Stolen Valour
Stolen Valour
Weatherall
|
||||
|
|
||||
Mahoney
 |
Mahoney has not been seen wearing such honours and awards. It was a statement made to Veterans claiming that he was one of them that stamps him as a liar and wannabe, assuring him of “Permanent Resident” status. Des Mahoney had never dragged on a boot in any Army so, as a perennial civilian, he will remain here on our “Cases” page no matter what. He likes to sue people and has threatened the person who exposed him with legal action, this is a standard procedure adopted by wannabes when confronted. At time of publication, we understand that this legal action will not be taking place. Had Mahoney been just another Joe Blow telling a few warries at the Club bar over a few drinks, he would not have been investigated and his story would not be here for all to read but he is a very public figure and was a mayoral candidate for the Far North District Council in New Zealand. His claims of Veteran status are deemed to have been made in an effort to elevate himself in the eyes of his fellow constituents for personal and monetary gain. Because New Zealand Veterans did all the hard work on this case, perhaps we should let their statements and gathered news reports tell the Des Mahoney story. |
|
|
N A T I O N A L N E W S S T O R Y
Lying mayoral candidate blames bad advice over beers
27 August 2004 A former Kaitaia mayoral candidate says he lied about serving in Vietnam after some bad advice over a few beers. Des Mahoney, of Kaitaia, has also revealed he was declared bankrupt in 1995. Mr Mahoney admitted he lied about fighting in Vietnam when he applied to join the Kaitaia Returned Services Association. Far North District Council candidate Ross Miller, who lives near Kaitaia, highlighted the application as Mr Mahoney was seeking election as mayor. Mr Miller believed a person standing for "high public office" should not attempt to portray himself as something he was not. After the allegations on Tuesday, Mr Mahoney quit the mayoralty race but denied any connection between the allegations and his resignation. He said he made the decision to quit a week ago for family reasons. Yesterday he said he regretted lying about serving in Vietnam, and that his wife had not known he had lied. Mr Mahoney also said he had been declared bankrupt in 1995 over a $6000 debt and had been discharged from that bankruptcy in 1998. The decision to lie about Vietnam came after some bad advice over a few beers. "We all used to drink with a couple of the guys... it was 'just do this'. "I regret it, I do honestly regret it." Mr Mahoney has claimed he has leukaemia and said the stress of the past few days had made him tired. He was reluctant to discuss the illness. "I know that I have got the terminal cancer, but everybody's number is going to come up. I wish that it had come up yesterday, to be honest." Mr Mahoney said he would be staying in Kaitaia after the furore of the past few days. nb: Mr. Mahoney refused requests to allow his medical records to be viewed with regard to this claim of suffering from Leukaemia.
Membership card of the RSA, New Zealand
This [above] apology was offered and we believe some people may have accepted it but Desmond William Mahoney was never in the Military in New Zealand or Australia, so we again refer you to the information on our “Info” page. He is here on our site and here he will stay. As of publication date, Mahoney’s offer to donate his refundable candidacy fees to a very worthy Veteran’s cause has been rejected. If you haven’t already read our story on Brigadier Jody Castle, please scroll further down our “Cases” page for a brief insight into another KIWI wannabe who went too far with his charades. There is a lot more to come from our New Zealand compatriots on the “Brigadier”. Come back soon for updates on him and others.
Desmond William Mahoney – Kaitaia New Zealand -Update
Veterans have long memories; there is not one of them who has forgotten the experience of war. They also have long memories when in comes to those who steal their honour. In 2004 Desmond Mahoney of Kaitaia, New Zealand was a Mayoral candidate who claimed to have served three tours of duty in Vietnam with the New Zealand Army until it was disclosed in the local newspaper that he was a liar a cheat and a wannabe. Desmond William Mahoney is again running for public office in the Kaitaia area. Before casting a vote constituents from that area should be well aware of this man’s history as a fraud, liar and wannabe. Veterans do not forget and will not forgive those who steal their honour This is published in the public interest, particularly that of the Vietnam Veteran Community. All information presented here is fact and the truth. Reports from the private citizens are supported by statement of fact and statutory declarations. |
||
31st Aug 2010
Seed
 |
Servicenumber A120806 LAC Christopher James SEED, DOB 25/12/1944, originally enlisted into the RAAF on 23 February 1970 and was discharged "At Own Request" on 26 October 1973 with the rank of Leading Aircraftsman (LAC). He subsequently re-enlisted into the RAAF on 1 December 1976 and was discharged "Medically Unfit for Further Service" on 16 December 1980 with the rank of LAC. Seed had Nil Operational Service, Nil Overseas Service and Nil Honours and Awards. His total service amounts to some 7 years and 8 months. His musterings' in his service were Engine Fitter and Engine Mechanic. |
|
SEED came to the attention of CPMH after joining a Viet Nam Veterans Ex-Service Organisation masquerading as a Viet Nam Veteran. A number of Viet Nam Veterans' became suspicious of his stories about his so called Viet Nam service and experience. SEED is a typical example of how a wannabee can infiltrate a Veterans' organisation if proper screening of applicants does not take place. SEED did serve in the Military, however he has never had any overseas operational service. He is a Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) serviceperson but has no qualifying service. His injury is related to peacetime service only and yet SEED saw fit to steal the honour and valour of Viet Nam Veterans by claiming he had done his time in Viet Nam. His Record of Service is very basic. However, SEED saw fit to embellish this service by resorting to claims of being a Viet Nam War Veteran. This is an example of one that has not been satisfied with his own service history but has resorted to the Wannabee Syndrome. His service information is shown below:
Name : Christopher James SEED
Promotions: Musterings:
1. Trainee Category 2B 23-02-1970 Service History
Leading Aircraftsman SEED started his career with the Royal Australian Air Force on the 23 February 1970 and served at the following units: Leading Aircraftsman SEED dischargedon the 26th of October 1973, Reason "At Own Request"
Leading Aircraftsman SEED re-enlistedin the RAAF on the 1st December 1976 and served at the following units: Leading Aircraftsman SEED dischargedon the 16th December 1980 'Medically Unfit for Further Service' Operational Service: nil Overseas Service: nil Honours and Awards:nil SEED has been caught out early by members of this ESO and therefore there are no photographs of him displaying medals or decorations. However, this does not mean that he has not made claims over preceding years or for that matter, not worn false medals or decorations. Any information relating to these issues can be directed to CPMH from this site. Some of Seed's claims are as follows: He claimed service from 1967 to 1980. The additional three years from 1967 to 1970 happened to be during the Viet Nam War. He claimed serving with SECRET organisations here in Australia referring to places such as Pine Gap. Refer to his service record and you will see this claim is false. He claimed to have done SECRET airborne operations and missions in Viet Nam. More bogus claims. He claimed the unit in Viet Nam was DCA but could not relate what the acronym DCA meant except to say it was a SECRET organisation that did missions in Viet Nam. No such unit served in Viet Nam. He claimed he knew how a highly decorated Viet Nam Veteran felt when discussion was centred around that Veteran's PTSD problems. SEED's TPI pension is for back injury and not PTSD. He drives his vehicle displaying a sticker with the Viet Nam ribbons AASM, VN and VCM shown and the words Mandurah Murray Viet Nam Veterans Group. Vehicle identification shown below
Conclusion SEED got caught out because he did not talk the talk or walk the walk. He got into deep water by being a wannabee and any respect he may have gained by being an injured peacetime serviceperson has now been lost on those that took him into their trust. There is no doubt that SEED would have made other false claims if he had not been caught out early by Viet Nam Veterans. As expressed earlier, ESO's check your membership, check each and every application and in particular check operational service claims. There are plenty of avenues open to check qualifying service. Most Nominal Rolls for the major conflicts are available. This is published in the public interest, particularly that of the Vietnam Veteran Community. All information presented here is fact and the truth. Reports from the private citizens are supported by statement of fact and statutory declarations. |
|
Redfern
 |
Brett Francis Redfern The siege didn’t last long and he was arrested and charged. Because of the serious nature of the charges he was arraigned before the Cairns District Court on 7 Dec 2004,presided over by Judge Peter White. Redfern pleaded guilty. In sentencing submissions, his Defence Council alluded to the fact that Redfern suffers from PTSD as a result of his employment with the Defence Force however because of the nature of the employment it could not be spoken of. |
||
|
His Defence Council said – “Yes. And this particular man, your Honour, has seen operational conduct in a variety of countries. He’s bound – he’s not allowed to talk about it, and he had fought for his country and it is quite apparent, your Honour that he has had to do some horrific things. But your Honour he comes before this court who has suffered the scars of that”.. A Psychology report was tendered to the court as evidence, the Psychological report was not read to the court. Having heard the defence barrister and read the Psychologists report the Judge said: “Normally offences of this nature involve a gaol term, however I am not going to send you to gaol because of the unique circumstances. I accept the background information that has been provided by Mr Goldenberg (The Psychologist) concerning you”. Judge White continued: “The rest of us owe gratitude to people like you as we owe to police officers who work for our protection. I suspect that police officers feel they are not wholly appreciated and probably soldiers feel the same way, but I can tell you as far as I am concerned the work you do and the work police officers do is appreciated. But that experience in the service of your country has led you to suffer severe and ongoing emotional disturbances, which you understand you have, and which before this incident you had taken steps to alleviate. You must realise of course, that given your military training and experience the potential for you to inflict lethal harm on others was great”. Judge White ordered that no conviction be recorded and Redfern be put on a two year good behavior bond of $1,000. A court reporter, for the Cairns Post was present at the trial, this was Simone Knox. After sentencing, the reporter phoned the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to confirm some information about the case. She was informed by the Crown Prosecutor's clerk that Redfern had been in the SAS. Cairns Post editors created the heading "Ordeal of SAS soldier." “Ordeal of SAS Soldier”
“Hero’s breakdown blamed on Post-traumatic stress”
Redfern said about his day in court that he had never mentioned any “Special Service” activity to anybody and the reporter was at fault for sensationalising and further traumatizing a sick soldier of good character. Redfern thought he was safe about his lies because they were contained in a confidential Psychologists report that was privileged information and only read by his legal team and the Judge. For a short time Redfern successfully shifted the blame for his dilemma on to the reporter. Experienced veterans could see through the innuendo of exceptional service given as an excuse for his crime. Investigations then revealed he never served outside of Australia and had experiencedan ordinary career as a soldier. It took little effort to convince the Crown Prosecutor to appeal the sentence and request a review on the basis that the Judges sentence was based on incorrect evidence given to him. The Crown Prosecutor lodged a subpoena and acquired Redfern’s real Military record. On the 9th March 2005 Redfern again fronted the Cairns District Court to answer for the lies about his military career he put forward as mitigating circumstance at his first trial. The Judge read details of Redfern’s real Military Record to the Court saying that he was initially a Storeman and then a Medic (Nurse) and had never set foot outside of Australia.The Judge then read excerpts from the Psychologists report submitted to him as evidence at the first trial; The Judge said Mr Goldenberg reported about Redfern as follows: Report by Sheldon Goldenberg, Psychologist “He enrolled in the Australian Army in 1983 and remained in the service until he was retrenched 14 years later. Mr Redfern reported that although he does not like to talk about his achievements, he was a decorated sergeant and corporal in the military and at times was responsible for hundreds of soldiers during conflicts overseas. He was trained in special forces and was involved in intelligence and reconnaissance activities. He achieved high ranks and promotions on a steady basis and was a highly skilled and trained special service soldier, which Mr Redfern explains taught him to react instantly and effectively in certain circumstances including sieges. Mr Redfern provided numerous examples of his accomplishments and achievements in the military, but was aware that he was also exposed to extreme levels of violence and terror during his career, though at the time he was unable to manage the memories, visions, flashbacks and feelings that would flood into his mind as he attempted to continue his career. He left the military and attempted to reintegrate into a civilian lifestyle but found this extremely difficult and frustrating as he continued to be plagued with his demons from the military experiences. Mr Redfern was trained to commence a lethal response to danger and this is what he was programmed to achieve on a daily basis without exception in the most extreme and nightmarish conditions” The Judge further stated that Redfern’s Barrister said at the first trial: “And this particular man, your Honour, has – he has seen operational conduct in a variety of countries. He’s bound, he’s not allowed to talk about it, and he had fought for his country and it is quite apparent, your Honour, that he has had to do some horrific things.” Redfern’s Barrister told the Judge “Your honour no one likes being duped. I don’t, nor does your honour obviously” In reference to the Psychologists report Redfern’s Barrister further said “Your Honour what was put in front of you was done in good faith” Judge White further commented as follows; “The prisoner did all the right things following the commission of the offence but one. He was very remorseful when spoken to by police. He pleaded guilty at an early stage. His expression of remorse were repeated on the sentence hearing. It is accepted that he had been suffering from significant emotional disturbance. He sought counselling for his problems. The one thing he did wrong was to fabricate a military history to Mr Goldenberg, the psychologist who prepared a report for the sentencing proceeding. He similarly fabricated a military history to Mr McCreanor, his counsel, who spoke of that military history to me in good faith, and I believed it”. The Judge set aside the previous penalty and re-sentenced Redfern to 120 hours community service and ordered that a conviction be recorded. Redfern lied to his Barrister,to his Psychologist to the Judge to his friends and he almost succeeded in blaming a reporter for his situation. After exposure of all the facts it is obvious that Redfern is a devious fraud and a liar. Redfern was caught out by the fact that a Cairns reporter – Simone Knox was in court when his case was heard. Although she was incorrectly informed Redfern was in the SAS, the substance to her story was accurate.Had she not reported the story it would have slipped by as Redfern had planned. Below is the follow-up news report from the Cairns Weekend Post of 12 March 2005.
Redfern would most likely have received reasonable treatment from the court had he disclosed his real military record, as it shows he was an exemplary soldier. He chose to go way over the top and claim international heroic deeds of a clandestine nature. He had no idea that he would be caught out. The question is, if he is prepared to lie to a District Court Judge about his military career how many times and where else has he lied about it? Below is a similar case from the US. The difference between this case and Redferns??? Well look at the last paragraph below and see just how well genuine Veterans are supported in the US. We cant get our government or law enforcers to even arrest our frauds let alone fine or gaol them. Just what is wrong with our judicial system when it comes to protecting the Honour and Service of Australian Veterans. There are literally hundreds of bogus veterans across Australia, our fines have been slightly increased but obviously the maximum amount they can be fined still isn't enough to cover the morning tea for the magistrate and lawyers and while the DPP continues to consider that charging these people "Is not in the public interest" we are never going to see these people charged and removed from our ranks. Americanman charged for lying about service record
Hess explained anyone who presents false testimony under oath is charged with perjury. Aggravated perjury is when anyone who is testifying in an official proceeding provides false information which is material to that proceeding. Under oath in his trial, Isbell reportedly testified regarding his military record and about his duties on patrol in Baghdad. He also said he earned two Bronze Stars, as well as a Purple Heart when he sustained a gunshot wound in the shoulder. He claimed to be on leave from the service because of the injury. A check into his military records, however, revealed Isbell worked in the food service department as a cook and never served in combat. There is no record of awards or medals or verification he was injured. According to information from the Aransas County Sheriff's Office, Isbell reportedly made a statement to Texas Ranger Oscar Rivera admitting his false testimony. An arrest warrant for Isbell on the charge of aggravated perjury was subsequently issued Oct. 15 and he was arrested last week. He posted a $50,000 bondand was released from the Aransas County Jail. Aggravated perjury charge penalties include a prison sentence of two to 10 years and up to a $10,000 fine. This is published in the public interest, particularly that of the Vietnam Veteran Community. All information presented here is fact and the truth. Reports from the private citizens are supported by statement of fact and statutory declarations. |
|||
Lyons
 |
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Walters
 |
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. |
||
|
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.
|
|||
29 June 2005. Not more than one day on the web site and the Merimbula News Weekly have unfolded the true story of Chuck the Marines, Marine. This should be a timely reminder to all the bogus people who check these pages to see if you have been listed, that if you get a letter from us asking you to "please explain" your exploits and service, that you SHOULD NOT IGNORE US. Doing this just confirms to us that there is something amiss and we will check you out via any and all means available.