)

An Officer of Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS)

Interpol Taskforce Commander

Interpol Crime Squad Head Australian Bureau of Interpol.

A Pilot with New South Wales Civil Aviation Authority. (CAA)

Adrian Basile and has a fake passport in that name.

Guy Matthews.

Kelly  xxxxxxxxx

He often uses the rank of Colonel during introductions and conversations. The idiot does not know that the RAAF does not have "Colonels".  He  also fails to understand that the Civil Aviation Authority is a National Organisation and not a NSW State Authority. Below are  examples of his tools of deceit.

Falsely using rank of Colonel, endorsed on the bottom of a fake air ticket he used in one of his scams.

False Australian Driving Licence:

False Australian Civil Aviation Card

From false media reports

Unfortunately his innocent and vulnerable targets are "everyday" honest trusting people who are charmed  by his false claims and demeanour.

Here is an example of his modus operandi from a recent victim, who was an Australian travelling in Europe:

"I was travelling alone in Europe last year and staying at a hostel in Florence, Italy in April when Goran Markovic turned up saying he had all his documents, passport etc stolen. I helped him out by letting his mum send money to my passport and then giving him the money.

He showed me a police report from the Italian police. He then started telling me that he works as an Interpol Investigator.    

He  told me he works on and off for ASIO/ASIS doing regular secret assignments. He also said he worked as a pilot for the NSW Civil Aviation Authority and had been a pilot in the Australian Air force in which he reached the rank of Colonel. He often used the title Colonel when talking with people.

He  said he fought in the Serbian/Bosnian war and had a lot of Australian military experience.

We travelled for about 10 days together as friends as he had convinced me that he was a devoted partner and father, was committed to putting criminals in jail and basically seemed like a decent and good person. At the end of the 10 days when I was going to leave, he showed me papers from NATO in which he had been activated for duty in relation to the Ukrainian conflict

I gave him my car until I could organize something else (it's a UK car). He now has that (stolen as well) in addition to the $120,000 he stole from my family and I."

He  has been using my identity to stay at hotels in Europe (often not paying for the bill). He is using my name on emails to potential victims, see below:

Everywhere he goes he tells similar stories about being in the Australian Air Force etc

We know he is somewhere in France trying to find another victim.

We have a list of four others who have been similarly conned by Markovic.

Markovic is a constant conman forever on the prowl. He has  well set up files and false documents to support  his  stories, and usually starts with a story of how he has had  his Money and documents stolen, then begs for a small amount of money. He then ingratiates himself into the life of his target and gradually relieves them of larger amounts of money. 

If you know anything of this Psychopathic Australian Ambassador of evil please let us know so that we can contribute to his demise.

Markovic defames the integrity of Australian RAAF Officers and we hope his inclusion on our web site helps to bring him to justice.

Markovic UPDATE 21 Apr 17

Markovic slunk back into Australia and went into hiding in South Australia. His criminality had caught up with him in Europe and he made a run for home.

Markovic had fled from Australia Fourteen years ago. Before scuttling off to Europe he had been convicted of more than ninety crimes in Australia and was facing further serious charges.

See this:

http://www.smh.com.au/national/serial-scammer-on-the-run-from-nsw-police-20161208-gt7dgj.html

The long arm of the law new he was back in Australia and this fake "ASIO" operative aka fake RAAF "Colonel" was soon located by Police and arrested.

Markovic is a despicable human being who has chosen a life of petty crime at which he has not been very successful. Let's hope that the four Warrants relating to his criminality before fleeing from Australia Fourteen years ago give him some time to reflect on his iniquitous life style whilst looking through Prison bars.

Welcome back Markovic you are an immoral, callous fraud and have hurt many innocent and generous people. Claims of being a retired senior RAAF Officer have bought the Australian Veteran Community into disrepute.

Philip J Lawrence is the worst kind of Wannabe. He decided to elevate himself from the mundane, but respected Army occupation of Cook, to that of a person who completed heroic service in various areas of conflict.

Here is what he said in a Facebook entry to support the authenticity of the medals he wears:

"I was in S/E ASIA, Middle East and Africa in the late 70's early 80's. Was with Intel Op (Intelligence Operations). Done time in 8/9, 5/7 and 4 over different periods. Can't say much more." (The reference above to 8/9, 5/7 and 4 means Infantry Battalions in the Royal Australian Regiment.)

Below is a close up of the medals displayed on his Facebook account that he wore to the Laurieton NSW RSL on Remembrance Day 2016 and to a meeting at the RSL on 22 Jan 2017.

The first medal riband is for the Medal of Gallantry.

Medal of Gallantry (MG) is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force. It recognises acts of gallantry in action in hazardous
circumstances. The MG was introduced on 15 January 1991, replacing the Imperial equivalent. It is ranked third in the Gallantry Decorations in the Australia.
Recipients of the Medal of Gallantry are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "MG". Since its inception 55 awards have been made.

If you look at Lawrence's rack of medals you will notice that this "dill" has mounted the Medal of Gallantry riband upside down, in that the "V" shapes point down instead of up.

Lawrence also wears the:

Returned from Active Service Badge (RASB) and the coveted Infantry Combat Badge (ICB).

Had he been a genuine returned Veteran he would have known that the RASB is never worn when medals or ribands are worn. It is presented to Returned Service people for wearing with civilian attire when medals are not appropriate.

The ICB requires the following service:

Who is entitled to wear the ICB?
Members of the Royal Australian Infantry Corps who, in an infantry posting as part of an Infantry Battalion were deployed for, at least, 90 days to an operational area and
subsequently awarded the Infantry Combat Badge.

Lawrence has never served as an Infantry Soldier or been in any operational areas and is not entitled to either Badge.

The other fake medals are:

Australian Active Service Medal (AASM)
Australian Service Medal (ASM)
Australian Defence Medal (ADM)
United Nations Advance in Cambodia (UNAMIC)
United Nations Truce Supervision organisation (UNSTO)
United Nations Transitional Group (UNTAG)
United Nations INTERIM FORCE (UNFIL)

His actual service was for around three years. He was trained as, and worked as a Cook in the Australian Army Catering Corps. On 17 August 1981 he was discharged for misconduct. His rank on discharge was Private Soldier. Here is his Discharge Certificate:

Lawrence joined the good men at the Laurieton NSW Sub Branch of the Returned and Services League (RSL). He completed the usual Application for Membership and was accepted, until on Remembrance Day 2016, and again at a Meeting on 22 January 2017 he wore "his" medals to the RSL.  On the 19 February 2017 this resulted in a written request to Lawrence for an explanation of an apparent anomaly. Here is the email:

"To Mr. PJ Lawerence, (sic)
On checking your enlistment and discharge information provided on your application for service membership to Laurieton RSL Sub Branch it is noticed that your length of service does not agree with the service ribbons you displayed on your jacket at the monthly meeting on 22nd January 2017, nor does it agree with the medals you wore on Remembrance Day 2016.

State Branch have advised that it is the Sub Branch responsibility to investigate if you have other service in the military forces not disclosed which would clarify the above abnormality. Please advise by return email or visit/phone 65566166 on Thursday morning between 0900hrs to 1200 hrs."

On 20 February 2017 the Laurieton RSL received the following email from Lawrence:

"From: Phil Lawrence [mailto:
Sent: Monday, 20 February 2017 10:35 AM
To: Laurieton RSL
Subject: Re: annual return of member details 2016

Dear Sir,

This email is to inform you that after several incidents at the L.U.S.C. I would appreciate that my membership of the Laurieton RSL Sub Branch be made null and void. I have destroyed my membership card for the RSL Sub Branch along with my membership card for the L.U.S.C. I am returning home to my family in Queensland as I no longer have employment in NSW.
Regards,
P.J.Lawrence" (Note: L.U.S.C. refers to the Laurieton United Services Club)

After intensive investigation ANZMI contacted Lawrence to get his side of the allegations. After two phone calls he fell on his sword and admitted to his deception, he gave no explanation for his audacious behaviour, but did say that he was ready to submit to whatever legal action that may follow.

Lawrence has committed offences against the Defence Act 1903, Part VII, Sections 80A and 80B.

80A. Falsely representing to be returned soldier, sailor or airman
80B. Improper use of service decorations.

Both these offence carry maximum penalties of $3,300 fines or six months imprisonment or both. Many Wannabes have been dealt with by State Magistrates Courts in relation to these offences.

The Port Macquarie State Police were notified and expressed interest in the matter. Should charges be laid we will update this entry.

We have been working with Australian and New Zealand Veterans, State Police Forces, Media and the general public for many years, and can assure Wannabes that persons indulging in Veteran related fraud will most likely to be reported to us, and if appropriate given maximum exposure of this website and through various agencies.

Lawrence's offence is very serious. He had the audacity to wear the third highest Australian Bravery Award along with seven other false medals and two false badges, when in fact he served as a Cook and was never deployed overseas to any area of conflict.

He has been given prime space on this website and will remain ensconced so that his posterity will know the true nature of his Defence Service.