ANZMI Cases

Stolen Valour

Stolen Valour

Pritchard

Surname: Pritchard
Christian Names: William Alfred
Country: Australia
State or Province: Unknown
City or Town: Unknown
Service: Army
Branch: Artillery
Case Notes:

Read this bio that was published in a book, “Vietnam Veterans, the Sons of the Hunter” which contains the stories of 104  VietnamVeterans from around the Hunter Valley wine growing area near Newcastle, NSW. An interesting read for the uninitiated.

 

His story is close to the mark but he left some things out and added some things he should not have.

Note his “Tour” dates, one has to believe that this is his supposed tour of Vietnam, 68-69?

Something he left out was that his job before moving on to an uncompleted butchers apprenticeship was that of a metal polisher and plater at Layton Plating in Sydney. He was polishing metal instead of selling papers at Newtown Station, so not quite the hard luck paperboy trying to support his sick dad as he portrays.

Something else he left out was the number of times he was disciplined for going AWOL, disobeying Routine Orders, being incorrectly dressed and leaving his post unattended.

He did indeed go to Malaya and Borneo in 1963, on 12 November to be exact, and his Special Service (SPECSER) as an Artillery Gun Number (Private, Gunner) commenced on 2 September 1964,  concluding on 16 October 1964.  Total, 44 days.

On 3 May 1965 he boarded a plane in Singapore for Sarawak, Borneo, his SPECSER there commenced on this day and continued until 18 July 65,  earning him the General Service Medal with clasp Borneo. Total, 76 days.

He returned to Sydney on 19 October of the same year.

Back to Singapore again on 16 September 1967 where he completed Army courses to improve his education  standard from 2nd Year High School, and also improve his Military skills.

He said that he returned to Sydney in late 1969 when in fact it was 28 January 69.  In June 1969 he was awarded the General Service Medal 1962 with clasp Malay Peninsular. That’s one medal with two clasps now.

His memory may have been a bit clouded when he stated the wrong date for returning to Sydney but the fantasy part of his brain was working well enough.

Quote “In 1968 we were attached to 1ATF with 3RAR in forward observation parties in Vietnam, where we were for about two months”

Untrue, he did not serve in Vietnam at any time. Furthermore, it seems highly unlikely that a person with no skills as a radio operator would be chosen for such a duty. He had failed four out of four subjects for an Artillery Signallers Course in March 1963. Further records note that in June 1967 he was assessed as unsuited for clerical, signals or surveyors duties.

For the non-Military readers, a Forward Observer (FO) goes out into the field with Infantry as the radio liaison between the Infantry Commander and the rear Arty guns when required. The FO calls in a fire mission, spots the bursts [splash] of the incoming rounds and adjusts the range of the guns accordingly. FOs were extremely knowledgeable in radio procedures.

His entire overseas service was with 102 and 107 Field Batteries in Malaya and Borneo.

The poem he talks about in his bio above is not about 105 Field Battery, 18 August 1969 at all, it’s about Arty guns that fired in support of 11 PL, D Coy, 6 RAR on 18 August 1966, the Battle of Long Tan, which he was absolutely nowhere near. He was out by three years and was never posted to 105 Bty, although later claimed he was.

When challenged on this claim of being with 105 Bty in Vietnam, he changed his story to being with 107 Bty, this Battery did not arrive in Vietnam until May 1970.

105 Bty was tasked to General Support (GS) of the Task Force in August 1966 while 161 Bty NZ was tasked to Direct Support (DS) of 6 RAR. It matters little because he wasn’t there and he got the year wrong as well, at this time he was with 12 Field Regiment [Artillery] in Australia.

His dedication of this poem to his “deceased” sons is a cynical act seemingly devised to draw pity upon himself. More smoke and mirrors.

Here’s his poem.

He was made a Technical Storeman on 10 April 1969 and passed a qualifying course for this type of posting on 17 June. He passed his final course for Sergeant in August 1973 and remained a Storeman for the rest of his long Army career.

This false information in the bio above is not the only shenanigans he has been caught out at.

He was confronted at a reunion by a former very highly positioned Warrant Officer and told to remove Vietnam medals and the Infantry Combat Badge from his coat and also a maroon beret from his head.   He must truly believe that he was a part of 3 RAR in Vietnam or somewhere.  This Battalion became a Parachute Battalion in October 1983 and its members have worn the maroon Para beret since 29 August 1985.  Only the members of 3 RAR who have joined the unit since it became Airborne qualified, and this includes all members of the Battalion whether parachute qualified or not, can wear the maroon beret, or cherry beret as it is affectionately known, as it is a unit head-dress rather than a qualification beret.  The wings worn on the sleeve denote the parachute qualification status of the individual.  On leaving the battalion a member is not authorised to wear the beret unless he is posted to another designated airborne unit.  In the case of the parachute wings the member retains these forever unless he is posted to another airborne unit that has their own specific parachute qualified wings.

The medals were obviously not earned, neither was the ICB. In the photo above he can also be seen wearing some other sort of supposed, unauthorised, combat badge that seem to be proliferating like rabbits among the non-Infantry Veterans. He hasn’t been wearing these of late “because of the confusion”, more on this “confusion” later.

Who could possibly be confused, here we have a Senior Army Artillery NCO who should be very aware of what may be worn and what may not. There is a big difference between confusion and outright posturing.

He also appears to be wearing a Unit Citation on his right lapel in the photo. We’re looking into this now.

He said he was a Pensions and Welfare Officer for the NSW Returned Services League before moving to Belmont and taking up the same duties at the Pelican Flats Club, later being the President for five years.

Should a pensions officer be found to be a fraud, should not every claim he assisted in now be looked at in a different light?

Fraud begets only further fraud.

It appears strange that a person with this experience would use or allow the use of  incorrect wording for the Compensation Payment known as the TPI. There is no such thing as the Total and Permanent Injuries Pension.

Also, he wasn’t a Walton's Store Manager, he was the manager of a department within the store.

It gets worse;

We have a statement from a concerned Veteran who spoke to Pritchard about his service and the awards he wears.

Here are some answers to the Veteran’s questions:

He earned the ICB in Malaya. (It’s the Infantry Combat Badge, some members of other Corps were awarded it for their work with the Infantry but most of these people wouldn’t wear it because it denotes Infantry.)  To be of another corps and get awarded the ICB, you must be on the posted strength of the unit and fulfil the Infantry criteria for awarding of the badge.  It cannot and will not be awarded to personnel attached to an Infantry unit irrespective of whether you fulfil the Infantry criteria for the time of your attachment.

He doesn’t wear the Vietnam medals or ICB now because of the “confusion”

This below appears to be the “confusion”.

He was trying to sort out his records with Central Army Records but all records for 1967 to 1969 have been lost. (We found them quite easily)

He went to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra where many Military records are kept and was shown his file that had these words written on it,  “Never To Be Released”   (Geez, not another one).  This excuse is wearing very thin so if you hear someone use this description immediately become very, very suspicious of their stories.

In 1968 during his supposed excursion to Vietnam he was a Bombardier, the equivalent of a Corporal, with 107 Battery in Malaya.  Surely he wasn’t a covert operations Bombardier to have his records sealed forever?  An outright lie as are the other answers above.

Here’s the last straw.

Pritchard took his discharge from the Army as a Warrant Officer Second Class, [WO2],  not First Class, [WO1].

We simply present the facts here; it’s up to our readers to determine whether Pritchard is an unmitigated liar, fraud and a disgrace. Also whether he should be removed from the ranks of those who gather on commemorative occasions wearing their rightful awards displaying their Service in defence of our Country and it’s ideals.

Please see our page on what we refer to as “Tin” which indicates the correct method of wearing commemorative and purchased medals and badges.

“If you had to buy it, you didn’t earn it, so don’t wear it on the left.” This does not apply to awardees of certain foreign awards that have to be purchased, eg, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry recently approved by the Australian Government for wear by former members of D Company 6 RAR, Vietnam, 1966. The Government of the Republic of South Viet Nam no longer exists so the medals cannot be issued by it so therefore the members of D Company 6 RAR who have recently been awarded this medal after years of fighting for it, now have to purchase the medal to wear it.  This is one of the rare, acceptable cases of having to purchase an approved medal.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

There will be more from us regarding the unauthorised wearing of the Infantry Combat Badge by wannabe former bush grunts, i.e. General Duties personnel, Orderly Room or Q Store staff and the Officers who never spent a day in the weeds. If you are one of these people, we suggest that you don’t strut outside your house with this award on your coat again. Do it, get photographed, and you will be here on our site, former rank or position will not be taken into account. Absolutely no apology from you will be accepted by the Veteran Community, we can be sure of that.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

This is published in the public interest, particularly that of the Vietnam Veteran Community. All information presented here is fact and the truth. Reports from the private citizens are supported by statement of fact and statutory declarations.

 

 

Ponting

Surname: Ponting
Christian Names: William Edward
Country: Australia
State or Province: Victoria
City or Town: Heathmont
Case Notes:

In the leafy suburbs of outer eastern Melbourne is the suburb of Heathmont.  Nestled in a quiet court resides a man who on ANZAC Days and other Veteran anniversaries steps out the front door wearing the following medals and accoutrements:

Military Cross

Mentioned  in Dispatches (2)

USA Purple Heart

1939/1945 Star

Africa Star

Defence Medal

1939/1945 War Medal

Cadet Forces Medal

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal

Royal Horse Artillery Badge

Long Range Desert Group Badge

and as can be seen by his photograph, two awards which resemble knighthoods of the realm. medals here

 A request for assistance with British Naval and Military Researchshows that an extensive check was completed to verify the bona fides of Capt PONTING MC and it was verified that he served in the Royal Artillery from 1946 to 1948.  The only overseas service recorded shows he served in Palestine in the rank of Lance Bombardier - and for such service was awarded the British General Service Medal (GSM) with clasp Palestine.  This man has been issued with one official medal only.  Why is it then he wears a Military Cross which can only be awarded to a Commissioned Officer??

 Step back in time to ANZAC Day 1982, when "Tony" was charged at the City Watch House Melbourne for wearing medals he had no entitlement to, and impersonating a returned serviceman.  Appearing in court on 27 January 1983 Tony was found guilty of the the first charge and fined $100.

 Step forward to ANZAC Day this year (2003) and two reliable witnesses attest to the fact PONTING attended the dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance and the "Gunfire Breakfast" which follows at Victoria Barracks, fully resplendent in his Military Cross and full rack of medals and assorted scrap metal.  A current financial member of the Healeseville (Vic) RSL, Tony has also been seen in the immediate past wearing a chest full of medals at their commemorative services - and yes - he still wears his Military Cross.

 PONTING was sent correspondence from CPMH and given the opportunity to explain his actions - a deadline was given and of course no answer was forthcoming. Naturally if one can lie about ones service then one can also lie about receiving mail.  Proof of the letter is here   A physical letter drop was also conducted to his home by CPMH members and still no reaction was received.  Telephoned by a Victorian CPMH rep PONTING denied he had  received any mail and defended his right to wear  the bogus medals he portrays,stating: "Every medal I wear I earned"!

 Tony - this is your life - having already been found guilty of wearing medals of no entitlement back in1983 - guess what??  No more $100 fines.....have a long read of the new penalties for pretenders and stealers of real Veterans feats.

You are a disgrace to the Veteran title, whatever happens to you in the near future, you more than deserve.

This is published in the public interest, particularly that of the Vietnam Veteran Community. All information presented here is fact and the truth. Reports from the private citizens are supported by statement of fact and statutory declarations.

 

Weatherall

Surname: Weathall
Christian Names: Robin
Country: Australia
State or Province: Unknown
City or Town: Unknown
Case Notes:

As a Brigadier with post nominal's, MC. BS. LM.  he was Commandant of the Command of the America's under the banner of the Independent Overseas Command (IOC), affiliated with the Legion in 2002.


Later in the year he became LTGEN Weatherall, MC. LOF. amm. Commandant General of the Independent Overseas Command.  We note that his post nominal's changed in this period, he lost the BS, LM and picked up an amm somewhere along the line, this is the Australian Medal of Merit, a Frontiersmen award.


More recently his name had appeared with only these post nominal's, MC, IOC.
He wears bogus awards on his lengthy medal bar and the first is the British Military Cross.


His dream travel destination is Vietnam, “Where I served for three tours during the Vietnam war”.

Like the majority of wannabes from any country, he chose to present himself as a former member of an elite unit. He actually went so far as to choose two elite units and an association with another.

A three tour, former British SAS soldier, who was attached to 1st Special Forces in Vietnam and what would have to have been the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV), he also claimed he won the British Military Cross in Borneo or Vietnam. No he wasn’t and no he didn’t.

Let us be quite clear on one thing from the outset, we are not attempting to denigrate the purpose of, or work done by, the Legion of Frontiersmen.

We have absolutely no reason to denigrate the services supplied to whatever community by well-meaning members of this organisation but according to our charter we have a dedication to the ex-Service Communities of Australia and New Zealand to expose those who attempt to steal the Honour and Valour of our comrades in arms.

It has been reported that there are individuals within this organisation, both here in Australia and overseas, who misrepresent or have invented their Military Service.

Here we will expose an impostor, who, while he perpetuated his fraud in the US, has claimed War Service with an elite Australian unit.  We will also highlight another Legion of Frontiersmen member who has already appeared on our “Cases” page. There is a long history of organisations using actual highly decorated War Veterans and also big-talking wannabes as drawcards to increase membership.

This was the URL for the Legion of Frontiersmen in the US, http://www.legion-of-frontiersmen.org but it was removed from public view in July 2004 after a genuine War Veteran queried Weatherall’s service claims and medal rack.

This is a reply received by the Veteran.

Lieutenant-General Robin Weatherall, MC, LOF.  Robin does indeed have the Military Cross.  He serviced with the 21 SAS and got it in Borneo.  This is confirmed on the British Military website...but they will not comment on the citation as SAS do not have their citations published...only that they have them.

Robin was further seconded to the Australian Army and subsequently the US Army in Viet Nam.  His records are well documented.

Now, this reply above is clearly not from a Military historian, or even anyone who rose above the rank of Recruit in any Army, it is clearly from a perennial civilian.   This gentleman and his fellow members had been deceived by Weatherall.  The post nominal LOF stands for Legion Of Frontiersmen, we don’t think this membership rates a post nominal, neither does membership of the IOC.

Unfortunately we couldn’t find the British Military website that confirms this Military Cross awarded for service in Borneo but we found historical information that denies it, and Weatherall’s claimed service, emphatically.

He was born on 5 July 1942and claims War Service as a Captain in the SAS prior to 2 March 1962. (Do the maths)

If we look at this supposed sequence of events, SAS Borneo, seconded to the Aust Army and then the US Army in Vietnam, Robin had to be an extremely young Officer to have accomplished this, not yet 20 years of age.

Firstly Borneo, British 21 SAS soldiers did not serve there as a unit or sub-unit and there was no Officer by this name who ever served in Borneo with the SAS, neither British nor Australian.

Secondly, the time frame suggests he would have served with the AATTV in Vietnam, which he did not.

Lastly, the well documented records mentioned in the reply above don’t appear to be in evidence anywhere. There are no official records of Weatherall having served in any Army. We are quite aware of the role played by 21 SAS in the overall scheme of things in the British Army but unfortunately we can’t pass this on here.

Here’s the citation for bravery he presented to his friends and supporters in the Legion of Frontiersmen. The blacked out line at the top probably contained the name of his “Unit within the Regiment” that he had typed but “the Secrecy Act” forbade him to disclose. We have re-typed it verbatim for clarity and the original photocopy copy is available below.

Weatherall Robin J.

 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX on attachment to 1st Special Forces, MAAG.

 Place and Date.  Trung Luong, Republic of Vietnam, 2 March 1962.

 Born 5 July, 1942, London.

 Citation.

For conspicuous gallantry in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Captain Weatherall

distinguished himself in action while leading his Team on a search and destroy in an area made particularly

hazardous as it was behind enemy lines. Suddenly his Team came under small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and rocket propelled grenade fire, from a battalion size enemy unit. During the initial hostile attack, communication with Headquarters was lost and the 3 members of the team and the 2 Green Beret observers became casualties. When Capt. Weatherall observed that they were pinned down, he moved to the front with complete disregard for his safety, firing his weapon at the charging enemy. As he moved forward he drew fire on his own position and was seriously wounded in the leg. As the hostile fire intensified Capt Weatherall initiated the evacuation of his dead comrades while providing covering fire. He killed several enemy soldiers but sustained another leg wound when his weapon was destroyed by incoming rounds. Undaunted, he crawled through a hail of enemy fire to an operable machine gun in order to continue the defense of the evacuation. Capt. Weatherall maintained this position, refused medical assistance, and provided defensive fire for his comrades until the bodies had been safely removed to the waiting Helicopter. He was solely responsible for killing 16 enemy soldiers while saving the lives of the rescue unit. Captain Weatherall’s gallantry and extraordinary heroism were in keeping with the highest traditions of his Regiment and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the British Army.

 (Unsigned)
 


 

This would be the clumsiest, most amateurish, childlike, attempt at a forgery of a Military document we have ever seen and anyone with a Military background should have dismissed it as garbage as soon as it was presented.  Why was it accepted by his Frontiersmen colleagues?

A four member SAS Team and two Green Beret observers on a search and destroy operation behind enemy lines?   This information alone is sufficient to brand the document a forgery and if this wasn’t such a serious crime to commit, it would be laughable.  His terminology is completely wrong indicating that he’d never been in the British or any other Military.

If Weatherall had supposedly won the Military Cross in Borneo prior to this event, what could have been awarded for this valorous service?  It was otherwise stated that this action in Vietnam earned him the Military Cross and the other medals on his chest.   His MC won in Borneo or Vietnam?   The tangled web is getting confusing isn’t it?

We managed to find some villages named Trung Luong and there are 5 of them, the 4 most notable being in the Chu Prong, Ia Drang,area where it’s very doubtful that Brit SAS search and destroy teams patrolled with Green Beret observers.  Besides that, Brit SAS did not operate in Vietnam.   We think he found this name on a 101st Airborne website, they were in the area in 1966 and we found the website too.   The fifth Trung Luong is just south of Hanoi and we trust it isn’t this one he thinks he was at.

If we look at British SAS service in Borneo, it did not begin until 1963so wenaturallywonderedhow Weatherall could have been awarded the Military Cross for service in Borneo and then go to Vietnam to receive a citation for some mysterious award in 1962.   Perhaps someone else picked up on this as well and that’s why the citation appeared, moving the valorous actions to another country.

Remember that Weatherall was born on 5 July 1942 so on 2 March 62 he was 19 years and 8 months old.   A Captain in the British SAS at this age?   Impossible. He should have checked the minimum age for Officers graduating from Military College and then completing SAS training.

Here’s something that denies his claims and forged documents.
 


 

Here are the miniature medals worn by Weatherall on Frontiersmen ceremonial occasions.
 


 

If we look closely at these miniature medals, we see:

British (Empirical) Military Cross.   Fact.  Weatherall was not awarded the Military Cross.

British (Empirical) General Service Medal with clasps Northern Ireland, Vietnam and Borneo.  Facts.  The General Service Medal was not issued without a bar or clasp and the clasp “Vietnam” was issued only to members of the Australian Army.   Weatherall was not in the Australian Army.  Northern Ireland?   Make up your own minds about this one.

US Legion of Merit (4th Degree,Legionnaire).  Fact.   First US decoration to be awarded to citizens of other countries.

US Bronze Star with “V” for Valour device.  Fact.  Was awarded to US and non-US personnel.

US Purple Heart with nothing to indicate subsequent woundings.  Fact.  Awarded to US and non-US personnel.

US National Defense Medal.  Fact.  Awarded to US Military personnel only, for service during a time of war or conflict.

Vietnam Service Medal.  Fact. Awarded to US Military personnel only, for participating in, or in direct support of, Military operations between 3 July 65 and 28 March 73.

Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.  Fact.  Also known as the Gallantry Cross. Awarded to US and non-US personnel.

Vietnamese Campaign Medal (US issue)with nothing to indicate three tours.  Fact.  This style of medal only awarded to US personnel and some Australian troops who served prior to 1965.

Order of the Sphinx.  Fact.  The Order of the Sphinx which is the Inter-allied Distinguished Service Cross awarded to US personnel, usually CIA, for serving the Allied cause for freedom behind enemy lines. Oh, dear me..

Also a yet unidentified medal with a knights helmet in the centre which doesn’t appear to be a Frontiersmen award or anything else, mere fluff and not worth the time or trouble to pursue the supposed meaning of.

He has been sighted wearing “SAS Wings” as well. Whether this was para wings or the winged dagger is yet to be confirmed. 

 

Weatherall’s incorrect use of Military terminology and his feeble attempt at citation writing would indicate that he has never dragged on a boot in the service of any country.   We daresay he never even buckled up a Boy Scout’s belt as did a previous Frontiersman, Lord Baden-Powell, the hero of Mafekingand founder of the Scouting movement.

We have sufficient recorded and reported evidence to confirm that Weatherall is a Military wannabe who has used his claims of valorous service and forged documents to enhance his status worldwidefor either personal or monetary gain.

Anyone who may be so inclined should check the rest of the information provided in his radio station bio as well as it is not uncommon for immigrants to re-invent their previous lives and qualifications. We have uncovered one aspect of his written history as being false. Is there more?

Weatherall radio station bio here.

There is a certain FBI Agent by the name of Thomas A. Cottone Jnr who may be very interested in Mr. Weatherall.

Here’s part of an article written after Mr Cottone’s latest bust.

News stories about Cottone’s work and that of Mitchell Paige, a former Leatherneck who chased Medal of Honor fakers for four decades until his death this year, have motivated legions of veterans and service members to review the heroism claims of hundreds of civilians, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.
[Cut and paste this link below in another browser or it will take you away from the site]
 http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=73770&ran=210436

LTGENWeatherall’s claims to glory and the decorations he wears are hopefully something that Agent Cottone will take into consideration. Others have duly noted these and have acted accordingly.

With effect 17 July 2004, Weatherall and his Chief of Staff have nothing more to do with the International Overseas Command of the Legion of Frontiersmen.   As of Sunday 15 August 04 the Frontiersmen website was again available for public view and we see that there is a new Lieutenant General at the helm. Actually he’s a previous Commandant General who has returned to the fore, Weatherall was his Chief of Staff in 2002-03.

Now we’d like to perhaps re-acquaint you with another fraud who appeared in our Cases file some time ago.

He is William “Tony” Ponting who is also a member of the Legion of Frontiersmen, albeit an Australian connection called, “The British Gunner’s Association of Australia”.   Have a look at William “Tony” Ponting’s entry on the Cases page and especially read the British Naval and Military Research information by clicking on the hyperlink.

“Captain Tony’s”  Legion post nominals are MC, VMSM  (RHA Rtd) KGOT (Scot) GCdO, LCM, AMM, PNR, LESM.

He wears the following awards, Military Cross, Mentioned in Despatches (2), US Purple Heart and others when in actual fact he is only entitled to the General Service Medal with clasp Palestine which he earned as a Lance Bombardier (Artillery) enlisting after WW11.

Meet the good Captain Ponting by returning to our cases main page.

This is published in the public interest, particularly that of the Vietnam Veteran Community. All information presented here is fact and the truth. Reports from the private citizens are supported by statement of fact and statutory declarations.

 

Mahoney

Surname: Mahoney
Christian Names: Desmond William
Country: New Zealand
State or Province: North Island
City or Town: Kaitaia
Case Notes:
Mahoney has not been seen wearing such honours and awards. It was a statement made to Veterans claiming that he was one of them that stamps him as a liar and wannabe, assuring him of “Permanent Resident” status.   Des Mahoney had never dragged on a boot in any Army so, as a perennial civilian, he will remain here on our “Cases” page no matter what.   He likes to sue people and has threatened the person who exposed him with legal action, this is a standard procedure adopted by wannabes when confronted. At time of publication, we understand that this legal action will not be taking place.
Had Mahoney been just another Joe Blow telling a few warries at the Club bar over a few drinks, he would not have been investigated and his story would not be here for all to read but he is a very public figure and was a mayoral candidate for the Far North District Council in New Zealand.
His claims of Veteran status are deemed to have been made in an effort to elevate himself in the eyes of his fellow constituents for personal and monetary gain.
Because New Zealand Veterans did all the hard work on this case, perhaps we should let their statements and gathered news reports tell the Des Mahoney story.

N A T I O N A L   N E W S   S T O R Y   

 

Lying mayoral candidate blames bad advice over beers

27 August 2004
 

A former Kaitaia mayoral candidate says he lied about serving in Vietnam after some bad advice over a few beers.

Des Mahoney, of Kaitaia, has also revealed he was declared bankrupt in 1995.

Mr Mahoney admitted he lied about fighting in Vietnam when he applied to join the Kaitaia Returned Services Association.

Far North District Council candidate Ross Miller, who lives near Kaitaia, highlighted the application as Mr Mahoney was seeking election as mayor.

Mr Miller believed a person standing for "high public office" should not attempt to portray himself as something he was not.

After the allegations on Tuesday, Mr Mahoney quit the mayoralty race but denied any connection between the allegations and his resignation.

He said he made the decision to quit a week ago for family reasons.

Yesterday he said he regretted lying about serving in Vietnam, and that his wife had not known he had lied. Mr Mahoney also said he had been declared bankrupt in 1995 over a $6000 debt and had been discharged from that bankruptcy in 1998.

The decision to lie about Vietnam came after some bad advice over a few beers.

"We all used to drink with a couple of the guys... it was 'just do this'.    "I regret it, I do honestly regret it." Mr Mahoney has claimed he has leukaemia and said the stress of the past few days had made him tired.  He was reluctant to discuss the illness.   "I know that I have got the terminal cancer, but everybody's number is going to come up. I wish that it had come up yesterday, to be honest." Mr Mahoney said he would be staying in Kaitaia after the furore of the past few days.  

nb:  Mr. Mahoney refused requests to allow his medical records to be viewed with regard to this claim of suffering from Leukaemia.


The Northland Age news articlehere

 

Membership card of the RSA, New Zealand

 


 

This [above] apology was offered and we believe some people may have accepted it but Desmond William Mahoney was never in the Military in New Zealand or Australia, so we again refer you to the information on our “Info” page.   He is here on our site and here he will stay.

As of publication date, Mahoney’s offer to donate his refundable candidacy fees to a very worthy Veteran’s cause has been rejected.

If you haven’t already read our story on Brigadier Jody Castle, please scroll further down our “Cases” page for a brief insight into another KIWI wannabe who went too far with his charades. There is a lot more to come from our New Zealand compatriots on the “Brigadier”.   Come back soon for updates on him and others.

31st Aug 2010

Desmond William Mahoney –  Kaitaia New Zealand -Update

Veterans have long memories; there is not one of them who has forgotten the experience of war.  They also have long memories when in comes to those who steal their honour. 

In 2004 Desmond Mahoney of Kaitaia, New Zealand was a Mayoral candidate who claimed to have served three tours of duty in Vietnam with the New Zealand Army until it was disclosed in the local newspaper that he was a liar a cheat and a wannabe.

Desmond William Mahoney is again running for public office in the Kaitaia area. Before casting a vote constituents from that area should be well aware of this man’s history as a fraud, liar and wannabe.

Veterans do not forget and will not forgive those who steal their honour

This is published in the public interest, particularly that of the Vietnam Veteran Community. All information presented here is fact and the truth. Reports from the private citizens are supported by statement of fact and statutory declarations.

 

Seed

Surname: Seed
Christian Names: Christopher James
Country: Australia
State or Province: Unknown
City or Town: Unknown
Service: RAAF
Case Notes:

Servicenumber A120806 LAC Christopher James SEED,  DOB 25/12/1944, originally enlisted into the RAAF  on  23 February 1970 and was discharged "At Own Request" on 26 October 1973 with  the rank of Leading Aircraftsman (LAC). He subsequently re-enlisted into the RAAF on 1 December 1976 and was discharged "Medically Unfit for Further Service" on 16 December 1980 with the rank of LAC. Seed had Nil Operational Service, Nil Overseas Service and Nil Honours and Awards. His total service amounts to some  7 years and 8 months. His musterings' in his service were Engine Fitter and Engine Mechanic.

SEED came to the attention of CPMH after joining a Viet Nam Veterans Ex-Service Organisation masquerading as a Viet Nam Veteran. A number of Viet Nam Veterans' became suspicious of his stories about his so called Viet Nam service and experience. SEED is a typical example of how a wannabee can infiltrate a Veterans' organisation if proper screening of applicants does not take place. 

SEED did serve in the Military, however he has never had any overseas operational service. He is a Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) serviceperson but has no qualifying service.  His injury is related to peacetime service only and yet SEED saw fit to steal the honour and valour of Viet Nam Veterans by claiming he had done his time in Viet Nam.

His Record of Service is very basic. However, SEED saw fit to embellish this service by resorting to claims of being a Viet Nam War Veteran.  This is an example of one that has not been satisfied with his own service history but has resorted to the Wannabee Syndrome.  His service information is shown below:

Name : Christopher James SEED
DOB:25th December 1944
Rank: Leading Aircraftsman
Service NO:A120806
Enlisted:23 Feb 1970

Promotions:
1. Aircraftsman Recruit 23-02-1970
2. Aircraftsman 23-08-1970
3. Leading Aircraftsman 17-10-1972
4. Aircraftman Recruit ( Re-Enlisted) 01-12-1976
5. Leading Aircraftsman 03-02-1977

Musterings:

1. Trainee Category 2B 23-02-1970
2. Engine Mechanic 23-08-1970
3. Engine Fitter 22-07-1971
4. Trainee Category 2B 01-12-1976
5. Engine Fitter 03-02-1977

Service History

Leading Aircraftsman SEED started his career with the Royal Australian Air Force on the 23 February 1970 and served at the following units:
1. 1 Recruit Training Unit, Edinburgh
2. RAAF School of Technical Training, Wagga
3. 2 Flight Training School, Pearce
4. 82 Wing, Amberley
5. Base Squadron, Amberley

Leading Aircraftsman SEED dischargedon the 26th of October 1973, Reason "At Own Request"

Leading Aircraftsman SEED re-enlistedin the RAAF on the 1st December 1976 and served at the following units:
1. 3 Aircraft Depot, Richmond
2. 3 RAAF Hospital, Richmond
3. Base Squadron, Richmond

Leading Aircraftsman SEED dischargedon the 16th December 1980 'Medically Unfit for Further Service'

Operational Service: nil

Overseas Service: nil

Honours and Awards:nil

SEED has been caught out early by members of this ESO and therefore there are no photographs of him displaying medals or decorations. However, this does not mean that he has not made claims over preceding years or for that matter, not worn false medals or decorations. Any information relating to these issues can be directed to CPMH from this site.

Some of Seed's claims are as follows:

He claimed service from 1967 to 1980.  The additional three years from 1967 to 1970 happened to be during the Viet Nam War.

He claimed serving with SECRET organisations here in Australia referring to places such as Pine Gap. Refer to his service record and you will see this claim is false.

He claimed to have done SECRET airborne operations and missions in Viet Nam. More bogus claims.

He claimed the unit in Viet Nam was DCA but could not relate what the acronym DCA meant except to say it was a SECRET organisation that did missions in Viet Nam. No such unit served in Viet Nam.

He claimed he knew how a highly decorated Viet Nam Veteran felt when discussion was centred around that Veteran's PTSD problems. SEED's TPI pension is for back injury and not PTSD.

He drives his vehicle displaying a sticker with the Viet Nam ribbons AASM, VN and VCM shown and the words Mandurah Murray  Viet Nam Veterans Group. Vehicle identification shown below

Conclusion

SEED got caught out because he did not talk the talk or walk the walk. He got into deep water by being a wannabee and any respect he may have gained by being an injured peacetime serviceperson has now been lost on those that took him into their trust.

There is no doubt that SEED would have made other false claims if he had not been caught out early by Viet Nam Veterans.  As expressed earlier, ESO's check your membership, check each and every application and in particular check operational service claims. There are plenty of avenues open to check qualifying service. Most Nominal Rolls for the major conflicts are available.

This is published in the public interest, particularly that of the Vietnam Veteran Community. All information presented here is fact and the truth. Reports from the private citizens are supported by statement of fact and statutory declarations.

 

Redfern

Surname: Redfern
Christian Names: Brett Francis
Country: Australia
State or Province: QLD
City or Town: Cairns
Service: Army
Branch: Storeman/Medic
Case Notes:

 

Brett Francis Redfern

The siege didn’t last long and he was arrested and charged. Because of the serious nature of the charges he was arraigned before the Cairns District Court on 7 Dec 2004,presided over by Judge Peter White.

Redfern pleaded guilty. In sentencing submissions, his Defence Council alluded to the fact that Redfern suffers from PTSD as a result of his employment with the Defence Force however because of the nature of the employment it could not be spoken of.

 His Defence Council said – “Yes. And this particular man, your Honour, has seen operational conduct in a variety of countries. He’s bound – he’s not allowed to talk about it, and he had fought for his country and it is quite apparent, your Honour that he has had to do some horrific things. But your Honour he comes before this court who has suffered the scars of that”..  

 A Psychology report was tendered to the court as evidence, the Psychological report was not read to the court.

 Having heard the defence barrister and read the Psychologists report the Judge said:

“Normally offences of this nature involve a gaol term, however I am not going to send you to gaol because of the unique circumstances. I accept the background information that has been provided by Mr Goldenberg (The Psychologist) concerning you”.

 Judge White continued: “The rest of us owe gratitude to people like you as we owe to police officers who work for our protection. I suspect that police officers feel they are not wholly appreciated and probably soldiers feel the same way, but I can tell you as far as I am concerned the work you do and the work police officers do is appreciated. But that experience in the service of your country has led you to suffer severe and ongoing emotional disturbances, which you understand you have, and which before this incident you had taken steps to alleviate.

You must realise of course, that given your military training and experience the potential for you to inflict lethal harm on others was great”.

 Judge White ordered that no conviction be recorded and Redfern be put on a two year good behavior bond of $1,000.

A court reporter, for the Cairns Post was present at the trial, this was Simone Knox. After sentencing, the reporter phoned the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to confirm some information about the case. She was informed by the Crown Prosecutor's clerk that Redfern had been in the SAS. Cairns Post editors created the heading "Ordeal of SAS soldier."

“Ordeal of SAS Soldier”

“Hero’s breakdown blamed on Post-traumatic stress”
The full article is shown below

 

Redfern said about his day in court that he had never mentioned any “Special Service” activity to anybody and the reporter was at fault for sensationalising and further traumatizing a sick soldier of good character. Redfern thought he was safe about his lies because they were contained in a confidential Psychologists report that was privileged information and only read by his legal team and the Judge. For a short time Redfern successfully shifted the blame for his dilemma on to the reporter.

Experienced veterans could see through the innuendo of exceptional service given as an excuse for his crime. Investigations then revealed he never served outside of Australia and had experiencedan ordinary career as a soldier.

It took little effort to convince the Crown Prosecutor to appeal the sentence and request a review on the basis that the Judges sentence was based on incorrect evidence given to him. The Crown Prosecutor lodged a subpoena and acquired Redfern’s real Military record.

On the 9th March 2005 Redfern again fronted the Cairns District Court to answer for the lies about his military career he put forward as mitigating circumstance at his first trial.

The Judge read details of Redfern’s real Military Record to the Court saying that he was initially a Storeman and then a Medic (Nurse) and had never set foot outside of Australia.The Judge then read excerpts from the Psychologists report submitted to him as evidence at the first trial;

The Judge said Mr Goldenberg reported about Redfern as follows:

Report by Sheldon Goldenberg, Psychologist

“He enrolled in the Australian Army in 1983 and remained in the service until he was retrenched 14 years later. Mr Redfern reported that although he does not like to talk about his achievements, he was a decorated sergeant and corporal in the military and at times was responsible for hundreds of soldiers during conflicts overseas.

He was trained in special forces and was involved in intelligence and reconnaissance activities.  He achieved high ranks and promotions on a steady basis and was a highly skilled and trained special service soldier, which Mr Redfern explains taught him to react instantly and effectively in certain circumstances including sieges.

Mr Redfern provided numerous examples of his accomplishments and achievements in the military, but was aware that he was also exposed to extreme levels of violence and terror during his career, though at the time he was unable to manage the memories, visions, flashbacks and feelings that would flood into his mind as he attempted to continue his career.

He left the military and attempted to reintegrate into a civilian lifestyle but found this extremely difficult and frustrating as he continued to be plagued with his demons from the military experiences.

Mr Redfern was trained to commence a lethal response to danger and this is what he was programmed to achieve on a daily basis without exception in the most extreme and nightmarish conditions”

The Judge further stated that Redfern’s Barrister said at the first trial:

“And this particular man, your Honour, has – he has seen operational conduct in a variety of countries.  He’s bound, he’s not allowed to talk about it, and he had fought for his country and it is quite apparent, your Honour, that he has had to do some horrific things.”

Redfern’s Barrister told the Judge “Your honour no one likes being duped.  I don’t, nor does your honour obviously” In reference to the Psychologists report Redfern’s Barrister further said  “Your Honour what was put in front of you was done in good faith”

Judge White further commented as follows;

“The prisoner did all the right things following the commission of the offence but one.  He was very remorseful when spoken to by police. He pleaded guilty at an early stage. His expression of remorse were repeated on the sentence hearing.  It is accepted that he had been suffering from significant emotional disturbance.  He sought counselling for his problems.  The one thing he did wrong was to fabricate a military history to Mr Goldenberg, the psychologist who prepared a report for the sentencing proceeding. He similarly fabricated a military history to Mr McCreanor, his counsel, who spoke of that military history to me in good faith, and I believed it”.

The Judge set aside the previous penalty and re-sentenced Redfern to 120 hours community service and ordered that a conviction be recorded.

Redfern lied to his Barrister,to his Psychologist to the Judge to his friends and he almost succeeded in blaming a reporter for his situation.  After exposure of all the facts it is obvious that Redfern is a devious fraud and a liar.

Redfern was caught out by the fact that a Cairns reporter – Simone Knox was in court when his case was heard. Although she was incorrectly informed Redfern was in the SAS, the substance to her story was accurate.Had she not reported the story it would have slipped by as Redfern had planned.

Below is the follow-up news report from the Cairns Weekend Post of 12 March 2005.

Redfern would most likely have received reasonable treatment from the court had he disclosed his real military record, as it shows he was an exemplary soldier. He chose to go way over the top and claim international heroic deeds of a clandestine nature. He had no idea that he would be caught out.  The question is, if he is prepared to lie to a District Court Judge about his military career how many times and where else has he lied about it?

Below is a similar case from the US.  The difference between this case and Redferns???  Well look at the last paragraph below and see just how well genuine Veterans are supported in the US. We cant get our government or law enforcers to even arrest our frauds let alone fine or gaol them.  Just what is wrong with our judicial system when it comes to protecting the Honour and Service of Australian Veterans.  There are literally hundreds of bogus veterans across Australia, our fines have been slightly increased but obviously the maximum amount they can be fined still isn't enough to cover the morning tea for the magistrate and lawyers and while the DPP continues to consider that charging these people "Is not in the public interest" we are never going to see these people charged and removed from our ranks.

Americanman charged for lying about service record

Rockport resident Andrew Isbell has been arrested and charged with aggravated perjury in connection with the presentation of testimony during his drug possession trial in August.

Isbell was found not guilty of those charges after a two-day trial during which an Aransas County deputy testified on his behalf.

 Assistant District Attorney Michael Hess explained during that trial, someone in the courtroom contacted an army recruiter about Isbell and the Army uniform he was wearing in the courtroom.  Army recruiters attended the trial and the information was brought to the attention of prosecutors who then checked into Isbell's record.

Hess explained anyone who presents false testimony under oath is charged with perjury. Aggravated perjury is when anyone who is testifying in an official proceeding provides false information which is material to that proceeding. Under oath in his trial, Isbell reportedly testified regarding his military record and about his duties on patrol in Baghdad. He also said he earned two Bronze Stars, as well as a Purple Heart when he sustained a gunshot wound in the shoulder. He claimed to be on leave from the service because of the injury.

 A check into his military records, however, revealed Isbell worked in the food service department as a cook and never served in combat. There is no record of awards or medals or verification he was injured.

According to information from the Aransas County Sheriff's Office, Isbell reportedly made a statement to Texas Ranger Oscar Rivera admitting his false testimony.

An arrest warrant for Isbell on the charge of aggravated perjury was subsequently issued Oct. 15 and he was arrested last week.  He posted a $50,000 bondand was released from the Aransas County Jail.  Aggravated perjury charge penalties include a prison sentence of two to 10 years and up to a $10,000 fine.

This is published in the public interest, particularly that of the Vietnam Veteran Community. All information presented here is fact and the truth. Reports from the private citizens are supported by statement of fact and statutory declarations.

 

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