A former private school teacher has been fined after years of impersonating a high-ranking Royal Navy officer at solemn remembrance events, with his elaborate deception finally unravelling due to a suspicious sword and an exceedingly rare medal.
The Unravelling of a Naval Charade
Jonathan Carley, 65, from Harlech, Gwynedd, was fined £500 at court on Monday after admitting to wearing a uniform bearing the mark of His Majesty's Forces without permission. The charade, which provided him with a sense of "belonging and affirmation," according to his police interview, lasted for several years before vigilant veterans and a photographer grew suspicious.
The first significant crack appeared during a Remembrance Day parade in Llandudno in November 2024. Carley was spotted laying wreaths and saluting the war memorial while wearing an immaculate uniform that suggested he held the third-highest rank in the Royal Navy. Crucially, he was brandishing a ceremonial sword, an unusual sight that immediately drew attention.
A Medal That Stood Out
It was not just the sword that raised eyebrows. Adorning his chest was an array of medals bought online, including the prestigious Distinguished Service Order (DSO). The DSO is an exceptional award for highly successful command and leadership during active operations, with very few awarded since 1979. Retired Rear Admiral Dr Chris Parry, who spotted the impostor, described it to the BBC as "one down from the Victoria Cross" and an "easy spot" for those in the know.
"You're eight ranks up and two down from the head of the navy," Parry noted, highlighting the sheer improbability of the display. Carley's solitary behaviour at parades, where he walked alone and avoided photographs, further fuelled doubts about his legitimacy.
The Final Parade and a Home Visit
Despite the growing suspicions, Carley reappeared at the 2025 Remembrance Sunday service in Llandudno, though he wisely left the sword at home. This time, photographer and Territorial Army member Tony Mottram scrutinised his uniform, noticing critical flaws. "The hemming wasn't right, the length wasn't right," Mottram observed. "You either go on parade right or you don't go at all."
These consistent concerns prompted a police investigation. Officers visited Carley's home, where they discovered the pristine uniform, medals, and the tell-tale sword. He was subsequently charged under an obscure law from the 1800s that prohibits wearing a military uniform without permission. Carley became only the eighth person in a decade to be prosecuted for this offence in the UK.
A Life of Teaching and Coaching
Before his life of naval pretence, Carley worked as a history teacher in the private sector. He is also understood to have served as a rowing coach at Christ Church College, University of Oxford, for several years after teaching. A former student expressed shock, stating they "would never have believed" Carley capable of such an elaborate deception.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the respect commanded by authentic military service and the vigilance of the veteran community in protecting its honour from impostors.
