ANZMI Cases

Stolen Valour

Surname: Doran

Christian Names: Kenneth James

Country: Australia

State or Province: NSW

City or Town: Gulgong

Service: Army

Case Notes:

Kenneth James Doran is the Public Officer for an organization called Veterans Villages Incorporated operating in the Taree, Forster/Tuncurry area. See the fair trading document below.

aka Ken Doran, David Doran & Rodney Doran.

Mr. Doran has made claims of war service in Viet Nam, of being an Army Officer, of being currently on leave of absence from the Department of Foreign Affairs and having a contract with the Government. He and his two associates were sent from our Nations Capital to expose wannabes in the Taree area of NSW. One of these cohorts claims to have saved Doran’s life in Viet Nam. The basic fact is that Mr. K. J. Doran served in the Army for 11 months before being discharged on Psychiatric grounds. No overseas service. No discharge as a Major.

Doran also acted as a Pensions/Welfare Officer with the Viet Nam Veterans Federation Great Lakes sub-Branch in Forster. He is currently operating within the Taree Vietnam Veterans Group.

It was at a meeting in Taree, convened by Doran on the 26^th July 2001 of ex-service organizations that included representatives of the TPI Association, Taree RSL, Taree Legacy, War Widows Guild, Veterans Partners Support Group, Great Lakes VVF sub-Branch and Veterans Villages Inc. that Doran was first challenged over his service details.

It was noted that Doran was wearing a Returned from Active Service Badge on the left lapel of his coat. When questioned on his service Doran claimed to be a National Serviceman and that he had served with 1RAR in 1965 and then again with 3RAR in 1969. Prior checks of the Viet Nam Veterans Nominal Roll failed to reveal any person by the name of Ken Doran ever serving in Viet Nam. Once again Doran was challenged on his name at which time he stated his real name was David Doran, he had changed his name for reasons he was not prepared to divulge at the meeting. A legitimate Veteran who had previously questioned Doran’s bona fides was drummed out of a Veteran’s organisation. See the letter below.

The wearing of the Returned From Active Service badge [RASB], when not entitled, is a Federal offence.

It has been reported that the number on the RASB that he wears is A473738. A check of this number through archival records is yet to be conducted to see who this badge was issued to

He has also claimed to be Rodney James Doran.

R.J. Doran did serve with the Australian Army Assistance Group, Viet Nam in 1972. He was born in 1952 and is much younger than the Doran in question.

A check of archived Defence Department records at the Australian National Archives, revealed Kenneth James Doran served with the Australian Regular Army from September 1964 to August 1965 (11 months) in that period of time he served with the Royal Australian Infantry and Royal Australian Army Medical Corps.

Kenneth James Dorandid not serve overseas or on active service and received no Medals or awards so he could not have been a National Service Lieutenant who served with 1 RAR in Viet Nam, 1965. In fact, 1RAR’s first tour was the only tour that was comprised of Regular soldiers only. No National Servicemen.

Doran tells many different stories about his service details and pulls the “I’m still covered under the Official Secrets Act” bit as the guise for not producing any documentation of his service. This is also indicated in the letter displayed above and it would appear that Doran used this to ‘pull the wool’ over the eyes of the executive of the VVA. Great Lakes Doran, if not already aware, will be after seeing himself here, that all Viet Nam Veterans records are now available to the general public and the said 30 year secrecy act for Viet Nam is over.

As occurs many times in this kind of situation, the President of the Veterans Association, which Doran is a member of, strongly defends Doran’s claimed status. Veteran Organisations who insist in covering for bogus Veterans will also be named on this site as it would appear that such organisations are not doing proper service checks prior to accepting members.

Doran has admitted in an interview with a reporter from the Sydney Daily Telegraph that he had never served in Viet Nam.

Doran has now parted company with the Forster group and has established a group in Taree, doing the same thing and making the same false claims of veteran status. Some in Forster still send veterans to Doran for assistance.

1….Doran claims to be in possession of a DVA White (specific treatment) Card. CPMH is well aware that Doran has no entitlement to DVA authorised Veterans medical treatment.

2….The previous President of the V.V.A.Taree Sub-Branch organised support to remove Doran from the Association premises. This was done in the interests of the members and the Ex-Service Community at large.

At an extraordinary meeting held on Tuesday 9^th September, this President of six months was voted out by Doran supporters. A non-Veteran, Trevor Brauer, was re-installed as President. Doran was applauded as he entered the room after hiding out in the car park.

One comment made at the meeting by a Doran supporterwas “ I don’t care what the constitution says, we’ll run it our way” The Association Secretary resigned on the spot. He was immediately replaced by a Doran supporter.

This meeting was so stressful for many of those in attendance that some left and those remaining needed a 30 minute break to restore their composure.

Attention was paid to the immediate changing of bank account signatories.

3….The Taree V.V.A. Sub-Branch is back in Doran’s hands with his wife installed as the advocate for AAT and VRB matters.

4…. Another meeting will be held by the Sub-Branch on the 12^th of October 2003 to consider its future with one item on the agenda being to move away from the Granville V.V.A.and form another group to possibly be incorporated.

WHYis this information here on this site ??? It’s here to demonstrate just what can happen to decent, honest, Ex-Service people who have done their level best to provide a friendly atmosphere and quality, free, advocacy to genuine Veterans. Those previous members who may have been in a fragile state at the time are probably a lot worse off now. What do they do and where do they go now that their sense of belonging to a once highly regarded organisation has been removed? Removed by a bludging wannabe and his bludging wannabe cohorts who demand money for providing useless advocacy.

14 Sep 06

We have seen in the past, that when a wannabe gets into a position of power in an ex services organisation, he invites others of similar ilk, they have no innate respect for real Veterans and operate the ex service organization in a manner to suit their personal needs, they also take on roles of "assisting" genuine Veterans with claims for benefits and in general welfare situations, the wannabes are naturally dishonest and steer their whole operation towards dishonest practices to the detriment of the innocent Veterans seeking help.

There is a group of such people involved in an independent veteran's operation in Taree in NSW. It is the Taree Vietnam Veterans Association. Mr James Meehan is the President, Mr Graham Stenner the Public Officer, and lurking in the back ground pulling the strings of his puppets is Mr Ken Doran. This crew is then fortified by the likes of "Captain" Russell Lee Jones.

DORAN MEEHAN STENNER JONES

In the past we have named Kenneth James Doran of Taree to be a liar, a scoundrel and a wannabe. Doran exhibits the guile of a sociopath and he has a group of easily lead sycophants who have obviously been mesmerised by this con-man.

In our original report we advised that Doran had worn a Returned from Active Service Badge (RASB) that he claimed to be his own. We all know that he has no entitlement to a RASB because he has never been involved in any overseas military operations – ever. The badge he wore was numbered A473738. The badge owner has come forward and given us a Statutory Declaration regarding this transaction. He states inter alia

In 2001, Ken Doran, of Vietnam Veterans Taree, was acting as my advocate with DVA. He asked me to loan my RAS Badge to XXX XXXXXX, an ex National Serviceman, so that he had a badge to wear at a march.

I had to press Doran for the return of the badge.

"I have recently read an article about Doran being a Vietnam Veteran impostor. Apparently, when Doran was challenged. In July 2001, about his bona fides he was wearing a RAS Badge and quoted the number A473738. That badge was mine"

Doran is known to have worn this badge and said that it was his own. The wearing of the RASB, when not entitled, is a Federal offenceagainst Sect 80B of the Defence Act 1903

You are reminded of the following.....

Kenneth James Doran served with the Australian Regular Army from September 1964 to August 1965 (11 months) in that period of time he served with the Royal Australian Infantry and Royal Australian Army Medical Corps before being discharged on Psychiatric grounds. He was never in Vietnam and was never an Infantry Officer.

An illustration of the extent of Doran's deceit is in an aspect that was not revealed in the original story. You should recall that Doran told a newspaper that he was not a Vietnam Veteran.

Doran claims in the article to have made only one "off the cuff" remark about being a veteran. He is a liar, he has made many claims about being a veteran as well as wearing a Returned from Active Service Badge and showing people a newspaper clipping about his "Vietnam service"

Prior to saying he was not a Vietnam Veteran, Doran had shown this to numerous people that "proved" his involvement in "secret operations" in Vietnam. It illustrates the strength of his criminal intent to fraudulently portray himself as a Vietnam Veteran.

Remember we noted some of Doran's aliases on our Cases page...."aka Ken Doran, David Doran & Rodney Doran" and this from his original exposure at the top of this page.... "Once again Doran was challenged on his name at which time he stated his real name was David Doran, he had changed his name for reasons he was not prepared to divulge at the meeting"

The clipping is a simpleton's photocopy fake. Newspapers do not use "True Type" font. There are no paragraph indentations, the grammar is poor and "immediately" is wrongly spelt.

More importantly the clipping maliciously and wrongly indicates disgraceful behaviour by an Australian unit, easily identified as 1 RAR who worked with the US 173rd Airborne Brigade during 1965 - 66.

It purports to be a report of his Courts Martial in Canberra, although the quality is poor we show it here to illustrate that although Doran has said he has never claimed to be a Vietnam Veteran, the planning and production of this document was executed with only one intention, and that was to prove he was a Vietnam Veteran and an Infantry Officer who was in the thick of clandestine operations. The newspaper states that at a courts martial in Canberra he was exonerated in relation to six charges of unlawful execution of six Viet Cong prisoners in Vietnam.

The fact that Doran dressed in the uniform of an Infantry Lieutenant for the photo is indicative of the extent of his careful planning for the purpose of deceiving people. It is also indicative that he has in his possession for whatever purpose an Infantry Officers military uniform.

We now name James Sidney Meehan, President of the Taree Vietnam Veterans Association, as a liar, a fraud, and a generally dishonest person.

Meehan was in the Royal Australian Navy and visited Vietnam in 1969 for just a few hours and during this time he never set foot on land at all. Meehan is one of those people who submit outrageously exaggerated claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) in the hope of pension payments and other benefits, not only did this poor excuse for a man submit dishonest claims but he had the audacity to appeal decisions made by DVA and subsequent judicial bodies. Finally, at the end of the line, The Administrative Appeals Tribunal cleared up a few "errors" in his evidence. It just so happens that all of the "errors" formed the very basis of his quest for compensation and a pension:

If you look here http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/aat/2003/429.html (according to other information, his names are James Sydney, not Sydney James) You will see that evidence showed:

"That, when the whole of the material is considered, it is clear that Mr Meehan's memory is very seriously flawed, multiple examples were offered.

(a) He wrongly thought he was in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. His first visit was in fact 12 months after the Tet Offensive.

(b) He thought he had been to Vietnam five times whereas he went only twice.

(c) He thought he was in Vietnam for five months whereas he was in Vung Tau Harbour on two occasions for only 5 ½ hours on each occasion

(d) He thought he had seen people being killed and injured whereas he had seen no such thing

(e) He incorrectly thought he had transported body bags

(f) He thought he was part of a group of three clearance divers who checked the hull of the HMAS Sydney below the water line whereas he performed no such function

(g) He thought he had been a sentry in the bow of a landing craft in Vung Tau Harbour at night whereas his ship had been in Vung Tau Harbour only in daylight - the ship was in Vung Tau Harbour from 7.00 am to 12.25 pm on one trip and from 6.55 am to 12.25 pm on the second trip).

(h) He thought he heard scare charges in Vung Tau Harbour at night while in his bunk when in fact he was never in Vung Tau Harbour at night.

It's nice to know that costs were awarded against Meehan and rightly so. Let us say what the tribunal didn't say – James Sydney Meehan is a liar and his other qualification is that he is one of Doran's disciples. Nefarious, dishonest people like Meehan clog up the DVA system and cause genuine needy veterans to wait in line behind these liars and cheats.

Graham Stenner, the Public Officer of the Taree Vietnam Veterans Association, is a liar and a close associate of Doran.

Stenner has publicly stated that he had two NSW ex-detectives investigate Doran's bona fides and they reported back to him that Doran was a genuine veteran....An obvious lie.

Stenner's allegedly phoney war stories are in a league of their own too. He saved Doran's life in Vietnam?...... Maybe not.

President of the Taree Vietnam Veterans Association 2003 - 2004 and another member of this "push" is "Captain Russell Lee Jones (MN)" another proven liar, who is featured on our Cases page immediately above this entry.

We believe that the group of liars is more than a quartet and more likely to be a sextet or a whole orchestra. This is because liars and cheats are drawn to one another as is the case with Doran, Meehan, Stenner and Jones of the Taree Vietnam Veteran's Association.

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 private citizens are supported by statements of fact and statutory declarations.

Surname: Watson

Christian Names: Paul

Country: Australia

State or Province: QLD

City or Town: Mackay

Service: Citizen Military Forces

Case Notes:

WATSON Paul
	Paul Watson is an enigma. He is not the dribbling drunk at the end of the bar trying to impress with outrageous stories of war time exploits. He is a sales representative for Detroit Diesel. He is the Secretary of the North Mackay Bowls Club. He is described as a very private person who does not tell war stories of boast of daring exploits as depicts many wannabes. He is also a liar who is in a position of trust.
On previous years he had marched on ANZAC Day with other veterans but minus the ribbons and medals. Yet on ANZAC Day 2006 he went to the RSL wearing the Vietnam Medal Ribbon, the Vietnam Campaign Medal Ribbon and what was believed to be the Australian Active Service Medal Ribbon but no medals. He stood out because of the soiled and bedraggled condition the ribbons were in. He was asked by other veterans where his medals were and said initially that he had lost them but subsequently changed his story and said that his former wife had his medals. Veterans who saw Watson were suspicious, mainly because this was the first time he had worn ribbons even though he had previously marched with veterans on ANZAC Day. Veterans were so suspicious two of them went to see him at his home in Hocken Street, North Mackay and questioned his right to wear service decorations. He was asked to clarify his service. Paul Watson told these veterans that he was a member of 17 Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment (17RNSWR), Citizen's Military Forces, and had trained at the Jungle Warfare Training Centre at Canungra (J.T.C) prior to service in Vietnam. He said that he had been sent to Vietnam on three occasions, six days at a time, where he had been attached to 3 RAR trialling special weapons in the Mekong Delta. He said that he was entitled to wear the Vietnam medal. When asked why he was wearing the other ribbons he refused to answer. Obviously he had no answer. ANZMI has perused this mans record of service. From this it was ascertained that he is nothing more than a wannabe, a very poor CMF NCO and a liar. He did serve with 17 RNSWR, service number 2183836. He commenced his CMF service on 5 May 1965, was promoted to Corporal on 10 September 1966, promoted to temporary Sergeant on 1 May 1967, re-enlisted for two years on 5 May 1967 and was discharged at his own request on 23 May 1968. Would this be a person who would be sent on specialist duties to South Vietnam? His attempts as an instructor would indicate not. He instructed on the CMF Division Recruits Course 5/67. In the subsequent report on CMF instructors WO's and NCO's in November 1967 he was described as being below average in most areas and only average in others. His platoon Commander comments, *"Has not put sufficient effort into task, somewhat lazy, lacks control of squads, poor bearing".* Company Commander comments, *"Appears to need a lot more experience to be capable of holding this rank, possibly too rapid promotion".* Senior Instructor's comments, *"This NCO was disappointing and not up to the high standards of most 17 RNSWR NCOs'* Watson was also advised in writing that he must improve or discharge could follow and as we now know, it did soon after. This man is one poor excuse for a CMF NCO. Anyone who has ever served with the 17 RNSWR would not be proud that he was once one of their ranks. Vietnam Veterans should be disgusted that this sorry fellow has stolen their honour. Paul Watson's record of service shows that he has never served overseas so why would he say that he had? Why would he be stupid enough to tell ex 3 RAR veterans that he had served with 3 RAR in the Delta? We don't know the answer to those questions and would be pleased if anyone could enlighten us. We wonder if he has anything else to hide as it would appear that when ever someone tries to take his photograph he appears to move away so it can't be taken. One thing we do know however, Paul Watson spent a few short years with a CMF unit during a period when many young Australian men were fighting an enemy in another land. In his CMF role he never did much and never went anywhere and, as indicated by his record of service, was not very good as an NCO in fact he was not even mediocre, he was below average. This man has worn service decorations he is not entitled to and claimed to be a veteran of the Vietnam conflict. He has dishonoured real veterans at their day of remembrance, ANZAC Day. He has also committed serious offences against the Defence Act 1903, namely section 80A, Falsely representing to be a returned servicemen and section 80B, Improper Use of Service Decorations. Each one of these offences carries a penalty of a fine of $3300.00 and/or 6 months imprisonment. ANZMI wrote to Paul Watson giving him the opportunity to provide us with evidence of his service in Vietnam. We have not received an answer however, an unsigned letter purporting to have been written by Paul Watson was left in the letter box of one of the 3RAR veterans who confronted him on Anzac Day. This letter was subsequently obtained by ANZMI and it indicates, though the truth of this has not been verified, that Watson was wearing the ribbons of an alleged friend who was killed in action in Vietnam. The deceased person has immediate relatives who can wear the ribbons on Anzac day and for this reason we will not publish the letter without obtaining express permission from the family so as not to re-kindle bad memories for them. Paul Watson, you have no right to wear service decorations nor have you the right to claim warlike service. 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 private citizens are supported by statements of fact and statutory declarations.

Surname: Pidgeon

Christian Names: Stuart

Country: Australia

State or Province: Victoria

City or Town: Lakes Entrance

Service: RAN

Case Notes:

Stuart Pidgeon is an employee of the Lakes Entrance RSL located in country Victoria. His application to join the RSL shows service in the Royal Australian Navy from 17 Oct 78 to 13 Oct 86

On ANZAC Day 2006 at the Lakes Entrance R & SL PIDGEON was seen wearing the submariners badge of the diving dolphins and two non-issue medals (see photo). To the uneducated civilian, he appeared to belong to that elite hand-picked special breed of the submarine service, these personnel are on a par with Army Special Forces because of the nature of their duties. Sure PIDGEON served with the Australian Navy, but not as a "FishHead" - he was just your everyday sailor who should be satisfied with his eight years service.

ANZMI holds documents from Navy Records in Canberra and a Statutory Declaration giving evidence PIDGEON stated he was undergoing submarine training in England which was cut short when the "Falklands issue" arose. Other records indicate he was posted to HMAS Platypus for a short period but never undertook any submarine training.

Throughout this entire website there is mention of offences against the "Defence Act" and the increased penalties introduced to combat the fraudulent wearing of medals and service issued accoutrements - here we see a paid employee of the RSL blatantly thumbing his nose at the most senior ex-services establishment. When will this organization act in the appropriate manner to exhibit authority? It is worth mentioning that this matter was reported to ANZAC House in Melbourne some time ago - their inaction has put the flames under our fervour to "out" this flagrant wannabe, and expose the mandarins in power as the toothless tigers they really are.

Surname: Hale

Christian Names: Robin Hale

Country: Australia

State or Province: Victoria

City or Town: Unknown

Service: Citizen Military Forces

Case Notes:

Robin Alan Hale, born St Albans Hertfordshire United Kingdom 2 February 1946

It's not often we have such a powerful photo to comprehensively exhibit a wannabe. Here is Robin Alan Hale of Melbourne, aka Count Robin Graf Von Halle in all his glory. An ex member of The Legion of Frontiersmen. Hale is a true wannabe, he never went anywhere and never experienced operational service., however, if you look at this geek with all of his paraphernalia in place you would think he was a "hot shot" General who has done it all.

Considering his list of occupations, we decided to keep it simple and provide irrefutable evidence that he wears defence medals that he is not entitled to. We have no concern about what the Legion of Frontiersmen wear to their meetings as long as they do not fraudulently wear Australian or other nation's defence medals. We know the current executive of The Legion of Frontiersmen Australian Division require that their members comply with Honours and Awards protocol. Some anecdotes relating to his Frontiersman's activities have been included along with irrefutable facts.

What Robin says - Policeman in Sarawak - 1960s

At age 19 years Robin was a "policeman" in the British Sarawak Police Force, where he was Mentioned in Despatches MID for his police work during Confrontation with Indonesia. If you look really hard, you can see his General Service Medal complete with Oak Leaf (second medal from the left) for this campaign, alongside that medal, on the right, he wears another for his service in Sarawak, we believe this is the Pingat Khidmet Berbakti (PKB) that was issued to British Commonwealth personnel who were seconded to Malaysian forces.

What is the truth - Police Service in British Sarawak 1960s

Hale's claim of serving as a nineteen year old policeman in Sarawak during the years of Confrontation with Indonesia, and his award of the imperial General Service Medal (GSM) with a Mentioned in Dispatches Oak Leaf ( MID), in addition to the Pingat Khidmet Berbakti is just plain fraud. Hale is an imposter, a fraud and a liar, he was not in Malaysia or anywhere else overseas in the mid 1960s. Hale has been accepted as a member of the Victorian Branch of the Malaya Borneo Veterans Association Australia, (MBVAA) another instance of an Ex Services Organisation bereft of due diligence when vetting applications for membership. Hale was able to use his membership to this association as further false evidence that he is a "genuine veteran". On the 3rd march 1964 aged eighteen years and one month Hale enlisted in the Australian Citizens Military Forces, at 33 Company, Royal Australian Army Service Corps (RAASC) in Melbourne. At the time of enlistment he wrote on a Personal Data Sheet that he was in the third year of a four year hairdressers apprenticeship, therefore, we know what he was doing from 1961 to his enlistment date. Following his enlistment in March 1964, all of his time is accounted for well beyond the time frame when he could have been awarded a GSM for service in Sarawak. He was never there. Below is a crop from his Personal Data Sheet completed in 1964, and a sheet from his record of service that accounts for his time from 1964 until 1968.

What Robin Hale says - Served in South Vietnam

Hale claims to have served in South Vietnam as an Army Reserve Officer selected for a short term tour in South Vietnam.

What is the truth about Hale's Service in South Vietnam

Army Reserve Officers involved in short term trips to South Vietnam subsequently became eligible for the Vietnam Logistics and Support Medal (VLSM), but (completely out of character) Hale claimed he did not apply for the medal because he had too many bad memories about his time in South Vietnam . In addition the cad claims to have fathered a daughter whilst in country, but had lost contact with her since the communists took control. In relating this story Hale has been seen shedding tears of sorrow. What a lot of codswallop, this blokes deceit has no boundaries. He never set foot in South Vietnam during that war, any conception that took place would have been truly immaculate.

What Robin says - Freedom fighter in Afghanistan - 1979

In 1979 Robin Hale "slipped" off to Afghanistan on a covert mission to work with the Mujahideen freedom fighters and joined in their war against the Soviet Union. Hale parachuted into the province of Badakhshan on a clandestine intelligence gathering mission and earned the title of Sadar of Badakhshan. (Sadar is a Hindu word that means Chief, therefore we have "Chief of Badakhshan") For this service Hale was given an honorary commission in the Afghanistan Army and awarded an important Afghanistan medal supposedly called "The Crown of Ammanullah". The medal is the one with the dark ribbon, (it is actually a deep emerald colour) first in line on his left hand side next to the Malaysian GSM. Hale and some of his friends have a photograph of himself and a co-conspirator, bearded, wearing rugged knee boots, heavy sweaters and beanies, Hale claims it was taken during his "mission" into Afghanistan.

What is the truth about his military service with the Mujahideen in Afghanistan in the 1979

The citation and the commission were coordinated by a UK Frontiersman known as (don't ask why) the late "His Serene Highness Prince Jamie Craik of Assington" who at the time was secretary to His Royal Highness the King of Jordan whilst HRH was in the UK. HRH the King of Jordan is the nephew of the old King of Afghanistan - Zahir Shah. The "covert raid" is no more than a despicable conspiracy hatched up and facilitated by the late "His Serene Highness Prince Jamie Craik of Assington" , Hale and others to raise themselves to hero status and to be able to fraudulently wear another medal. The old King of Afghanistan - Zahir Shah was living in Browns Hotel in London at the time. Craik was working for the old kings nephew, HRH the King of Jordan and was able to get his hands on all kinds of blank documents The fake commission is known to have been signed with the name "Hussein", but people who have seen it believe it is a forgery signed by Hale himself - don't know what they do to people in Jordan who forge the Kings signature - you probably would lose an appendage or two. Hale, a medal dealer, designed, commissioned and borrowed the money to manufacture the "The Crown of Ammanullah" for himself and others. Some other Australians who also received "The Crown of Ammanullah" for make believe service in Afghanistan, chose not to wear it.

Hale was never in Afghanistan during 1979 the photo of himself and another supposedly taken in Afghanistan whilst on the "mission" was taken in a co-conspirators back yard in the leafy suburb of Eltham in Melbourne.

We have an interesting explanation of how genuine Afghanistan awards were made during this time from an international expert on Afghanistan affairs.

It is known that the exiled Zahir Shah instituted and widely awarded a couple of decorations while he was enjoying his exile in London and Rome during the republic and socialist period. These were -- as this example suggests -- not "normal" Afghan awards and were entirely newly invented "dynasty-in-exile" awards (and he may still be awarding them even after his return to Afghanistan). While they were usually awarded for financial contributions that were nominally in support of the résistance, it has never been proved that the funds ever reached them How one views these unofficial "dynastic" awards that one could earn simply if their cheque didn't bounce may raise touchy issues with some.

It seems that whilst the old king was selling his medals, so was his nephew's secretary the late "His Serene Highness Jamie Craik of Assington".

What Robin says - Awarded a Reserve Forces Decoration (RFD)

Robin wears a Reserve Forces Decoration, awarded to him for fifteen years of efficient service as an officer in the part time ranks of the Australian Army Reserve. This medal allows the use of the post nominal, "RFD".

What is the truth about the Reserve Forces Decoration (RFD) and Sword of Honour

Hale joined the CMF in March 1964. He attended an officer qualifying course from 4 February 1969 until Dec 1970, when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. To be eligible for the Reserve Forces Decoration he would have to serve efficiently, until at least the 4 February 1990. We believe Hale resigned his commission well before February 1990 and has no entitlement to the RFD. In relation to the officer qualifying course attended by Hale in 1969/1970, he claims to have won the Sword of Honour for achieving first place on the course. Dream on Robin.

What Robin says - Queen Elizabeth 2nd Coronation Medal

In 1953, Robin, a seven year old Cub Scout was selected as a car door opener for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth during her coronation ceremonies. For this service Hale was awarded a coronation medal which he has proudly worn on his Army Reserve Officers uniform.

What is the truth about the Coronation Medal

In March 1980 Hale is reported as wearing the Coronation Medal together with his only legitimate medal, the Australian National Medal and the fake Afghanistan medal.(He may also have a claim to the recently issued Australian Defence Medal (ADM)). At this point in time we will leave you to decide whether HRH really gave Robin Hale this medal or is it just another example of Hale's deceit. In due course we will receive official word from the UK National Archives, and then update this entry.

What Robin says - A Count, a General, a Knight

Robin Hale wears the military rank of General. When in his regalia he also wears lots of medals, badges and baubles to show that he is a Knight Templar. For Robin Hale playing a Knight and General is chicken feed, because he hails from German aristocratic stock, on occasion he becomes Robin Von Graf Halle (which means Robin Prince Count Halle). People have suggested that he is well described when called a Count, and we agree. Despite his claimed aristocratic German lineage he was born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom on the 2 Feb 1946. We bet his family were not broadcasting their so called German lineage in the United Kingdom at that time in History.

Another of Hale's Mates - "Bonny Prince Michael"

Mick Lafosse born in Belgium and living in Scotland decided he was heir to the Royal Stuart family of Scotland and became "HRH Prince Michael of Albany" he was also a good mate of Robin Hale. Lafosse created lots of royal baubles like Lorraine and Templar crosses and Knights things - for sale of course - and we are reliably advised that Hale got some of his badges and dangling things from the "Bonny Prince". Where is the prince now? He was thoroughly discredited as a fraud, the last we heard was that in 2004 he was running as an independent in an election in the Czech Republic - and still claiming to be a royal prince.

There are none lower than Robin Alan Hale. He was an Australian Army Commissioned Officer, a position that commands respect from Australian soldiers and the community in general. By wearing fake medals Hale has brought disgrace upon himself and lowers the traditional high standards practised by Australian Army Reserve Officers.

Hale is a worthless bag of wind, so full of lies and deceit that he probably believes his own rhetoric. He steals the honour of genuine veterans whilst flouncing around in a clown suit wearing high rank, covered in baubles, badges, and medals to which he is not entitled . We are also reliably advised that this cretin even wears counterfeit Legion of Frontiersmen medals. We are confident that the Australian Division of Frontiersmen will be equally disgusted at the disclosure of the antics of this ex Frontiersman, they, like us, do not tolerate members fraudulently pretending to be Australian veterans with honourable operational service.

Hale steals the honour of genuine veterans.

Hale has committed serious offences against the Defence Act 1903, namely section 80A, Falsely representing to be a returned servicemen and section 80B, Improper Use of Service Decorations. Each one of these offences carries a penalty of a fine of $3300.00 and/or 6 months imprisonment.

This legislation is a toothless tiger that was set up by politicians to influence the veteran vote. Politicians, the Department of Public Prosecutions, the Federal Police and State Police will not pursue offenders under this legislation - Veterans are disgusted with this inaction and demand prosecution of offenders without fear or favour.

This failed Army Reserve officer has offended veterans everywhere. He is a disgrace to his peers, he should be marked as being not welcome in every ex service establishment in the British Commonwealth. We are reliably advised the Victorian Branch of the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association Australia (NMBVAA) have sent Hale on his way.

Ex service organisations who through lack of care allow wannabes into their organisations legitimise imposters by giving credence to their lies. It has been shown over and over again that when wannabes get into ex service organisation they bring in their mates and jeopardise the integrity of the veteran community.

Surname: Stupar

Christian Names: Frank John

Country: Australia

State or Province: Victoria

City or Town: Phillip Island

Service: RAN

Case Notes:

Frank John STUPAR was born at Trieste, Italy, on 4 April 1940.
He enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy on 28 April 1958, was given service number R54305, and trained at HMAS Cerberus. His service included postings on several Destroyers, a Frigate and a Mine Sweeper He carried out active service in Malaya/Borneo on two occasions but never in Vietnam or it's waters.

He was discharged from the service at HMAS Harman, Canberra, on 27 April 1967 after nine years service. At the time of his discharge, Stupar held the rank of Able Seaman and from his service, was eligible for the following medals:

Naval General Service Medal 1915 - 1962;    Eligibility not clearly established.
General Service Medal 1962;  and, in 1997 became eligible for the Australian Active Service Medal (1945-75) for his Malayan Peninsular/Borneo service and the Australian Defence Medal, in 2006.

On the eve of Anzac Day 2006, Stupar attended a semi formal dinner with a number of RAN Veterans and introduced himself as an "ex-RAN Vietnam Veteran". No medals were worn at the dinner by any of the attendees.

During the course of the evening, Stupar regaled those present with a number of stories that were so outrageous, they were unbelievable. Stupar must be a real dill to think he could pull the wool over the eyes of some of these crusty old salts whose service entitled most of them to be classified as 'lifers'.

He stated that he was on a patrol boat that sailed up the Mekong Delta and emphasised that it was a secret mission that had never been disclosed. ("Top Secret" is a common wannabe phrase that is used to circumvent any questions about their fantasy stories.)

He also stated that he was a survivor of the HMAS VOYAGER tragedy, when the Voyager was cut in half and sunk by the HMAS Melbourne off Jervis Bay during exercises on 10 February 1964, with the tragic loss of 82 lives. Sure Frank - nobody would think to check. Especially when, by spouting his big-noting fantasies this wannabe steals the honour of those who perished and denigrates the many survivors who have battled since 1964 to come to terms with the tragedy. The survivors suffered the trauma of the accident, their rescue at night and the further trauma of having to endure two Royal Commissions which failed to make any findings that would enable them to get on with their lives and careers.

Stupar's stories were so far fetched that after the dinner, several of the group checked the Vietnam Veterans Nominal Roll and the Ships Crew list of HMAS VOYAGER at the time of the collision in 1964. Stupar did not appear on either list.

On Anzac Day at Yarrawonga, which is situated west of Albury on the Murray River, there are two marches. The first is at Mulwala on the north bank of the river, the second is at Yarrawonga on the south bank of the river.

Stupar marched in the first march at Mulwala and was photographed by a reporter from the local paper, the Yarrawonga Chronicle. He is second from the left in the photograph, wearing a substantial rack of medals, sticking out his chest with pride, or is it arrogance, after having told the reporter that he was a Petty Officer. He was discharged an Able Seaman.

Stupar is shown wearing the following medals:

General Service Medal 1962......................qualified by 2nd tour of duty Borneo/Malay Peninsular

Australian Service Medal 1945-75...............no qualification - Stupar served 29 days during his 1st trip to Malaysian waters. This medal requires 30 days service.

Naval General Service Medal.....................No qualification - requires 180 days service, not 29

Australian Active Service Medal................ qualified - awarded GSM 1962.

Vietnam Medal............................................no qualification

Vietnam Campaign Medal...........................no qualification

Luckily for him, Stupar had shot through before his dinner companions marched in the second march at Yarrawonga. After his lies of the previous evening, and the associated lack of respect shown to the victims and survivors of the crew of the HMAS Voyager by his stories of being one of them, he would have had to face a 'jury of his peers', who now have no respect for him.
They would have had more anger and even less respect for him if they had seen him marching at the Anzac Day march wearing medals from the Vietnam War that he has no entitlement to wear.

How low can you go Frank? Wearing medals that were not awarded, falsely claiming war service, and publicly posing amongst genuine Veterans on the most sacred of days in any proud Veterans calendar. You are a pathetic little man.

When the RAN Veterans returned to their various homes after the reunion and march at Yarrawonga, ANZMI was contacted and advised of Stupar's stupidity and an investigation was carried out by our researchers.
Our research is supported by statutory declarations, copies of official documents obtained from the National Archives of Australia, and cross referenced against numerous government and ex-service organisation web sites, the Vietnam Veterans Nominal Roll, HMAS Voyager Crew Lists, books about the Voyager disaster and transcripts of the two Royal Commissions into the sinking of HMAS Voyager.

As is our standard operating procedure prior to publishing the results of our research, Frank Stupar was contacted by ANZMI and asked to provide evidence to support his claims of 'top secret' missions during the Vietnam War.
As is common when we ask questions of wannabes, that seemingly have no answers, we have received no contact whatsoever from Stupar. He has failed to face up to his shortcomings.

We at ANZMI sincerely hope he will be sufficiently embarrassed by this exposure of his bogus medal displays and 'Hollywood' style yarns and will refrain from repeating his Anzac Day 2006 performance. We urge him to be satisfied with his achievements, the service he has given to his country, and wear with pride the medals he has been awarded for that service.

Phillip Island RSL (sub-branch) might wish to check on exactly what Naval service Stupar noted on his application form.

Information on the HMAS VOYAGER tragedy can easily be found on the internet.

Surname: DiTullio

Christian Names: Alfonso

Country: Australia

State or Province: Western Australia

City or Town: Cockburn

Service: Army Reserve

Case Notes:

Alfonso DiTullio

A man who served with the Army Reserve and claimed to have served in Namibia and Rwanda with the Royal Australian Regiment, Infantry. He also claimed to be the only member alive from his squad/platoon as the rest had committed suicide. Another disgraced RSL executive officer. How many more are out there? There are quite a few, another RSL President poseur will appear on this page soon. As we wrote some time ago, the RSL is a breeding ground for wannabes and here's further proof.

This is one of the rare "good news, bad news" stories we get to present now and again. The good news is that members of an RSL actually had the courage to front one of their number before a committee and charge him with impersonation of a Soldier who had seen Active Service and also medals fraud before ANZMI got involved.We applaud these members.

Alfonso DiTullio was the President of the Cockburn RSL Sub-Branch and the bad news is about the hurt and damage he has perpetrated on those who regarded him as a friend. He has been dismissed from the RSL, his name removed from the honour board, and a formal report on proceedings sent to the Western Australia RSL State HQ.

On 4 January this year we received a report about DiTullio, outlining suspicions that he had never served overseas with UN missions as he had claimed for around 10 years in Cockburn.

This report and a follow up are presented verbatim below, ANZMI comments and notes in blue. Only the person's name and that of DiTullio's brothers and their units were removed.

4 January 2007

I have another possible candidate who may cause me personal embarrassment if my suspicions are proved right. I refer to the current President of the City of Cockburn RSL - Alf Di Tullio, who claims service in Namibia and Rwanda as an RAR member.Without saying what set off my suspicions, I will lay out what I know.

I first met Alf in the mid 1990's when he joined the Sub Branch. (DiTullio was the sub-branch president from February 2006 without having served on the committee in other positions prior to this)

He told of being in the Army but had retired a couple of years ago. He did tell what I thought were tall stories then, but I wrote them off as ANZAC Day tales.

At that time he did say he had been a Sergant, but had been busted back to corporal for what was an assault on a fellow soldier who he had caught sleeping with his wife.

His mother (who he still lives with) tells other members that he has never been married, also she has told a different member that he was only a reservist and never in the full time Army.

About two years ago, by which time we were good friends, he found out that I was going on a business trip to Sydney. Prior to me going he asked if I would go to Christies in Sydney and pick up an AASM and ASM for him, as his were in a bank vault and difficult to get out. (Australian Active Service Medal & Australian Service Medal)

He had never worn medals before! Anyway, I agreed and asked him what bar he needed. He stated "Namibia" for both as he had been there for the UNTAG (United Nations Transition Assistance Group) deployment.

Looking at the Australian Peacekeepers web site and other related web sites they only mention that Australian Army Engineers went to Namibia, no mention of RAR (Infantry) soldiers that I can find. Further, the original medal awarded was the ASM, but I recall reading somewhere that this was replaced with the AASM, providing you returned your initially issued ASM. I guess that this would also apply to the change in Rwanda's status? They were also issued the UNTAG medal, which he doesn't have. I also note that the Rwanda vets were issued the UNMIR (United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda) medal, also something he doesn't have!

As my suspicions were aroused by last weekend, I casually mentioned that there was another medal for Rwanda. The reply I got was "oh yeah which one?" When I mentioned that it was a UN medal he launched into a tirade that he didn't want it, that he had written to the UN about their performance in Bosnia etc,etc,etc. He then added that he had refused his Namibia one also.

Call me dumb and I am happy to stand corrected, but how do you refuse a medal that Honours and Awards either posts to your home address, or your personnel section for presentation by your CO? If you don't want to wear a particular medal, you simply don't wear it! Understanding that the medal entitlements to both deployments have changed, he still is not wearing the correct Bars or in view of the Rwanda change the correct medal. The lack of knowledge regarding UN medals disturbs me also. It's something that guys who do something worthy of note are generally particular about.

About a year or so ago he started talking about the PTSD caused by his Rwanda service. He has discussed this subject in depth with a couple of Vietnam Vets who have taken him at his word and no doubt shared their experiences. I did discuss the subject of DVA with him a while ago, but he said that he had applied and been refused 11 times. When I suggested that he use the Sub Branch welfare officer (one of the two VV"s (Vietnam Vets) he had discussed the issue with) he said that he would give this person in Victoria one more chance.

Surprisingly he was suddenly in receipt of a DVA benefit. My wife who is also very friendly with him asked him how much he was getting, lo and behold it was the same amout exactly that I receive from DVA (60%), information that I had shared with him sometime before as I had received an increase in % of my disability. On the weekend another member tells me that he told them he only receives $11- a fortnight from DVA.

When pressed to relate why he suffers from PTSD the answer you get (after a few beers) is that it has something to do with him witnessing a child being shot in Rwanda and him then attacking the shooter. Recently one of our VV sufferers let slip to me that his PTSD was caused by something to do with a child being shot! He didn't give me the full story nor would I ever wish press him on the subject!

He (DiTullo) also states that he is the only member of his platoon/squad left alive, as the rest have committed suicide. When pressed about his supposed wife and child, they are somewhere in America. Sounds all very convienent!

This ANZAC day when I quipped to him something about him only being a sargent he responded with the correction "staff sargent". He has suddenly promoted himself again. Neither my wife or any one else has heard him use this rank before.

On Sunday when we were discussing UN missions and medals he let slip that he was envious of his older brother XXXXX, who is a currently serving WO1 posted to XXXXXX . (I checked the defence telephone book! (brother) is listed as the WSM of the XXXXX.) (brother) according to Alf has served in the de-mining operation in XXXXXX and was promoted rapidly to SSM of what he called XXXXXX. He has also stated that he had another brother in the Army, but I cannot find a listing, so can only assume that he has retired. This made me think as he told one of the VV's that he had only left the Army in 1999 (wonder if it's his brother who left?), when he told me that he was already out of the Army in the mid 1990's.

Anyway I can go on for hours relating stories he has told of working with USMC personnel at Paris Island, Fort this or that, etc,etc,etc………….. As well as loads of "adventures" here in Australia. But basically it's appearing that his inconsistant stories are catching up with him as the members of the Sub Branch are all starting to talk amongst themselves.

I would request that you guys have a look at him, and if he is genuine I can head off any embarrassment by being able to assure the members that he is the genuine article. However if he isn't, he needs to get what's coming!

To the best of my knowledge his service No is 514026, however please remember that he has two other brothers who appear to be the real deal, his correct name is Alfonso Di Tullio

Thanks for you time in all this and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future……

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19 January 2007

I emailed you a couple of weeks ago regarding our President - Alf DiTullio - claims to Active service on UN missions. Since then I have dug further and we were able to front this impostor up to the committee where he has admitted his guilt. He has summarily been dismissed from the RSL with formal correspondence going to State Headquarters seeking official action against him. (What State HQ has to say on this matter will be interesting)

His (DiTullio's) only service was as a member of 13 FD supply company Karrakatta ARES 1989-1993. His correct service No is 5104410. I uncovered this information on " friendsreunited.com.au" where he has his own entry under NorthLake Senior High School class of 1985. In other words he shopped himself.

Many of the veterans of our Sub Branch feel much more should be done to him, at the least his actions should be publically ridiculed. I have attached two photo's showing him wearing the AASM and ASM, medals he is not entitled to. (He's the Italian looking person) (see photos below)

When he appeared before the RSL committee he was asked " have you ever had overseas service on behalf of Australia or any other military force?". He answered no.

This guy has pedalled his bullshit on us for 8 years and I have watched him fake a PTSD attack in order to gain sympathy and attention from genuine veterans. We have removed his name from the Sub Branch Honour board as we feel he was fraudulently elected - on the grounds that our mainly WW2 membership believed him to be a genuine veteran. God knows how long the hurt and anger will take to settle. I have also communicated with the APPV Assn and their national President and secretary are aware of this fraud.

Thanks for your time in this sorry business, here's hoping you can give him his just "fame" on your web site. If you require any further info please don't hesitate to call.

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We communicated with this gentleman and some of what we learnt is included in our comments above, some other distressing things we learnt about his behaviour cannot be included.

It's understood that DiTullio will have to attend a State RSL tribunal on the 21st February 2007 to explain himself and we'll publish any results when known. If the matter is swept under the carpet, we'll publish any findings on this as well.

Remembrance Day 2006. DiTullio in the centre with microphone.

The medals are not easily identified in the photo. We have a duly witnessed statement as to the wearer being DiTullio and the medals being the Australian Active Service Medal 1915-75 and Australian SService Medal 1945-75, both with clasps Namibia.

The third medal on his left would be the new Australian Defence Medal issued by the Government to recognise Service in the Defence Forces.

We also thank the National President and Secretary of the Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association. Their invaluable information on how UN medals are issued enabled an RSL member to trip him up much faster.

Alfonso DiTULLIO by your own admission of pretending to be a serviceman who has been on Active Service and wearing of medals that you are not entitled to, you have disgraced yourself and brought embarrassment on your family, close friends, the members of the Cockburn RSL.

You have also committed offences against the Defence Act 1903 which is a matter for the Australian Federal Police to investigate should they have the resources to do so, as that is the excuse they use for not defending the honour of genuine Australian serving and ex-servicemen and women.

23 Aug 2007

One time Cockburn RSL Sub Branch President, Alf DiTullio, was exposed as a fake "war veteran" by members of his Sub Branch in February 2007. He appeared on the front page of the Community Newspaper "Cockburn Gazette" and the ANZMI website shortly afterwards.

Following his exposure, both the WA State and National Executives of the R&SL have confirmed that DiTullio is now permanently banned from membership of any R&SL branch in Australia. DiTullio did not appeal the decision.

A further article about DiTullio's banning has been published in the "Cockburn Gazette" by reporter Mark McCrory.

Read the front page article below

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