Stolen Valour
Stolen Valour
Lyons
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Victor Edward George Lyons Australians were horrified when POW’s returned to Australia at the end of WW2. The hardships and degradation they suffered was clearly evident in their emaciated, broken bodies. These scenes were so confronting that many years passed before the horrors of imprisonment by the Japanese were made public by the Government. We all came to revere these wonderful men who had given so much for their country and had suffered such appalling atrocities. They still achieved great things during their lifetimes, working for the Australian community, despite the horrific experiences they suffered during confinement as prisoners of war by the Japanese in Changi Prison.
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Victor LYONS preyed on the Australian public who would never question his impeccable credentials of being a Changi POW and he has managed to bask in that acclaim for over forty years. Victor Edward George LYONS, Service Number 164774, enlisted in the RAAF in Sydney NSW on 18 July 1944, having turned 18 just over a week earlier on 9 July 1944. He was initially enlisted as a Trainee Tech on the basis of 18 months prior experience as an assistant motor cycle mechanic working for Mr R.G. Thwaite’s Boomerang Garage at Auburn, a Sydney suburb. His service records show that after trade testing he was re-mustered as a Steward. He was later trained as a Cook in 1945. He was demobilised in Darwin on 20 June 1946. His trade classification at discharge was cook and he had achieved the rank of Leading Aircraftsman. His medal entitlement was the 1939-45 War Medal. His records clearly show that he never served outside Australia.
At some stage following his discharge from the RAAF in 1946, Victor LYONS became a Changi POW survivor, attracting all the kudos and reverence from his family and friends that such sacrifice and service for his country deserved. Friends spoke of him in glowing terms and without exception, with immense respect, mindful of the ordeals and trauma that he had allegedly suffered during his supposed internment as a POW in Changi. Victor Lyons is an accomplished liar. Some examples of this dubious quality follow: He began his service as a 15 year old air gunner in Wellingtons in England and then served with the 5th U.S. Air Force Liberators in the Pacific. (This story was supported by photographs of similar aircraft displayed on his TV room wall) He was shot down 3 times and ended up a POW on the Emperor’s Railway in Singapore. He flew at least 28 mission over the Pacific/New Guinea/Gulf of Carpentaria areas, crashing a few times. He had his stomach removed following being shot down. He now has a plastic stomach and requires special dietary attention. He claimed to have been shipwrecked and picked up by a Japanese patrol boat and subsequently interned in Changi. He claims to have murdered a Formosan guard prior to his release from Changi. The guard was known as “Boy Bastard”. (Bryce Courtenay’s characterisation of the Sandakan death marches in his novel “Four Fires” includes a Formosan guard employed by the Japanese who was also coincidentally called “Boy Bastard”) He claimed to have suffered continuous ill-treatment at the hands of the Japanese. He claims he cannot have children because of the war injuries inflicted by the Japanese. He claims to have enlisted under different names. Victor Lyons shows visitors a book entitled “More Lives Than A Cat - Three and a Half Years as a Prisoner of War of the Japanese” by Guy Baker. A photograph on page 337 depicts a very emaciated man. The photograph has printed underneath it the words; “This is how many men looked when they returned to Changi from the Burma Thailand Railway”. Victor LYONS has written beside the photograph in his own hand; “Victor Lyons 20 years of age weighing 7 stone It was in this condition that I killed The Boy Bastard & was charged with murder”
He claimed that scarring on his legs was caused by Japanese guards using bayonets. (His enlistment medical report states: scars underside lower right thigh, scars right and left patellae, scars rear left leg and shin)
He claims to suffer frequent dreadful nightmares relating to his time spent as a POW, but in light of the CPMH research that has disclosed his actual service record, perhaps this is just the effects of a guilty conscience. He claims that his war medals were stolen. He claims that his dishonourable discharge prevents him from receiving a gold card that would assist him with the cost of operations for injuries caused by his ill-treatment in Changi. Victor Lyon's make believe world began to crumble several years ago. He required an operation to repair knee damage, supposedly a war injury. Friends and relatives suggested he should apply for a Gold Card to assist with the cost of the operation. His continued refusal raised suspicions about his war service. He claimed he may be arrested for murder for killing a Formosan guard “Boy Bastard” if he made a claim for benefits and his whereabouts became known to the government. He also claimed at this time that he had received the $25,000.00 compensation paid to all WW2 prisoners of war. (So apparently the government knew where he could be found after all) Victor Lyon’s shabby charade was finally exposed when an attempt was made to locate old comrades who might attend his surprise 80th birthday party. A letter was forwarded to the ex- POW Association magazine Barbed Wire and Bamboo, requesting help to provide information and to try to locate friends. A couple of replies along the lines of “Who’s been having you on?” prompted a search for Victor Lyons military records. When the records were made available it was obvious that this parasite has for over 40 years been fraudulently obtaining friendships and respect to which he has absolutely no lawful or moral entitlement. Victor Lyons full record of service breaks down to simply the following:
Service Record When we remember the wonderful examples of courage, humility, and perseverance exhibited by Weary Dunlop and his POW comrades, it is patently obvious that Victor Edward George LYONS is not fit to carry out the stinking slops buckets from their huts in Changi prison. The comment below sent in by one of our readers who wishes to remain anonymous: I have stood in the war cemeteries in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, Sandakan, Borneo and Kranji, Singapore, seen the endlessrows of headstones of those that died at the hands ofof the Japs, shed a tear for all the young lives lost andgiven thanks that some tough and hardy souls made it hometo Australia. Those survivors have aways had my, and the Australian community's, highest respect and 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.
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Walters
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It seems the war weary Russell “Chuck” WALTERS had just been elevated to the position of Divisional Commander of the Merimbula Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, and had already been involved in rescuing three men from rugged seas. |
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Utter disbelief was shared by the Ringwood R & SL members, sure, they knew “Chuck”, he had joined their Veteran's League on the 20th of June 1968 giving his date of birth as 30 June 1945 and in 1975 and 1976 he was elected and served as Secretary on the executive of that veterans establishment. WALTERS then transferred to the East Malvern (Vic) R & SL in 1990 and maintained membership there until 1993 when he moved interstate. Evidence of employment whilst in Victoria is a business card showing he was the Administrative Officer with Terumo Corporation in the bayside suburb of Mordialloc (Vic), and subsequent information of being employed as a private investigator! Our investigators uncovered this information from checks with our R & SL contacts.
How could it be possible that “Chuck” served 33 years with the US military and be in Australia for all these years? His tales of being involved in the Grenada skirmish in 1983, Panama in 1989 and then Somalia for Operation “Just Cause” in 1993 lent further disbelief in his “Walter MITTY” ramblings to the press. On ANZAC Day 2005 in Merimbula,“CHUCK” paraded in full US Marines officers dress uniform wearing a most colourful display of combat and service ribbons – including the coveted Purple Heart – this is part of the picture that was also published in the newspaper that initially interviewed him.
CPMH was contacted by concerned R & SL members who requested a complete investigation be carried out. WALTERS was contacted officially on 2nd of May 2005 and given until 31st of May to reply with either proof of service or an apology to all returned servicemen.
It is obvious he chose to ignore our correspondence – so, true to our word to him, contact was made with the local press.
Some people interviewed over this pretender,treated the matter with brevity and actually had a laugh at his antics. CPMH was most swift in reminding these folk that as patriots we take a much different view – the Australian Federal Government has recently outlaid millions of dollars in Coastal Defence for surveillance involving drug/people smuggling, illegal fishing and National Security. WALTERS through his posturing and bogus ministrations has inveigled himself into the mesh of this governmental initiative – and this in our opinion,verges on criminal activity. No doubt the American Embassy in Canberra will have some input into this matter once it becomes public knowledge. CPMH will monitor all proceedings and keep our followers advised of proceedings.
In this instance, the help from the Merimbula News Weekly and especially reporter Bethany Dortmans, was invaluable in getting the full expose on Chuck and we thank them for the coup de grâce on the front page of their newspaper 29 June 2005.
The full story courtesy of the Merimbula News Weekly is shown below.
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Love
Andrew Thomas Love aka (Drew) He proudly "sports" on his left breast the following medals: Australian Active Service medal 1945 – 75. Vietnam Medal National Service medal Vietnamese Campaign medal.
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Andrew Thomas Love is neither a National Serviceman nor a Vietnam Veteran. "Drew" has "conned" the Returned Services League (RSL), and Vietnam Veterans Association NSW Branch Inc., and his "friends" into accepting him as a veteran member. Full membership to the RSL depends on the following criteria. You can apply to become a member of the League if you: Served in any Australian Defence Forces in either of the two World Wars or in any theatre of conflict; or Served overseas for not less than six months as a member of an approved peace-keeping force; or Served for not less than six months in the regular or reserve forces of the ADF, or of any country not an enemy of Australia (shorter service can also qualify if discharge was honourable and for reasons beyond an individual's control); or If you are an Australian or allied citizen and served with or in support of the ADF or allied forces in any theatre or conflict; or Served during World War II, as a member of the Australian Women's Land Army or as a voluntary aid detachment in a military or convalescent hospital .
Any person who served in South Vietnam between the 23rd May 1962 and the 29th April 1975 (both dates inclusive) in any of the Armed Forces. On both the RSL and the VVAA NSW Branch Inc., Applications to Join, the spaces where service details and regimental numbers are listed have been left blank, yet the applications have been approved for full membership.
Now how can genuine veterans preserve their honour when our primary veteran organisations do not follow simple rules and check the bona fides of applicants? Organisations that do not follow the proper protocols for membership are aiding and abetting the proliferation of Wannabes, Military impostors and pension fraudsters "Drew" claims to have served in Vietnam, in a Cavalry unit, under another name, this was in 1971. He has been seen proudly sporting the Armoured Corps Blazer, Beret and Badge. Andrew Love has experienced Military Service, he enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces (CMF), 1st,15th Royal New South Wales Lancers, on 25 July 1972 as a Trooper Recruit and was discharged medically unfit, 14 November 1972 as a Trooper Recruit. We have a copy of "Drew's" Application to Enlist in the CMF. To the question in paragraph 17 that asks, "Have you served in any armed Force" "Drew" answered - "No"
"Drew" was enlisted into the CMF as a Trooper Recruit and discharged four months later as a Trooper Recruit. Would a medal bedecked, jungle trained, Armoured Personnel Carrier Jockey enlist into the CMF as a Trooper Recruit in the year following his operational service. "Drew," says he did. "Drew" was unable to cope with four months of CMF training so don't tell me he ever pulled on a boot with the professionals.
Drew's Record of Service for his time with the CMF shows no entries in the block for "Decorations and Medals", why, because Drew never had any medals in 1972 because he never earned any in South Vietnam in 1971 as he claims.
Drew has paraded himself as a National Serviceman and Vietnam veteran for many years, in the Nowra region, he even ran for election to office in the Bomaderry RSL, advertising his qualifications as "A National Serviceman and Vietnam Veteran" on an Election Flyer.
A copy of the Flyer was sent to CARO for verification and on the 26th July 2000 CARO wrote; inter alia "The attachment from the Bomaderry R.S.L Club Limited, Qualifications and Experience of Candidates for Election 2000, is of interest as it records that Andrew (Drew) Love was a National Serviceman and a Vietnam veteran. This office has no record of Andrew Love being either". The Federal Police investigated Drew in Jul 2000. In a letter from a Federal Agent, of 4 July 2000 it was stated inter alia "This matter has been further investigated by our Operations Monitoring Centre (OMC) and it has been established that while Andrew LOVE is recorded as having four (4) months service with the Australian armed forces in 1972, it has been further established that it is highly unlikely that Andrew LOVE is in fact a Vietnam Veteran. It is also understood that Andrew LOVE is not currently receiving any benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs".
Love said in a letter that he wrote in late July 2004. inter alia "The name Love does not appear on the Nominal Roll of Vietnam, I repeat that it does not appear. The reasons for this are confidential and will remain so." He further wrote: "In October 2000 my record was brought up in discussion at the Bomaderry RSL Sub Branch, coincidently it was raised when I was not in attendance. I produced the following to the then Secretary and the current President. They being Dave Hardy and & Alex Stevens and now the President of the VVA Sub Branch Bob O'Grady has viewed these. Original Medical Files. Original Driving Test (Army) In confidence Records of Service inclusive of this (sic) decorations and medals. RAS Badge with accompanying paper work identifying the number and recipient. Army correspondence re issue of medals" Drew has supporters in the Nowra area who believe he is their friend, some have seen the documents he flashes around and believe his stories. Friends of "Drew" I say to you that you must be gullible but remarkable people to accept this human enigma as a friend. We wrote "Drew" a letter requesting proof that he is an ex National Serviceman and a Vietnam Veteran, he chose to ignore our letter. All we want Drew, is to see some real evidence to support your claims like: The number on the rear of the RAS Badge. The name inscribed on your medals. The Record of Service that you have flashed around.
We believe, whilst "Drew" was thundering around Phuoc Tuy Province, Vietnam in his Armoured Personnel Carrier a "Twin Spirit", was working as a Fitter and Machinist Toolmaker in LOVES Carbide Tooling Services, 67 Clapham Rd Sefton, NSW, a family business in Sefton, Sydney. When "Drew" enlisted in the CMF in 1972 he noted this employment from 1968 to 1972 in the Work History section paragraph 13 of his CMF Enlistment Application.
Funny thing, the "Twin Spirit's" name was also Andrew Thomas Love born 16 Oct 1951. He looked the same; he had the same name and was born on the same day – If it looks like a "Drew", quacks like a "Drew" and waddles like a "Drew" then it is a "Drew" and Drew Love has been bowled out for a duck because "Drew" Love was never in Vietnam, in 1971 he was safe, working nine to five in the family business in Sefton, Sydney "Drew" Love was never a National Serviceman or a Vietnam Veteran; however, he is a conman, a liar, and a thief of veterans' honour. He has "conned" people who he claimed as his friends, he has lied about his military service, and he has stolen the honour of the veteran whose medals he wears. Incidentally to whom do the medals belong, if they weren't issued to "Drew" they may be plastic or perhaps they are medals that have been donated to the RSL and now listed as missing – anything is possible. Only "Drew" can enlighten us about "his" medals. Drew your threats of legal action that you have dished out for many years as your first line of defence do not wash with CPMH, because, we have irrefutable proof of your miserable actions. Andrew Thomas Love you will stay on our web site as a chronic offender and one of the worst that we have had to deal with. You have basked in the lime light of the honour of veterans, now you can wallow in the shame of your exposure.
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. |
Whale
David Edward John Whale Whale claims to have been a Captain in the British Army who served with the UK SAS and was involved in operations in North Africa and Operation Nimrod at the Iranian Embassy Siege, London in April 1980. |
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According to Whale during his Military service he was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for "conspicuous bravery in battle" during a stint with the UK SAS in North Africa. As well as mixing with the military elite, Whale claims to have been an airline pilot, a Tuscany chef, a Wimbledon tennis player and a soccer referee. The Distinguished Conduct Medal is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other services, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for conspicuous bravery in battle on land. We can't find any evidence that Whale is a DCM recipient, we think that maybe he awarded it to himself – perhaps it's a Distinguished Cooking Medal for cooking pizzas in Tuscany. Perhaps Whale does have a military background as he hides behind a shield of strategies that he thinks will protect his deceit. Oops, sorry David, perhaps you don't realise that CPMH has friends all over the world and particularly in the UK. You should know that we colonials have ties with the UK SAS. CPMH is such a diverse group that some of our members have served at Hereford in the UK. When it comes to the British and Australian SAS it is a small small world. David you must have been truly a man of mystery, because no one in the SAS family has heard of you or your exploits. Below is the kind of response we got wherever questions were posed regarding Whale:
Contacted the xxxxxxxxxx in London and spoke to the xxxxxxxx reference It appears that D E J Whale is a fraud. To add some icing to his cake Whale claims to have reached the rank of Captain during his service with SAS. A Captain in SAS is an elite soldier of the highest quality and like we said Whale aims for quality lies and deceit. Sorry to mention it David Whale, but the guys at Hereford are not too happy about people fraudulently claiming to be a Captain in their tight circle, but I can assure you that hell hath no fury like an SAS veteran who has had his honour stolen by a foppish bore with a penchant for the harmonica. David Edward John Whale, born in England 18 January 1955 tells his tales of international intrigue at the Hampton Returned Services League Club in Melbourne, but he only talks to the point where he gets a hard question then he invokes the "Sorry old boy, The Official Secrets Act you know" As he wears UK medals, one would assume that he would be an ordinary member of the Hampton RSL but instead he remains a social member, because, if he changes to ordinary membership he has to reveal his regimental details and my goodness, nations across the world would have to go on red alert if David Whale came in from the cold. Whale claims to have been one of the heroic UK SAS members who stormed and neutralized terrorists at the Iranian Embassy London where terrorists were holding twenty-four hostages, this happened in April 1980. He has a photo of a soldier dressed in SAS paraphernalia including a gas mask that makes identification impossible, however, he says, the photo is of him on the roof of the Iranian Embassy after having suffered a gun shot wound . Now read the two Reports of Operation Nimrod. The second reference has an interesting video that you can play. Please bookmark us before going to these links as they will take you away from the CPMH site http://www.specialoperations.com/Counterterrorism/nimrod.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/5/newsid_2510000/2510873.stm No soldiers were shot on the roof of the Iranian Embassy, during operation Nimrod ; in fact the terrorists fired no shots whilst the soldiers were on the roof. There were no SAS casualties at all during the raid. All of the soldiers that were located on the roof – two groups of four - all rappelled down, and got on with the job, if Whale did some rappelling, after suffering a gun shot wound, he is truly a man of steel and qualified to boast about it. The problem with the photo, is the gas mask, you can see that it is a soldier, but he is totally unrecognisable and it could be Captain Ahab for all it is worth. In addition to the gunshot wound whilst on the roof Whale also tells of being wounded whilst serving in North Africa. You would think that someone, twice wounded under operational conditions, would suffer some after effects, a twinge here or an itch there, that would be worthy of compensation or a pension of some kind. The UK Ministry of Defence, War Disablement Department told us: "Thank you for your email. I have checked our War Disablement Pension records and we have no trace of this gentleman". We sent Whale a letter requesting that he explain his SAS and other military exploits. Whale chose to ignore our letter. Mr Whale you are a clever fraud in the way you set yourself a security screen against detection, but you were wrong to think that us colonials are dumb enough to swallow the bilge you utter during your moments of ecstatic reminiscence of fanciful heroic exploits. Whale you have been harpooned and flensed, stop your nonsense, go to the people you have lied to and apologise, maybe they will forgive you, but we won't. This exposure is presented in the public interest so the public can be aware that should they cross paths with people spruiking tales of heroic Military exploits and hiding behind the "Official Secrets Act" it is probably the ravings of a Wannabe. CPMH has friends world wideand particularly in the UK. Every day that passes we get information that increases our knowledge. Knowledge, and our individual experiences form our strength. We warn all Wannabes out there, that your days are numbered. If your self-esteem is so low that you have to steal the honour of one of our veterans, seek immediate help from a psychology professional. If you don't, we will get you, and be assured your self esteem would never be the same. Suggest you ask Mr Whale about that.
Warning – Be a wannabe at your own Peril When David Edward J Whale was “outed” as a wannabe, he loudly protested his innocence and reported our actions to the police. The police “harrumphed” and requested by email that we attend their premises. Whale was following the traits of most wannabes. When they are caught they yell “blue murder” and threaten legal action. Some retain their arrogance and never admit their guilt, however David Edward J Whale has learnt that stealing the honour of veterans is not good for the soul. After being “lit up” in Oct 2005 it has taken him until now to admit his guilt. He wrote this email on 26 March 2009. David Whale <djwhale@hotmail.com> To xxxxxxxxxxxxx dateThu, Mar 26, 2009 at 8:19 AM subjectCPMH hide details Mar 26 (4 days ago) Reply Dear Sirs, I write to offer my apologies for my shameful behaviour. I won't go into details but I have had a mental health problem and this is also now having treatment. My health has now deteriorated and I can no longer live what is left of my life with the shame and worry. I therefore apologise unreservedly to anyone whom I might have offended. It has indeed cost me dearly as I now have no home and live in caravan. I ask for no sympathy but only a chance to live the rest of my life in peace. Yours faithfully David E J Whale Whilst it is appreciated that after four years Whale has found the courage to unreservedly apologise to veterans, we will not remove him from our web site. He carefully and deliberately planned and created a false past to have people believe he had served as a UK Special Air Services (SAS) commissioned officer who had been wounded in action and awarded medals for gallantry. We do thank Whale for his apology, but it is too little and too late. Wannabes should learn from Whale’s email that the toll for fifteen minutes of false fame can be high. Veterans will not tolerate the theft of their honour, they owe at least that much to those who did not return 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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Nicholson
Roy Nicholson aka (Bill) Roy Nicholson suffered a stroke in 2004 that he says was brought on by his Army service in Vietnam, he is unfortunately wheelchair bound. We had to overlook Nicholson's infirmity to present his exposure as a wannabe because many real war veterans suffer from extreme disabilities and this individual is not going to cash in on his. The fact was that his family and friends were sick and tired of putting up with his antics and lies. They believed that once he was made aware of his exposure here on our site, he would wake up and stop. He has been posing as a Veteran for over thirteen years and used his tales of heroism to win over his now estranged wife. Nicholson displayed what he thought would be the actions of a Vietnam Veteran who was severely affected by traumatic war time experiences. In attempts to convince family and friends of his war caused Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD], this violent, abusive, heavy drinker threw beer cans at his TV when war movies were shown ranting that the movies weren't real. If he heard helicopters outside in the street he would yell "Choppers, choppers" and duck for cover. |
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A family friend offered to take Nicholson's wife to a Department of Veteran's Affairs office to initiate a pension claim for him but he forbade her to do this because DVA had thrown his claim out years ago. 1...He had to "rescue" a SAS patrol when they ran into trouble [enemy contact] and during a helicopter rope extraction a Soldier fell to his death but he can't remember any names of those involved. This Soldier is still listed as MIA.
2...He had to rescue his troops who had been caught in ambush. During this incident he had to rescue his current wife's estranged father who had been shot and mortally wounded, this man died in Nicholson's arms.
3...He had to go and rescue more of his men. After the pilot of the helicopter he was riding in was shot, he flew the aircraft. This aircraft was subsequently shot down and burned causing three Australian lives to be lost. Nicholson stated that this loss of life could have been avoided but the "idiots on the ground stuffed up", one of these Soldiers is still listed as MIA. Nicholson has loosely quoted three incidents that actually happened. There you have it, this spineless bag of excrement felt very comfortable terrorising his family with his garbage and sucking up free beer at the Dandenong RSL but when the hard questions were asked, he went to water. A typical wannabe, a despicable specimen of same. For those of our readers who think we're kicking a bloke when he's down, think about this. Nicholson had been carrying on with his lies for at least twelve years before he had a stroke.
Naturally, the memories of the former AATTV Veteran and our CPMH member had been vividly awakened due to the exposure of this disgusting wannabe. How does this creature compensate for the dreams they are having right now? He wouldn't know and would care even less. Sleep well Mr. Nicholson but open your mouth again and you'll find yourself in very deep trouble. 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. |
Freshfield
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Robert Michael Freshfield is a wannabe and a typical show pony used to draw potential members into Veteran's organisations in the struggle for membership numbers, public recognition, and funds. Many ex-service organisations harbour these individuals knowing full well that their tales of brave or spectacular war service are nothing more than lies. In one way these wannabes are like the Vietnam War protestors as described by Hanoi, "useful idiots"
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His freely published address block is: Mr Bob Freshfield. Jnr Vice President Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia.
NSW Branch Inc. EMail: vvfagran@bigpond.net.au At time of publication the executive members of the VVFA Granville were , according to their website.
National President: Tim McCombe OAM In emails to six State VVFA Secretaries we asked if Freshfield had ever been seen to wear the Infantry Combat Badge, there were only two replies. One, from Nev Woodward, said that he has never seen him wear it, another said our representative should "get a life" Freshfield's 3 1/2 months of service with 1 Australian Reinforcement Unit (1ARU) at Nui Dat and his 6 months with AFV Amenities and Welfare Unit, 1 Australian Logistic Support Group (1ALSG), Vung Tau, are well documented and these records deny any claims he has made of being a bush soldier with two Battalions and a semi-autonomous Infantry Platoon. We base this exposure on information supplied by Veterans who sent us copies of emails written by Freshfield and a message that was posted by him in an online Infantry Battalion newsletter. The Veterans supplied statements as to the authenticity of the emails. We have been informed that he denies ever having sent his Vietnam service details over the internet, "someone else sent them after they hacked his password." If this was the case, this "hacker" sent emails using Freshfield's name and e-mail address from late 2001 to mid 2004, before the impersonation was discovered and the password changed. Imagine that. From our standpoint we firmly believe that the emails were written and sent by Freshfield. Perhaps we could agree with him in one way in that he did not send his Vietnam service details over the internet, what he sent was a pack of lies and had little to do with his actual service. In a total of three emails and a Battalion website newsletter entry, he made claims of war service with two Infantry Battalions and D&E Platoon Nui Dat. The Infantry Battalions he says he served with on operations are 3RAR and 4RAR, the operations took place from 6 March to 2 October 1971. In one ridiculous claim he said that he was in the bush on operations with both Battalions continuously from 18 June to 17 September with no break back at Nui Dat although there was a five day gap between two of them. The names of operations are available on the internet as are the dates, he obviously didn't take note of the dates. In one email he went too far and angered some Veterans when he wrote; "I was with Bravo Company 3RAR during Overlord. as [sic] nearly wiped out in the APC ambush on 12th June. Lost 5 mates, and 2 others a few days later" He also wrote. "Served in reinforcement as well as D&E Nui Dat from February to September" In September 2002 this message was posted on a 3rd Battalion Association website. (Please bookmark us before going to the site below as it will take you away from our site) Scroll down the above page to "WEBSITE CONTACTS" and you will find this entry Bob Freshfield <bobsup@ozemail.com.au> is the webmaster for the Vietnam Veterans Federation www.vvfagranvile.org.au. He writes " I checked out your site and found it a worthwhile place to browse. I was a 'Nasho" doing time at 1ARU during 1971. I got sent to, but not posted, 3RAR during "Briar Patch", "Overlord", "Iron Fox", then to 4RAR (not posted) for "Hermit Park", "North Ward" and "Ivanhoe". Shifted around among 3RAR BCoy and 4RAR CCoy and the Kiwi Coy as well. A lot of forward scout work too! - I will put a link on our site, as soon as time permits" Fact. Infantry Privates were not "seconded to", "sent to" or "shafted off to" other units as Freshfield stated in his emails. They were posted or detached to other units with the required paperwork being raised. For you old Infantrymen, can you picture a reinforcement from 1ARU joining you for a few days on an operation and he's given forward scout duties? Never happen. This was a particularly stupid claim to make. "I was with Bravo Company 3RAR during Overlord. as [sic] nearly wiped out in the APC ambush on 12th June. Lost 5 mates, and 2 others a few days later" ">>>> the ambush was on 3 APC's taking D&E and Reo's back to The Dat after Overlord finished, and 3RAR didn't want us anymore. Well, not for a few weeks." Here's why. There are some well-worn myths about this factual Armoured Personnel Carrier ambush and Freshfield only retells these myths, not the facts, clearly displaying that he was nowhere near the incident. We would like to publish the facts of this ambush but there are too many wannabes who would like to use them. There is another traumatised wannabe on our books who thought he was there on the day as well, his tale mirrors Freshfield's and the myths but is actually more gruesome. To review Freshfield's claims in brief. Served on operations with 3RAR and 4RAR, 6 March to 2 October, forward scout....Denied. Served in Vietnam beginning February 1971....Denied Served at Nui Dat from February to October 1971....Denied. "Seconded" to Battalions for operational duties....Denied Served with D&E Platoon, HQ Coy, 1ATF, Nui Dat....Denied. Was present when an Armoured Personnel Carrier was ambushed causing loss of life....Denied. His records show he arrived in Vietnam on 25 March, this date is correct according to other Military records and a letter he wrote to the Central Army Records Office, (CARO) Two sets of records also show he did indeed leave Nui Dat for Vung Tau on 7 July. We could find nothing in the way of records or supplied information that could give truth to his lies about serving with 3RAR, 4RAR and D&E Platoon, Nui Dat. We did, however, find plenty of information to show that he was never even near these units. His actual Vietnam service was: 1 Australian Reinforcement Unit, Nui Dat. From 25 March to 7 July 1971 with a seven day detachment to another unit which we believe to be AFV Amenities and Welfare Unit, 1ALSG, Vung Tau. He took a two day leave from 1ARU on 2 -3 July prior to finally being posted to AFV Amenities on 7 July, returning to Australia on 2 December 1971. People not connected to CPMH had questioned Freshfield on these claims, his replies varied and are shown in time order. All communications were by e-mail, they were sent to, and replies received from, Bob Freshfield bobsup@ozemail.com.au November 2001. His reply was not recorded after being challenged by a Veteran but the Veteran's memory says it was something like this. "He more or less said he didn't care as he knew what he did and I didn't" 16 June 2004. "I don't care anymore about what I did or didn't do in Vietnam. I won't discuss it anymore over the internet. Get a life." In answer to the same questions from CPMH his reply changed from dismissive to outright denial, a new defence. 11 September 2005. "The claims made in your email were NOT made by me. I have no idea about any email supposedly to be have been sent by me [sic] as I have NEVER made such claims on the internet. I will stand by whatever records the Army have of me. I have no idea what claims you are referring to. This will be the last response from me on this matter" His reply to an e-mail from a concerned person who questioned his post on the 3RAR Association website. 22 September 2005. "I have NEVER put my Vietnam Service details over the internet. Mischievous beings who had access to my emails through Mymail.com.au over the internet sent out a lot of crap until I changed my password, and it stopped." A review of two replies. 11 September 2005. "I have no idea what claims you are referring to" Why didn't he tell us the "hacker" story he used in his next reply? 22 September 2005. "Mischievous beings who had access to my emails >>>sent out a lot of crap until I changed my password, and it stopped" Did he finally discover this impersonation sometime between 11 and 22 September 2005 after it had been going on since November 2001? This seems highly unlikely. A Veteran who served with D&E Platoon at the time of the APC ambush and who actually lost mates on that day, sent this email to Freshfield on the 33rd anniversary of the incident. ----- Original Message ----- From: xxxxxxxxxxxxx Cc: (many VVFA officers) Sent: Saturday, June 12, 2004 11:40 PM Subject: Bulls**t Bob Freshfield.. Today was a special day for me and I have to reply for you. Today, at xxxx hrs, 12 June 2004, I observed and commemorated the deaths of xxxx of my Platoon mates, the deaths of xxxx 3 Cav mates and the severe wounding of xxxx Platoon mates that occurred during Operation Overlord, 12 June 1971. You were not there on that day, even though you allude that you were. Since your mails to me showing an attempt to have been a bush soldier I have done some checks on your Vietnam service. It appears you were not a bush soldier at all. Your roll call records appear below the garbage that you wrote to me. (records deleted) It would appear that you are some kind of wanker who wishes to expand his war service in the interest of gaining higher personal recognition and or maybe higher membership numbers for your veterans group. In either case, I find that you are a person who could not be trusted to tell the truth in any way shape or form. You are a disgrace to the memory of fallen comrades. I strongly object to you presenting yourself as a person who was with my mates on the day they died and or were wounded requiring their evacuation to Australia. I have a feeling that someone like you would have been rejected by D&E members as unfit to walk the weeds with us. I trust that you do not wear the ICB. I have sent CCs of this mail to every VVFA organisation I could find on the internet in way of protest against wankers like you having the affront to misrepresent your war service whilst a senior member of this organisation. I have also copied the President and Secretary of the VVAA, National Council, NSW Branch. This Veteran received only limited replies to this email. One from Freshfield telling him to "get a life", a few from Freshfield's VVFA State President at the time, a man who completely lost the plot and promptly abandoned him, and from the President of the VVAA, National Council, NSW Branch. Due to Freshfield's reply to our questions we have not sent him our usual formal letter asking for his explanation of the allegations made against him, he said it all with, "I have no idea what claims you are referring to. This will be the last response from me on this matter" Fair enough, but he may have to discuss what he did and didn't do in Vietnam with the DVA Fraud Control Unit, as may his friend from 104 Signals Squadron who also claims to have been involved in the 12 June '71 APC incident, a former VVFA Sub-Branch President and pensions officer. Pensions officers. We have the names, ranks and Corps of every person who was involved in this 12 June 1971 APC incident. Should you wish to verify any claims of personnel being present on the day, please contact us at information@anzmi.net 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. |