They claim that so-called ‘stolen valour’ offences should be made criminal matters and that perpetrators should be locked up or slapped with community service.
Former Royal Navy radio operator Karen Stevenson has been the latest vet to act, launching an online petition and calling on MPs to draft a new law.
Her demands echo similar calls from South Atlantic Medal Association chairman and ex-Para Tom Herring and others who have now said enough is enough.
Stevenson, who served on aircraft carrier HMS Invincible during the wars in former Yugoslavia of the 1990s, said fantasists were disrespectful to real veterans.
She told Soldier: “Lying about military service and falsely wearing uniforms or medals is a huge insult to those in the armed forces community.
“I come from a military family. Like me, my father saw service and went to sea so I feel strongly about this issue.
“Nobody should be able to claim service or wear medals they have not earned – and the worst offenders should face prison or a community penalty.”
The petition had nearly 2,000 signatures as this issue went to press.
If it reaches 10,000 by the time it closes at the end of September, the government will respond.
Stevenson – who was in uniform for six years until 1995 – said she had decided to take action after the sacking of Northamptonshire Police chief constable Nick Adderley.
A disciplinary hearing last year was told that the former top cop had made false claims about his Royal Navy service and worn a South Atlantic Medal to which he was not entitled. Search ‘stolen valour petition, Karen Stevenson’ for more info.
