Stolen Valour

Case Notes:

Drew DALE is an enigma. He is an author, martial arts expert, computer expert, airman and soldier, or is he? As an author he has written a number of books including 'Engage and Neutralise' and ‘Callsign Albatross’, a ripping yarn “based on real events involving real people” states DALE in the authors review of the book. “It is not an historical account, rather a story about one young man’s experience of service in Australia’s modern Defence Forces” he continues.

Here is DALE’s autobiography. Note the image he has used to identify himself, as that will become relevant shortly.

The actual story line of DALE’s book is not as important as the main character he introduces us too.

“Steve Hill had been working as a Sergeant Loadmaster on C130 Hercules Transport aircraft and had finally secured a place on a Rotary Wing Conversion Course, to train as a helicopter Loadmaster, Crewman and Door Gunner. We pick up Steve’s story at his Rotary Wing Conversion Course Graduation at 5sqn RAAF Fairbairn”

Despite the assertion by DALE that this work is based on real events, his story fails at this first hurdle. In his book, DALE claims that the course was NO 12 Crewman’s Course which graduated from No 5 Squadron (RAAF) in 1974. Records are clear, there were no ex C-130 Loadmasters on that Course. This has been confirmed with sources from the Airman Aircrew Association and RAAF Records.

Perhaps the reader is starting to wonder why this is an issue, does it really matter if the story in DALE’s book crosses from non-fiction to fiction and back again? Normally no, it would not until we learn that DALE is claiming to have been a RAAF Crewman, flying UH-1H Iroquois helicopters with No 9 Squadron – a blatant lie. The clear and unequivocal intent is that DALE would have the reader believe his flying experiences are those that the character ‘Steve Hill’ is based on.

The truth is much more bizarre.

DALE claims to have served for nine (9) years in the RAAF in 1973 and discharged in March 1982 to pursue a career in business. He also claims that he joined the Army Reserve in 2004 or 2005 and was appointed as an Officer after graduating from the Royal Military College Duntroon on 25 March 2007 as the oldest graduate in history. Due to his reported martial arts skills, DALE claims that he was given the opportunity to undertake Close Personal Protection training, a qualification that allowed him to become part of the Close Personal Protection parties for VIPs and General Staff Officers. He has since left the Army Reserve and is in receipt of a Department of Veterans Affairs TPI Pension.

ANZMI has uncovered evidence that proves DALE first joined the Army in 2003 as an Instructor of Cadets with 46 Army Cadet Unit located in Port Augusta, South Australia. He later resigned from the Cadets and was accepted into the Army Reserves in 2005 where he underwent Officer training. By all accounts, DALE was considered a competent officer, but with 'skeletons' in his cupboard.

Here is Captain Drew Dale.

Note that DALE is wearing a RAAF ‘Crewman’ Brevet on his left breast, together with the following decorations:

Australian Active Service Medal (AASM)
Australian Service Medal (ASM)
Defence Long Service Medal (DLSM)
Australian Defence Medal

He is also wearing the Infantry Combat Badge (ICB). The minimum criteria for the award of the ICB can be found on Army's Website and states: 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.

On the same page of the Website, this statement can be found; You must be individually authorised to wear the ICB. It is an offence under Section 80B of the Defence Act 1903, for a person who wears a service decoration and falsely represents themselves as being the person upon whom a service decoration has been conferred. A Service decoration is defined as "any …badge… that was or may be conferred for …participation in a campaign or other warlike operation… ".

The award of the AASM (post 1975) without a campaign medal is highly doubtful. His claimed RAAF service was 1973 to March, 1982. During this period, there was no prescribed war like areas in that would qualify him for the AASM. (post 1975)

If DALE qualified for an AASM post 2004, he would be wearing a Campaign Medal. The only war like service areas prescribed post 2004 are:

16/07/2003 - 28/07/2009 Operation Catalyst – Iraq
11/10/2001 ongoing Operation Slipper (war on terrorism)
18/4/2003 - ongoing Operation Palate Afghanistan

the ICB if genuinely awarded, has to have been awarded for service in Iraq or Afghanistan and he must meet the criteria and given the lack of campaign medals, it is clear could not have done so. It is highly doubtful that he would have received the AASM without also receiving the appropriate campaign medal, ISAF or UN Medal at the same time and have them court mounted together.

It is possible for him to have an ASM without another medal, e.g. Solomon Islands or have had a posting the RAAF Base Butterworth during his RAAF Service. In such cases he would only receive a clasp. (Solomon Islands) or (SE Asia) both of which are for non-war like service.

As well as the ICB, DALE can be seen wearing an AIRN badge. The silver AIRN badge was introduced for qualifying personnel in 1997.

Of interest to ANZMI is that he does not appear to have been awarded any campaign medals to align with the AASM he wears. DALE has been asked to explain this apparent anomaly, but to-date has refused to do so.  

ANZMI don't doubt that DALE may have served in the RAAF and later joined the Army Reserve as he states, and the evidence confirms his claim that he attended RMC as the 'oldest reserve officer to have completed Officer training'. That is where we have evidence which links him to the Queensland University Regiment (QUR) but there are a number of inconsistencies with his 'military' story.

Here is an image of DALE from his Twitter Page. Note that he is younger, and wearing the badge of the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC). In the later picture (above he is wearing the badge of the Royal Australian Regiment. It is plausible that at sometime during this Army Reserve Career, he transferred from the RAAOC to Infantry, but it is highly doubtful he ever deployed as an Infantry Officer.

Nowhere in any of his personal blogs, or career summaries has DALE made any reference to a deployment overseas which would attract the award of the AASM and the ICB (remembering the 90 day requirement). There are no photographs of him in a 'Warlike' pose, whilst on deployment to operational zone that would warrant these awards. The only person who can answer this conundrum is DALE himself. ANZMI has irrefutable evidence that confirms DALE has never deployed overseas, and he has no entitlement to the medals and awards he is wearing, with the exception of the Australian Defence Medal (ADM).

Turning now to the picture that DALE uses to support his claim of being a RAAF UH-1H Crewman.

While the second image is blurred because its size cannot be increased, the reader will see the similarity of the images with that provided below.

He also has used that image (albeit cropped and in colour) on his Facebook Profile Page.

Closer inspection of the image used by DALE (above) raised a number of concerns and there appears to be evidence that the face of person has been cropped or photo shopped. If you examine the black and white image against the colourised version, it can be seen that it is the same photograph. But is it? Here is the genuine image obtained from the records of the Australian War Memorial (AWM).

Above is a genuine image of Cpl Dennis Fredrick Olsen A18781 who flew with No 9Sqn in Vietnam and was awarded a Mentioned in Despatches (MID).

Here are both images together.

It can be seen that the face has been photo shopped onto the pose of Cpl Olsen, but apart from the pose, if you look closely you will see a number of similar points of reference, including teeth (Olsen's teeth are not seen in the original), position of hands, helmet and pilots seat configuration. A closer look will also show that the cropped image failed to remove a small tuft of hair from the top of DALE's head but does appear in the original image.

Clearly, DALE has used an official AWM image from the Vietnam War and firstly, used it to deceive people who purchase his books into believing the image is of himself (hence making it so small). Secondly, and most significantly for ANZMI, he has photo shopped his own image onto an official photograph in order to have people believe he was a RAAF Helicopter Crewman. A role he never had.

DALE has stated in a number of forums that he is a client of DVA and in receipt of a TPI pension. While it is possible to receive this benefit while not having seen active service there must be doubt regarding the circumstances of his injury that DALE provided to DVA to secure his TPI status.

ANZMI has uncovered a series of Facebook posts from DALE to a ‘DVA Entitlements’ page and they make for some interesting reading.
In an early post, DALE sets the scene in by making a call for help which is answered by numerous page followers expressing concern for his welfare.

Of course, DALE can’t talk about his experiences because of Government Policies. How many times has that one been used by a wannabe on our website?

Like all good story tellers though, when pressed DALE is prepared to give us a little bit of his ‘experience’. Does this story sound familiar?

Trouble is, DALE was never in the jungle setting claymore mines. But here’s the kicker, if you follow the link he provides in his post, it will take you a place where you can buy his books!

Facebook can be a trap for the wannabe, and DALE is no exception. A simple question about his flying career in the RAAF exposed him for what he is. The aircraft in the photograph DALE uses as his own is a UH-1B (Bravo) model Iroquois, not a D model as he states. The RAAF did fly UH-1D’s for a short time before they were superseded by the UH-1H, all of this occurring before DALE even joined the RAAF. If he were a Crewman as he states, he would have known that.

Author's Note: In the post (above) we believe Diana's should be DVA and is a case of Facebook Auto Correcting his text.

Drew DALE is a fraud and a wannabe. He wears a prestigious RAAF Aircrew Brevet without any entitlement to do so. He wears Honours and Awards which he has no entitlement in the form of the ICB and Crewmans Brevet and medals which are doubtful and worse still, he has used a genuine image of a RAAF Vietnam hero to advance his own personal gain.

Drew DALE has claimed to be in receipt of a TPI Pension form DVA. If he is prepared to photo shop his image onto a genuine photograph of a decorated Veteran simply to perpetuate the lie that he was a RAAF Helicopter Crewman, and wear medals and awards which he has no entitlement, what else has he done? ANZMI can only wonder what stories were spun to gain that benefit and will be reporting him to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

There is nothing lower than a valour thief and Drew DALE is definitely that. He may have had limited success as an author putting his spin on words, but let’s see him spin his way of our Website.

UPDATE MARCH 2020

Having been cornered, David Armstrong has lowered his flag and comprehensively apologised for his deceit. The following was published in the South Eastern Times, Millicent, South Australia on 19 March 2020.

The work of the Millicent RSL in dealing with this matter is commended.

Armstrong is also commended for his apology, however he will remain on board HMAS ANZMI as a Cook for ever more.

*****

Here is "Petty Officer" David Armstrong of Millicent South Australia, according to his photograph he is a highly qualified Submariner and RAN Special Forces veteran

Note that when the photograph was taken Armstrong claimed to have served for twenty five years and was awaiting a medical discharge. In reality Armstrong is a dud pretending to be someone he never was, nor ever could be.

On his shoulder he wears the rank of Petty Officer:

On his left breast he wears a name tag that includes a Clearance Divers Badge, Mine Clearance Diving Officer's (MCDO) badge, a Submariner badge Dolphin Badge.

Beneath the name tag he wears five medals.

The medals are:

Australian Active Service Medal (AASM) with clasps, ICAT, Iraq, East Timor and Somalia: Not Entitled
International Force East Timor (ICAT) Not Entitled
Iraq Medal (IM) Not Entitled
Australian Service Medal (ASM) Not Entitled
Australian Defence Medal (ADM) Entitled

He is entitled to wear only the fifth medal which is the ADM. The other four are self purchased fakes.

Armstrong wears eight medals on his right breast, and states they were earned by his father, his uncles and his grand father.

These medals are:

Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975 (with clasp KOREA);
Korea Medal (U.K.);
Korea Medal (U.N.);
Australian Service Medal 1945–1975 (with 2 clasps: JAPAN?, PNG?);
Australian Defence Medal;
Unidentifiable (unofficial “tin” medal);
Korean War Veterans Association Medal (unofficial “tin” medal).
Australian Service Medal 1945–1975 (no clasps).


An RSL executive and a Police Officer visited Armstrong at his residence in early March 2020. During the visit, Armstrong continued to claim he was a Clearance Diver. The visiting executive, told him that he had received advice from the RAN Clearance Diver Association and the Submariners Association of Australia that there was not, and never had been, a David Armstrong in either employment.

To that , Armstrong claimed "that he had trained at HMAS Penguin and was a senior instructor and had friends who could verify it".

Armstrong then produced a White Ensign flag to the visitors. The flag had his uncle's name endorsed on it, and he said his name would soon be on it and that was proof of his service. At that time, Armstrong claimed that, “you people” have got it in for me and are putting in the knife when a bloke is down.

When previously contacted by an ANZMI researcher, Armstrong acted in a similar way and stated that, "he did serve in the RAN for nine years but all the badges including the rank of Chief Petty Officer were earned by his father, uncle and grandfather", however, he claimed, "to have been awarded all of the left breast medals and clasps".

Here are details of Armstrong's actual service:

Armstrong enlisted in 1998 and was medically discharged in November 2003. Armstrong served "sea time" as an Able Seaman Cook, aboard HMAS Adelaide, HMAS Bunbury and HMAS Geraldton. He also had the following shore postings, HMAS Cerberus, HMAS Stirling, HMAS Cairns and HMAS Penguin. In addition he served as a temporary Cook aboard Submarine HMAS Rankin, but only whilst in dock.

He was never deployed on any overseas Operations.

Armstrong has committed offences under the Defence Act 1903 Part VII Sectionss 80A and 80B, which are:'

80A. Falsely representing to be returned sailor
80B. Improper use of service decorations

Each of these offences have Maximum penalties of $3,300 fine, or six months imprisonment or both.

Armstrong's behaviour is as bad as it gets, and like most wannabes, he sought media attention to broadcast his false prodigious RAN service. His actions, like those of all wannabes have misfired, and instead of fame he has found derision. Psychologists say,

"Someone who's impersonating, generally what it means is they don't perceive themselves as having sufficient personal value
It might be someone who has a somewhat regular life and isn't really pleased with themselves, and so they try to associate with a higher status or an admired role or group."

From a returned veterans perspective, buying the medals and accoutrements to create an image, is a hell of a lot easier than going out and doing the hard yards of a deployment, or even going through the training.

Armstrong now has a secure berth on HMAS ANZMI, where he can skulk in the bilge with many others of his ilk.

If you believe Adrian Leon Hepi’s published Linked In educational qualifications, and his claimed military history, then you would think that this gentleman is highly qualified in his chosen field as a Professor and a Clinical Nurse, with exceptional Defence Force Paramedic experience.

To put it bluntly though, Adrian Leon Hepi is a fraud. He is a Medal Cheat, a Valour Thief and a Military Imposter. He lacks credibility.
He has ingratiated himself in the Returned and Services League veteran community and the civilian medical field by fraudulently claiming New Zealand and Australian military service that is untrue.

ANZMI has no qualms in exposing Hepi as a fraud.

Below are photographs of Hepi taken from his Facebook Page.

In the above photograph Hepi is wearing the following medals (from left to right) -;

1 National Emergency Medal – Not entitled.
The National Emergency Medal is an award of the Australian honours system given for sustained service during a nationally significant emergency; or to other persons who rendered significant service in response to such emergencies. The medal was established by Queen Elizabeth II in October 2011.Australia National Emergency Medal. Hepi is not listed on Governor General’s It’s an Honour site.

2 Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal – Not entitled.
The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal was introduced following the Review of Australian Honours and Awards, which reported in late 1995. The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal was established on 16 April 1999 by Letters Patent to recognise humanitarian service provided in response to civil unrest overseas. Hepi is not listed on Governor General’s It’s an Honour site..

3. Australian Defence Medal - Entitled.

4. New Zealand Defence Force Service Medal clasp Territorial - Not entitled.
Territorial
For a minimum of three years efficient service in the Territorial Forces of the NZDF or (before 1990) the New Zealand armed forces commencing on or after 3 September 1945

5. Timor Leste Solidarity Medal – Not entitled..
The Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal (Portuguese: Medalha Solidariedade de Timor-Leste) is a state decoration of East Timor awarded to international security forces for their contribution to stability and peace operations in East Timor during the INTERFET operation, and following the 2006 East Timorese crisis.

6. Multinational Force Observers Medal. Sinai – Not entitled.
Australian Defence Force members working under Operation MAZURKA assist the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai, Egypt. The MFO awards system recognises service with the MFO, including special recognition of outstanding acts or performance, by military and civilian members of the MFO. The medal is awarded for six months (minimum 170 days) of honourable duty with the MFO.

Hepi was reported to ANZMI by former colleagues who are disappointed that he would claim and wear military medals that he has not earned to increase his status in the veteran community and the medical profession.

Below is the (part) curriculum vitai (c.v.)that Hepi has placed on his Linked In account to gain employment positions. Hepi has not just embellished his past employment, he has also fraudulently invented it. (Spelling and grammar errors have not been corrected by ANZMI).

Paramedic
NZ Army
1979 – Apr 1980 1 year
Canterbury & West Coast, New Zealand
Medical & support Platoon Royal Canterbury Regiment Licolin University Christchurch
Honors & Awards
• National Emergency Medal (NEM)
honor date Jul 2014 honor issuer Governer General's Office National Australian Awards
honor description For Sustained Volunteer Service and helping others Cyclone Yasi & Queensland Floods 2011
• • Humanartarian Medal
honor date Oct 2013 honor issuer Australian Government
honor description For volunteer Disaster Management Christvhurch Earthquake
• • Australian Defence Medal
honor date Apr 2007 honor issuer ADF Defence National Awards
honor description ADF Service
• New Zealand Defence medal
honor date Nov 1980 honor issuer NZ Army Territorial Service
honor description NZTF

ANZMI has been in contact with former colleagues of Hepi, who confirm that Hepi was never a member of the New Zealand Army Territorials, (part time) or the New Zealand Regular Army. They have also informed ANZMI that the Medical & Support Platoon, Royal Canterbury Regiment, Lincoln University Christchurch, did not have Paramedics as Hepi claims. His claim of -;
Paramedic
NZ Army
1979 – Apr 1980 1 year
Canterbury & West Coast, New Zealand Medical & support Platoon Royal Canterbury Regiment Licolin (sic) University Christchurch
is false.

Even if his NZ Army claim was true, he would not be entitled to wear the NZ Defence Service Medal. That entitlement stipulates a three year service period. Hepi, by his own admission served only one year. (1979 – April 1980 1 year) The truth is though, he never served at all. Not one day.

Inquiries have been made at the Australian Governor Generals Office, Its an Honour, in respect to his claimed awards of the National Emergency Medal and the Humanitarian Overseas Medal. Hepi’s name does not appear as a recipient for either award. In fact he refers to the Humanitarian Overseas Medal as the "Humanartarian Medal." Not a good look if you have in fact been awarded the medal, and you are allegedly a Professor.

Hepi claims the Timor-Leste Solidarity medal. This medal was proclaimed to recognise those men and women who provided service in stability and peace operations in Timor-Leste from 1 May 2006.

According to Hepi’s c.v.,he discharged from the Australian Army in 1994, 12 years before the medal was proclaimed and issued. See below.

• HEPI. Adrian Leon.
•
• Para Medic
Australian Army
Feb 1986 – Jun 1994 8 years 5 months
Townsville, Australia
Trained as Riflemen 031 / Patrol Medic 036 / Driver 109
31 RQR
9FD AMB
1 Training Group Wacol
11 Training Group Townsville
1RAR RAP
3/4 CAV RAP

The last medal Hepi is claiming is the Multinational Force Observers medal for service in the Sinai. He has also purchased this medal and had it court mounted.

Nowhere above does Hepi refer to service in East Timor or the Sinai, whilst a member of the Australian Army.

In the below photograph, Hepi is wearing a replica medal rack on his right side, denoting that the medals had been awarded to a deceased direct descendant. (Father or Grandfather)

Inquiries have also been made to this entitlement and reveal that the medals were in fact awarded to Captain William Poata, aka Porter, who distinguished himself in World War 2. William was awarded the Military Cross for heroism on the 24 February, 1942 in Crete, and the Bar to the Military Cross for heroism on the 3 November, 1942 in Egypt.

It has been established that Adrian Leon Hepi is not a direct descendant of Captain William Poata aka Porter. Hepi has purchased the replica medals, had them court mounted to portray an image that he has an entitlement to wear them. He has no entitlement.

Hepi’s Facebook page, before it was removed, also included a photograph of the below medals and medal case. He is indicating here that he has some family affiliation with the medal awardee. He has absolutely no connection whatsoever.

The medals were awarded to the distinguished Captain Harding Waipuke Leaf (Maori Pioneer Battalion for service in World War 1 and World War 2., and include the Military Cross for heroism.

Hepi was sent two emails informing him that some former close colleagues, had informed ANZMI that he was a Medal Cheat, a Valour Thief and a Military Imposter. In fairness, he was requested to provide proof of his claimed military medals, also the National Emergency Medal and the Humanitarian Overseas Medal. He was also requested to provide proof of his claimed status of Professor.

He chose not to respond on both occasions, however, immediately removed his Facebook page containing all the bemedalled photographs.

Hepi has been observed on numerous occasions at various locations throughout Australia wearing the medal racks on Anzac Days and other remembrance days.

Perhaps Hepi can now add this article to his curriculum vitai for future reference and employment prospects.

William "Bill" Caton alleges his wearing of false medals over the past twelve years is the fault of an RSL Secretary who is deceased. It is a very lame excuse, considering the Secretary mentioned, cannot defend himself. In any case, Caton would have clearly known he had not been awarded the medals concerned, particularly the prestigious Member of the British Empire Medal (MBE) which, in addition to being a medals cheat also makes him a liar.

The medals are:

Member of the Order of the British Empire MBE. Not entitled
Australian Active Service Medal (AASM)
Naval General Service Medal (NGSM)
General Service Medal (GSM) 1962
Vietnam Medal (VM) Not entitled
Australian Service Medal (ASM)
Australian Defence Medal (ADM)
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM) Not entitled
Pinjat Jasa Malaysia (PJM)

Caton is not entitled to three of the medals, but may be entitled to a lesser medal for his two days of Vietnam service out of sight of the Vietnam coast. The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Nominal Roll details that Caton spent 23 days aboard HMAS Melbourne in Vietnam. Whether Caton was on board is a mystery, because his RAN service record does not reflect involvement in that voyage. HMAS Melbourne escorted HMAS Sydney to Vietnam waters from 31 May 1965 to 22 June 1965 which was 23 days, as shown on the DVA Nominal Roll of Vietnam Veterans. HMAS Melbourne's actual time in Vietnam waters, consisted of only two days, the 7th and 8th of June 1965 and was out of sight of land the whole time.

"In accordance with information from Ship Movements Sheets – Naval History Section – Sea Power Centre, Australia, I am able to confirm that HMAS Melbourne has qualifying time and eligibility for the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasp ‘Vietnam’ , Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge for the period being 07/06/1965 – 8/06/1965".


Caton's record of service, clearly shows that he was aboard HMAS Supply on the 7th and 8th June 1965. HMAS Supply is not listed as ever participating in the Vietnam war.

His record shows he was located at HMAS Terror in Singapore from 14 March 1965 until 23 May 1965 and then aboard HMAS Supply from 23 May 1965 until 22 June 1965,

On that May/June 65 voyage, HMAS Melbourne escorted HMAS Sydney from the Singapore area to Vietnam waters. HMAS Melbourne never went within sight of the Vietnam Coast, but many years later, after much lobbying, the crew were presented with the Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal (VLSM), which is the medal that Caton could be wearing instead of the VM and the RVCM, if he was in fact aboard HMAS Melbourne at the time.

Which is correct? The DVA Nominal roll that puts Caton on board HMAS Melbourne on 7th 8th June 65 or his official RAN file, which puts him aboard HMAS Supply on 7th 8th June 1965?

The twenty three days in Vietnam shown on the DVA nominal roll was actually the time that HMAS Melbourne departed Singapore until it returned to Singapore. Caton's whole Vietnam experience would have been two days out of sight of land in Vietnam waters. For that service, he wears the same medals as an Infantry soldier who had to serve one hundred and eighty one days on Vietnam soil.

The MBE is a very prestigious medal presented under the previous imperial system for outstanding service in a senior position. All recipients are listed on the London Gazette. Caton is not listed and has never been awarded the medal.

Below, is the "official" reason why Caton wears the three false medals. The information was presented by executives of the Killarney RSL

"Bill was attending a meeting in Killarney when his medals were stolen from inside his car. A week later, Sub-Branch secretary Trevor Smart (deceased) gave him a rack of medals to wear and replace the ones stolen. Some time later, Caton’s medals were returned to his car however he didn’t get around to replacing them and remained wearing the rack given him by Mr Smart".

What a load of codswallop. The above happened around twelve years ago and Caton continued to wear the medals for twelve years.

An investigator was also advised by a Killarney RSL executive, that Caton served on four different ships in Vietnam and there was no record because RAN never kept records. More Codswallop

After trying to contact Caton we received this email from Mr Peter Webster PhD Secretary of the Killarney RSL:

President: Jim McGee

Secretary: Peter Webster

Email: rslkillarney@gmail.com
Send all correspondence to: The Secretary, PO Box 69, Killarney, Qld, 4373


Greetings,
Mr xxxxxxx (Investigator?).
I have been informed of your 'investigation' (23 February 2020) and am in receipt of copies of emails initially sent to ex-President (Killarney RSL Sub-Branch) Mr xxxxxxxx and/or ex-Secretary Mrs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

With the limited information currently available to me, it appears that person or persons unknown to us, (identified in the emails as 'a friend') have asserted that one of our members, Mr William (Bill) Caton, is being investigated by you, for alleged wearing of medals to which the allegation clearly infers, he is not entitled, namely the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (1965).

Please advise me of your role in this investigation?

It is of concern to us that proper protocol appears not to have been followed, in that this matter has been brought to the attention of Mr John Skinner President of Warwick RSL Sub-Branch, which as you will be aware is a different 'entity' to ours.
Further, prejudicial language such as "He is a 'big noise' in the Killarney (Qld) RSL Sub-Branch" and "I believe this man is a medal cheat", would appear, at least on the surface, to negate any presumption of innocence?

In all further communications, you are requested to contact either myself (as Secretary) or my President Mr James (Jim) McGee, details above on our letterhead.

Peter Webster PhD
Facebook: Killarney RSL Sub-Branch Military Memorabilia Museum.[/i]

Due to member shortages, the problem has now developed within RSL Sub Branches, where persons with not one day of military service can be voted on to Sub Branch Boards, and make decisions that affect genuine veterans. Peter Webster, Secretary, Killarney RSL Sub Branch is a classic example of how the RSL organisation, is being infiltrated by persons who have no affiliation with veterans other than a possible family member.

The signatory, Peter Webster PhD Secretary, is a Citizens Auxiliary member and has never served in the Australian or any other Defence Force. It is incongruous that he should be involved in matters involving Service members of the RSL. For those interested, here is a photograph of Peter Webster PhD:

Caton joined the RAN in 1957. After failing his first Clearance Diver course in 1960, he qualified as a Clearance Diver in 1961. He then served as an Able Seaman and Leading Seaman, then back to Able Seaman, then Acting Leading Seaman by March 1969. Caton was withdrawn from an Advanced Clearance Divers course in 1967 after being deemed unsuitable.

The Killarney RSL also claim to have proof that Caton served on land in Vietnam and therefore was entitled to wear the two Vietnam medals. One of the two medals actually required 181 days, and in any case, they already say his wearing of false medals was a result of a theft from his car. There were forty eight RAN Special Forces Clearance Divers posted to Vietnam between February 1967 and May 1971 who earned the two medals. Caton was not one of them.

Caton is a dishonest medals cheat who dazzled the Killarney RSL with his Clearance Diver background and his false medals rack. Any prestige he was due, has been erased by his big noting dishonesty.

There are Clearance Diver berths, on HMAS ANZMI, these are usually filled by people falsely claiming such service. It is unusual to have one on board, who was a genuine Clearance Diver, but has been blowing false bubbles as a medals cheat.

UPDATE LENIHAN MARCH 20

Following our original report on Lenihan there have been major ructions at the Maryborough Qld RSL, including numerous front page media headlines.

Lenihan is the Club Manager of the Maryborough RSL. The RSL Club and the Sub Branch is an amalgamated organisation where the "RSL Club section" is managed by the Sub Branch executive. Lenihan was appointed manager of the RSL Club in early 2018.

When appointed he addressed his staff, and told them that he is an East Timor Veteran, who was involved in fighting in the war in East Timor. That was a lie.

Genuine veterans heard his address and could discern inconsistencies in his story. We investigated the matter and found that Lenihan is a liar and a wannabe, and we published our findings on this website in late 2018. Despite our findings, the Maryborough RSL executive chose to believe that Lenihan was a genuine returned veteran, and the RSL Sub Branch President Mr George Mellick strongly supported Lenihan by keeping him in his job and threatening ANZMI with legal action paid for by the RSL.

Lenihan's denials of being a wannabe continued throughout 2019, resulting in Lenihan being charged by Qld State Police, for falsely claiming to be a returned veteran, and wearing medals he had not been awarded.

During the Police investigation, it was discovered that Lenihan had illegal drugs in his possession. As a consequence, Lenihan was also charged with the drug offence.

In late 2019 Lenihan went on fully paid stress leave. Not because of the stress of his job, but because of the wannabe lies he told whilst addressing RSL staff in 2018.

At the RSL Club, throughout 2019, arguments and dissension were rife and was directly linked to Lenihan's lies. Genuine returned veterans could not abide the RSL Club employing a lying wannabe.

These ructions resulted in the Sub Branch President Mr George Mellick being charged with assault for "biffing" an aged Vietnam Veteran.

On 21 Feb 20 in the Maryborough Magistrates Court, Lenihan pleaded guilty to falsely claiming to be a returned Veteran, and to the drug charge. He was fined a total of $1,000 for the two offences.

George Mellick has now been removed from position of President through democratic means, and a new President elected. Mellick appeared in the Magistrates court on 3 Mar 20 and was found guilty of assault with no conviction recorded.

Members of the Sub Branch and the RSL Club have expressed serious concerns that Lenihan, who now has a conviction for illegal drug possession and a conviction under the Defence Act 1903 for falsely pretending to be a returned veteran, can remain fully employed on self inflicted stress leave.

As the current Club Manager, and a convicted drug offender, Lenihan should never be able to hold the Maryborough RSL Club's Liquor License in the future. He should be given the boot immediately and replaced with a credible and honest person.

The final chapter will be written when action is taken regarding Lenihan's employment.

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UPDATE LENIHAN 26 NOV 2019

Before you read this update re-read our original report .

In this matter, there has been malfeasance and neglect at all levels of RSL management from Queensland President, District President and Maryborough RSL President. After intensive investigation Lenihan was arrested on 21 Nov 19 by police, and a court date set.

When the matter is settled by the court, we will do a comprehensive report into the management of the Maryborough RSL

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Case Notes:

Mr Craig Lenihan is the General Manager at the Maryborough, Queensland, Returned and Services League (RSL) Club.  Prior to Lenihan’s appointment the Sub Branch was in disarray, handling complaints about a previous Sub-Branch President.  Unfortunately, the problems have been exacerbated by the placement of Lenihan who has lied about his military experience, even though being an ex-serviceman was not a criterion for the role of General Manager of the Club.

Before his appointment to Maryborough RSL Craig Lenihan previously managed the Nanango RSL and it was believed among the staff there, that he was a returned veteran (Info from two staff members)

Through direct statements and innuendo Lenihan has claimed to be a Returned Veteran who served in East Timor and "Has been shot at" and "Seen people blown up and his mates killed".  We hold numerous Statutory Declarations detailing how Lenihan has claimed to be a Veteran of Australia’s involvement in the conflict in East Timor.

With the usual guile of a wannabe, Lenihan explains the reason his name cannot be found in any Timor Deployment records is because he "served under another name"

Whilst several members of the Sub-Branch raised concerns about this matter with the Sub-Branch President, it fell on deaf ears. The Sub-Branch President, stated to an ANZMI researcher that ‘he did not wish to get involved  and that the researcher should be very careful because he could’ "fall flat on his face".  The RSL President then hung up the phone.

Researchers have tried to contact Lenihan on numerous occasions, but he will not respond.

It is indeed, a sad affair when an RSL President refuses to become involved in matters where staff members, representing the Sub-Branch are suspected of being Wannabes.  

It is also relevant that the President Mr George Mellick is a hypocrite, as whilst he does not want to become involved in the Lenihan matter he was heavily involved in having his predecessor banned from the RSL for being a Wannabe. After his successful campaign against the previous President, Mellick became the Maryborough RSL President.

The official word from the Wide Bay District Deputy President, Mr Trevor Williamson, is that Lenihan is no longer making such claims, and in any case, although Lenihan is employed by the RSL he is not a member of the Sub Branch and therefore, it is not the business of the Sub Branch to question his claims of Active Service in East Timor.

It is however, the business of ANZMI and Veterans everywhere, and it is the business of the Sub Branch to satisfy its members that a person, representing the organisation at a senior level, making claims to be involved in Armed conflicts with Australian Forces and being a ‘veteran’ are not false, particularly when its members have raised concerns.

ANZMI have numerous Statutory Declarations from people and veterans stating that Lenihan has claimed to have been on active service in East Timor with the Australian Army and had witnessed enemy action.  

On a Statutory Declaration it is stated that Mr Williamson said that he had “Seen Lenihan's medals” and that, “Lenihan had burnt and destroyed his medals”.  Mr Williamson now denies having spoken about Lenihan's medals and claims that the Statutory Declaration is false.

Discord, strife and friction prevails at the Maryborough RSL. Staff and Sub-Branch members have provided a number of Statutory Declarations to the effect that, Lenihan has claimed to be a Veteran of the East Timor conflict.  RSL District executives and the Sub-Branch President claim to have no interest in the matter. Lenihan the wannabe refuses to refute that he is a Returned Veteran, nor comment or provide any evidence of ever serving in the Australian Defence Force during Operations in East Timor.

There is no record of Lenihan ever serving as a member of the Australian Army.  Details of his claimed service in East Timor are flawed by his claims that he served in East Timor in 1991 - 1992.  In fact, Australians were not deployed to East Timor until 1999.

As well as Lenihan refusing to provide any evidence of his service we are happy to declare him a wannabe and provide space for him on this website

HENDERSON UPDATE 27/2/2020.

Since the ANZMI publication of the David Henderson matter, dozens of emails have been received that condemn Henderson’s offensive behaviour.

Below is an email received from the former owners of Lone Pine Medals, Mudgee, who are most concerned that their good name and reputation has been dragged through the mud by Henderson for his own selfish benefit.

“In relation to your latest fraudulent wearing of medals case: David Henderson

I am one of the “un named ladies”, who apparently told him he was entitled to wear the medals. . I state categorically that this statement is false.

Some background for you. - My wife and I were Gulgong RSL Sub Branch affiliate members (as ex police officers), and owners of a medal mounting and framing business.

Mr Henderson already had the US Army Commendation medal in his possession and asked should he have it on his rack. We advised him that if he was entitled to the medal, that he could wear it as it was approved for wear.

He then asked us to mount it on his rack.

Later he asked if we could mount his Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. We had been advised by him earlier that he was filling out forms for this medal as he was entitled to it, and had been approved....thus the medal to be added to his rack.

As medal mounters, we can only do what a client requests. We are not required to prove their entitlement, and can only do what we are advised.

We were in possession of the book which you show a page from, and noting that his name wasn't in it, confronted him. He said it must be outdated.

He also stated to us at one time that being shot in the arse he should be entitled to the Purple Heart as well, and how can he get that.

We have always done everything we can to find out a clients eligibility. One example was a WWI set in which the soldier enlisted in 1916. thus only entitled to the BWM and Victory medal. We thoroughly researched the soldier through records, the AWM, and National Archives and confirmed his two medal entitlement. The client refused to believe his grandfather didn't get the trio, and we refused to supply him with same due to it being wrong.

We would never allow any person to wear medals not of their entitlement, as with David Henderson...we can only go on what he claimed as Vietnam entitlements are much harder to confirm.

Finally, we took our job very seriously, and had recommendations from many current serving members, and past members. We mounted sets for troops on deployment...for entire Ships companies....we prided ourselves on our work.

We may have moved to Canada, and sold the business to another party...but we do not like our work being dragged through the mud by a man who should know better.”

The above email is published with the expressed approval of the authors.

If the Secretary of the Gulgong RSL Sub Branch -;.
John Fielding RFD, JP
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd)
Secretary Gulgong RSL sub-Branch,

had taken his responsibilities seriously, and contacted the former Medal Shop owners, instead of defending the fraudulent behaviour of his President to ANZMI, he may have taken a different view. We will never know.

Henderson has been reported to the RSL NSW State Branch. An update will be published in the future regarding the action taken by that governing body.

The ANZMI site is riddled with military imposters, medal cheats and valour thieves, who hold or have held executive positions in Ex Service Organisations.

The message should be very clear to these false pretenders. You will appear on this site if you belong to one or more of the above three categories.

****

David Henderson was born in the United Kingdom on the 3 September, 1945. He enlisted in the Australian Regular Army and was subsequently posted to the Republic of South Vietnam on the 6 August 1969. On the 19 November, 1969, he was posted to 8 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment ( 8RAR) where he served as a Private in that Infantry Battalion until the 20 April, 1970. He then returned to Australia.

In the above photograph, Henderson is wearing the following medals.

1. Australian Active Service medal clasp Vietnam. (AASM) Entitled.
2. Vietnam Medal. Entitled.
3. Australian Defence Medal. (ADM) Entitled.
4. Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM) Entitled.
5. United States Army Commendation Medal for heroism or meritorious achievement.. Not entitled.
6. Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. Not entitled.

Henderson is the President of the Gulgong Returned and Services League (R&SL) Sub Branch in mid-west New South Wales. A respectable position.

Henderson, though is a medal cheat, a valour thief and a big noter.

He is not entitled to wear the US Army Commendation Medal. He has purchased and awarded this medal to himself.

Criteria: The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States other than General Officers who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. Award may be made to a member of the Armed Forces of a friendly foreign nation who, after 1 June 1962, distinguishes himself by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or meritorious service which has been of mutual benefit to a friendly nation and the United States.

Henderson is not entitled to wear the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. He has also purchased this medal and awarded it to himself.

Degrees

The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross was awarded in four degrees, with a basic medal followed by higher degrees which were the equivalent of personal citations on an organizational level (also known as having been "Mentioned in dispatches").

The degrees of the Gallantry Cross are as follows:
• Gallantry Cross with Palm: cited at the Armed Forces level
• Gallantry Cross with Gold Star: cited at the Corps level
• Gallantry Cross with Silver Star: cited at the Division level
• Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star: cited at the Regiment or Brigade level.

You will notice that Henderson claims that he was awarded the highest degree of this gallantry medal by the former Republic of Vietnam Government. (bolded).

Henderson served in 8RAR in Vietnam from November, 1969 until April, 1970 when he returned to Australia. During that time, the Battalion was engaged in heavy fighting with the enemy at the Long Hai Hills during Operation Hammersley. The Vietnam Government bestowed the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation for their actions in that battle, that occurred between the 10 February and the 9 March, 1970.

One 8RAR soldier was awarded the Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm during their deployment. It was not Private David Henderson. In the below comprehensive official list, he does not get a mention in the Battalions honours for that tour of duty.

I

Henderson is entitled to wear the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit citation, but not the individual Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal with Palm. There is a distinguished difference between the two. Citation depicted below -;

He has been warned by former colleagues of the 8RAR Association on several occasions, and also the Vietnam Veterans Federation of Australia, that he has no entitlement to the two offending medals in question, and that he should remove them from his rack. He has told some former 8 RAR colleagues, that he was awarded the medals when he was with 9 Battalion RAR, prior to his posting to 8 Battalion RAR in November, 1969. That statement is false. He was never awarded either medal at any time by any official source. He has defied the advice of former 8RAR colleagues to get the medals off, with total disrespect to all Australian soldiers, who have been officially awarded both medals.

Arrogance perhaps, vanity, or both!

Henderson has been the President of the Gulgong RSL Sub Branch for the past 26 years. He should lead by example and not wear medals that he has purchased and awarded to himself.

Henderson was contacted by a Researcher and given an opportunity to provide an explanation to wearing purchased medals. The Secretary, on his behalf, replied and stated in writing inter alia -;

“Please be advised that the wearing of these medals was done in good faith by Mr Henderson having previously been given false guidance by professional individuals.

He has subsequently realised that he is not entitled to the two medals you have mentioned and has removed them from his rack. He is embarrassed and upset that this has occurred.

He has proudly served as President of the Gulgong RSL sub-Branch for 26 consecutive years and was only led to believe he was entitled to wear those medals in recent years”.

When questioned by one former 8RAR member, Henderson stated that local medal experts told him he was entitled to the two medals. They were allegedly two Sub Branch ladies. Henderson then filled out the required forms, the ladies sent them away and presto, the two medals arrived in the mail and were court mounted with his genuine medals. The ladies, according to Henderson, cannot be contacted now, as they both moved to Canada.

Henderson would know as well as every other former Australian Army Vietnam veteran, that you do not receive a U.S Government heroism medal and a Vietnam Government Gallantry Medal by sending away for them. He purchased them at a Medal Dealers Shop or on ebay.

Henderson is a fraud and he knows it. He has been told to remove them on at least two occasions, he ignored that advice, and now that ANZMI is making inquiries, he produces the “false guidance” excuse.

As a false pretender, he should resign or be kicked out of the NSW RSL immediately. The NSW RSL has enough ongoing problems at the moment without medal cheats and valour thieves like Henderson holding the Executive position of Sub Branch President, within the organisation.

ANZMI has not been provided any evidence that Henderson has removed the offending medals.

There is no excuse Mr Henderson, get rid of the un-awarded medals and resign your post.