https://www.cwgc.org/learn/news-and-events/news/2017/08/24/10/45/11-facts-about-the-dieppe-raid
4,963 Canadians embarked on Operation Jubilee, only 2,210 returned to England.
There were 3,367 casualties including 916 Killed in Action.
1,946 Canadians were taken as Prisoners Of War
Puys, France (2017) The landing beach assigned to the Royal Regiment of Canada
In mid 2018, SVC became aware of a potential issue with the medals being worn by the Honorary Colonel of 2 Air Wing HQ @ Bagotville.
We were advised that Mr Perreault, a long-time former CIC officer who had transferred to the Regular Forces as a Logistician, had been wearing 3 medals in his group without lawful authority. The Chancellery at Rideau Hall and the CF’s Directorate of Honours and Recognition had also been made aware of the situation.
We believe that Mr Perreault has absolutely no entitlement to the Centennial Medal (1967), the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal (1977) and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) yet, the ribbons are clearly visible in his official portrait and they were listed on his now deleted RCAF Honorary Colonel biography.
Anecdotally, we have been told that Perreault has also embellished the both the Canadian Forces Decoration and St John Ambulance Service Medal with unearned clasps (this is not reflected in the image of the ribbons above).
Shortly after SVC started asking questions, Mr Perreault was quietly removed from the list of RCAF Honorary Colonels. Was it just a coincidence or, was it something more disturbing? Was Perreault permitted to sneak out the back gate?
Two of the bogus medals that he was wearing pre-date his investiture into the Order of Military Merit and the Order of St Jean. So, that begs the question, will his ongoing membership in these prestigious organizations be reviewed as a result of his medallic fuckery™?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/medals-expelled-military-merit-1.6024218
Ernest Hemingway’s Fiery Rant Against Stolen Valor Is Still Relevant Almost A Century Later
By DANNY LEFFLER on August 9, 2017
Long before Ernest Hemingway wrote, drank and fought his way into the ranks of America’s legendary wordsmiths, the beloved author cut his literary teeth on the beat of a Canadian newspaper. Fresh off a stint driving an ambulance for the Red Cross on the Italian front during World War I, the young Hemingway landed at The Toronto Star Weekly in early 1920, where he covered everything from mobsters to the complete uselessness of wedding gifts — including the rise of stolen valor and the lousy market for war medals that accompanied the end of the Great War.
One of Hemingway’s funniest pieces was “Popular in Peace, Slacker in War,” a sarcastic, mocking lecture for the Canadian citizens who deployed not to the bloody trenches of war-torn Europe with the Canadian armed forces, but to relatively safe jobs in American munitions factories. Sensing these “morally courageous souls” might be a bit ashamed that they were not among their nearly 425,000 fellow countrymen who faced death overseas, the young Hemingway dispensed some sage words to help them pass themselves off as battle-hardened patriots.
Even in the 1920s, donning the proper attire was a crucial part of impersonating a real military man. For this, Hemingway suggests hitting the thrift store for a trench coat and maybe a pair of army boots, which will “convince everyone you meet on the streetcar that you have seen service,” allowing you to “have all the benefits of going to war and none of its drawbacks.”
The phony vet may also face inquiries about why he doesn’t sport the overseas badge of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, to which he should shoot back “I do not care to advertise my military service!” This retort, Hemingway says, will cause the real combat vet “brazenly wearing his button” to feel like a total blowhard.
Papa’s words of wisdom extend into the realm of seduction, too, one of the chief goals of any dirtbag who unjustly dons military dress. If a “sweet young thing at a dance” asks you if you ever met this or that major, he writes, “merely say ‘No,’ in a distant tone. That will put her in her place…” Looking wistfully into a glass of booze works well, too: As Hemingway himself knew, ladies love the strong, silent type.
The key to maintaining the ruse, of course, is research. Hemingway advises the pretend soldier to learn some classic French songs and to get his hands on a solid literary war history, which will empower him to “prove the average returned veteran a pinnacle of inaccuracy,” since “the average soldier has a very abominable memory for names and dates.” “With a little conscientious study,” he writes, “you should be able to prove to the man who was at first and second Ypres that he was not there at all.”
Acting the part is important, too. “Be modest and unassuming,” Hemingway goes on, “and you will have no trouble. If anyone at the office addresses you as ‘major,’ wave your hand, smile deprecatingly and say, ‘No; not quite major.’ After that,” he writes, “you will be known to the office as captain.”
Those unfamiliar with Hemingway’s sardonic, tongue-in-cheek style may take his guide literally, an actual roadmap to usurping the honor that comes with military service. But Papa makes his feelings about stolen valor very clear in the closing section of his piece.
“Now you have service at the front, proven patriotism and a commission firmly established, there is only one thing left to do,” writes Hemingway.
“Go to your room alone some night. Take your bankbook out of your desk and read it through. Put it back in your desk. Stand in front of your mirror and look yourself in the eye and remember that there are fifty-six thousand Canadians dead in France and Flanders. Then turn out the light and go to bed
Jack Proulx Oliver, BC
There is likely much more to his story as stolen valour is often just the tip of the iceberg…
In the Summer of 2017, SVC was asked to have a look at Mr Milan Kres’ claims after he made some outrageous claims on multiple Airborne and Special Forces webpages and forums.
He claimed to have been an airborne soldier and special forces operator who had deployed world wide and lost men in battle.
Mr Kres has absolutely NO lawful entitlement to these medals and and what they represent.
Nice try shit ball… Not really!
When questioned by legitimate soldiers, Kres produced his serialized Canadian Airborne Regiment coin as proof of service. The coin pictured, is a poor copy of the original version and can be bought online $24.99 / engraving is extra…
What we do know, Kres was militia member with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment in the late 1970s, he left the Reserve Force after a short period of time, and then did all of his soldiering on-line, at military surplus stores and in the tattoo parlour.
Former Private Kres has yet to apologize for his actions, surrender the bogus items, and he continues to be seen at military related events in the Edmonton area.
Lest we forget.
*** UPDATE – 4 August 2020 ***
Way back in 2017, SVC was asked to look at the claims being made by Milan Helmut KRES of Edmonton Alberta. He claimed to have been an airborne soldier and special forces operator who had deployed on operations world wide and lost men in battle.
His claims resulted in considerable discussion in veterans forums and we took every efforts to contact him in order to sort out the situation.
His response?
Kres deleted the images of the medals, insignia and certificates and went silent.
Perhaps, he heard foot steps after SVC initiated the “Shameless Sunday” showcase of unrepentant posers, fakes and embellishers who had yet to responsibility for their actions.
After 3 years of silence Mr Kres contacted us last week and stated that he wanted to make amends and asked what steps he had to take in order to do so.
As the window to pursue criminal charges against him had long since closed, Kres was advised that a public apology for his reprehensible actions would be a starting point.
He was further advised that surrendering the bogus medals, badges, insignia and certificates for appropriate disposal action would confirm his commitment to never use them as props in a game of military make believe.
A SVC representative met with Kres on 4 August 2020 and took control of assorted bogus items. These items will be properly disposed of / placed on display in military facilities as appropriate or applicable.
SVC has now closed the file on this matter.
We were sent links to a story in which David Eugene Christie detailed his exploits in South East Asia / Vietnam. The conflict between the stories and recorded history was apparent from the start, and our research team took action.
What we have learned, Christie was a member of the Royal Canadian Navy & he was shown the door very shortly after completing recruit school (serial 6934) at CFB Cornwallis, NS. He was never qualified as a radioman or “medic” however, he claims he volunteered to deployed to the Republic of Vietnam with a “non-combatant” platoon of medical evacuation lifesavers and he was personally responsible for saving over 100 lives.
Christie says that he spent 15 months in country with 1st Div/2nd Reg Medevac Unit #6934, quite the coincidence that his medevac unit would have the same number as his recruit school serial…
Now, why would he be wearing a WW2 medal group and the hat badge of a unit he never served in?
Obviously, many people have been negatively impacted by his lies including family, friends & legion mates. We understand that they are all shocked to discover that’s he’s not the man they thought he was.
Mr Christie most likely believes that what he has perpetrated is essentially, harmless and victimless however, his published fairy tales resulted in considerable grief to the surviving sister of then, 19 year old Ranger Sergeant Rob McSorley, a Canadian who was killed in action in Vietnam while serving with L Company (Ranger), 75th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.
Rob’s sister wrote “ This fellow makes me very angry! How dare a fake like him even mention Rob’s name. This is disgusting!! My brother was an honourable man & unfortunately died at a young age – a little over a week past his 19th birthday. Even after all these years, it is still painful & I miss him every day. Mr. Christie has no honour & he should refrain from mentioning my brother’s name in future as he didn’t know him or experience what he went through as he wasn’t there. Mr. Christie, if you’re reading this, please own up to being a fake. In other words, be a MAN!! My brother was more of a man at 18/19 than you will ever”
Sgt Rob McSorley
KIA 8 April 1970
http://www.virtualwall.org/dm/McsorleyRG01a.htm
We live in Cape Breton, and for about the last 10 years he (Mr Christie) has been “dressing up” and attending as a “veteran”- Remembrance Day Ceremonies in communities in our surrounding areas as well as schools.
Christie claims that his CO from his Vietnam days, travelled to Cape Breton to award him his Vietnam Campaign Medal..
Christie’s personal shrine which includes a WW2 “six pack” and assorted privately purchased medals of no legal standing.
Time to apologize for your reprehensible actions, surrender the bogus items and just fade away Mr Christie…
Mr Elwyn/Elwin David EVANS of Teulon / Komarno MANITOBA claims he served in 2 Squadron of the SAS and was taken POW in Vietnam however, Australian Government records tell a different story. The Aus SASR and the NZ SAS served in Vietnam, and there are legends that the UK SAS may have fought alongside them. However, there were No Diggers or Kiwis taken POW during the Vietnam War, and it isn’t a great stretch of the imagination to say that there were no UK POWs either. Mr EVANS is just another just another poser who believes standing next to legitimate veterans, serving CF and RCMP members validates his claims…
Evans has never heard the Odd Angry Shot, the closest he got was the Routine Painful Shit!
Regardless of his claimed country of origin and service, Evans isn’t a recipient of the Military Cross (MC)! He’s rockin’ Sergeant’s rank badges, and during his time of his “service” in Vietnam only Officers below the rank of Major and Warrant Officers were eligible recipients…
He’s not listed on any of the MC databases (UK, Aus, NZ). This dude is an imposter who has worn a pseudo-uniform adorned with unearned medals & insignia and spews tales of his adventures in SE Asia for a gullible audience!
Military Cross (MC)– A third tier gallantry medal, roughly equivalent to Canada’s Medal of Military Valour (MMV), awarded by the UK, Australia, New Zealand and previously Canada.
The MC was/is awarded for exemplary gallantry in the field, and was available only to Warrant Officers and Officers prior to 1993. This would preclude “Sergeant” EVANS for being so recognized during the Vietnam War.
All MCs are named with the recipient’s name and year of the award. Mr Evans claims that his medal is a replacement that he received after the original one was destroyed in a fire!
General Service Medal 1962 (GSM) – The GSM, occasionally referred to as the General Campaign Medal, was awarded for “minor” campaign service (1962-2007). The medal always has an accompanying bar(s) detailing the specific campaign(s). The most common bar would be ‘NORTHERN IRELAND” however, there was a “SOUTH VIETNAM” bar awarded to a very limited number of Australian Army and Air Force Personnel.
All GSMs are named with the recipient’s Name, Rank, Corps / Regiment.
Interestingly, EVANS is wearing 2 General Service Medals side by side!
United Nations Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) Medal – a service medal awarded to individuals who served a minimum of 90 days as a member of the UN Force in Cyprus after 26 March 1964. Evans claims that he earned this medal as a member of the 6th (Welch) Bn of the Parachute Regiment in 1963-4. Documents show that 6 Para was amalgamated with 4 Para in 1947 and subsequently designated 1 Para in 1948, making it difficult for Evans to deployed to Cyprus with 6 Para in any capacity as that unit didn’t exist. For the record, 1st Bn The Parachute Regiment deployed to Cyprus Mar-May 1964 and then returned to garrison duty in Bahrain.
SV-C has searched the London Gazette, which lists the details of UK national level honours and awards, EVANS in not listed as Military Cross (MC) recipient. Nor, is he listed as an Australian recipient of the MC. As the MC was awarded only to Warrant Officers and Officers until 1993, this would certainly preclude “Sergeant” EVANS for being so recognized during the Vietnam War.
Elwyn Evans contacted us in December 2019 and demanded that we remove the posts detailing his medallic fuckery™ from all SVC platforms or, he would be taking legal action against us.
So, according to Evans, over the course of 4 years (1963-1967)
*He joined the Brit Army,
*Trained as an infantryman,
*Qualified as a paratrooper,
*Served as a Peacekeeper in Cyprus,
*Was promoted to Sergeant,
*Earned his blade badge with the SAS,
*Fought in Vietnam with the US Army @ Ia Drang in 1965,
*Taken prisoner by the Viet Cong,
*Escaped from captivity,
*Fought his way back to friendly forces,
*Awarded the Military Cross,
*2 tours of duty in Northern Ireland and,
*Emigrated to Canada.
Cool story Bro!
As per our SOPs, we invited him to prove us wrong.
Evans then provided us with a long list of his “proof of service” including images of his now expanded group of medals and an image purporting to be him as a Sergeant in the UK Special Air Service Regiment.
The 8 of the medals Evans wears are privately purchased, commemorative medals of no legal standing, they are self awarded, make believe embellishments “recognizing” his fictional military service.
The trinkets include the British Forces Campaign Medal, the Prisoner of War Medal General Service Medal, the British Army of the Rhine Medal, the Parachute Regiment medallion, the Cold War Medal, the Special Forces Medal, the Veterans Star and the Vietnam Veterans Medal…
Anyone can purchase them for on line for a few hundred bucks plus shipping and handling.
Like convicted Valour Thief Peter Miklos Toth of Red Deer Alberta, Evans figured that parading with CF members and the RCMP on Remembrance Day 2016 would bring some legitimacy to his medallic fuckery™
The uniform, insignia and head dress that EVANS is wearing are nothing more than a fantasy creation. 2nd Special Air Service (SAS) was disbanded shortly after the 2nd World War, therefore the insignia are incorrect regardless, he’s not old enough to have soldiered during WW2!
The winged blade badge of the SAS would be sewn on a tan beret, and not what appears to be either the head dress of the United Nations or the UK Army Air Corps. The distinctive parachute wings are SAS specific and awarded only to members of the SAS Regiment.
He is also a convicted prohibited weapons manufacturer however, POW medals aren’t “awarded” for a custodial sentence at Stoney Mountain Prison…
https://winnipegsun.com/2012/09/26/crown-takes-aim-at-lengthy-weapons-sentence
Oh, we almost forgot the picture, remember the one with showing Evans as a SAS Sergeant in 1964? A quick image search shows that it’s actually Israeli Defence Force SF operators rehearsing just prior to the Entebbe Raid in 1976.
SVC now believes that Mister Elwyn David Evans has jumped to more time periods than Marty McFly!
Evans has also been show cased on our partner’s page in the US.
Elwyn Evans; Canadian phony
We were asked to review a number of photographic images of “Sergeant” Robert Cooper who resides in the Wetaskiwin, Alberta area.
Our review identified many inconsistencies in his medallic display and, when combined with his confusing claims of service, that gave us cause to question his entire military narrative.
Our team conducted a thorough review of all available records, this included websites, newspaper articles, photographic images, regimental tour books, searchable data bases of medal recipients and extracts from military documents in Canada and the US in order to determine the legitimacy of his claims.
SV-C then reached out to the regimental and corps associations, their museums and other organizations in which Cooper has claimed to have served. The publicly accessible records, that we have had the opportunity to review, do not support the majority of his claims. The absence of verifiable records alone does not conclusively prove that an individual is a fake or embellisher, it just indicates that there are no records…
Mr Cooper has been playing his came for a number of years until the RCMP came knocking on his door.
From the images we were asked to review, It appears that the individual is wearing the Medal of Bravery (MB) and the Sacrifice Medal (SM). Fortunately, one’s entitlement to the MB is easily confirmed via the list of recipients available on the Governor General’s website ( http://gg.ca/honours.aspx?lan=eng ). Not surprisingly, Cooper is not listed.
Entitlement to the SM is somewhat more difficult, there have been approximately 850 awarded since its creation and the names of the living recipients are not in the public domain, except for the individuals who received their’s @ Rideau Hall during the initial presentation ceremony. That being said, it’s virtually impossible for a living individual to have a SM without an accompanying campaign medal.
Cooper claims this group of medals from his “service” as a civilian contractor working for the US Army and USMC.
US Purple Heart Medal – In 1997, at the urging of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the US Congress passed legislation prohibiting future awards of the Purple Heart to civilians. Today, the Purple Heart is reserved for men and women in uniform. Civilian employees of the U.S. Department of Defense who are killed or wounded as a result of hostile action may receive the Defense of Freedom Medal created after the terrorist attacks on 11 Sept 2001.
Once again, purchasing a bogus certificate and wearing a fake medal doesn’t change simple arithmetic and recorded history!
What we do know, Cooper was a Signalman (Private) radio operator in I Headquarters and Signal Squadron located in CFB Calgary in the early 1980s. By all accounts, he had a some what lack lustre career trajectory, he couldn’t pass the Battle Fitness Tests required of all soldiers in the field force and it’s reported he went AWOL on at least 2 occasions! And, he was shown the door…
It appears that Mr Cooper doesn’t have a leg to stand on when it comes to his claim of being involved in a mine strike! And, if you are offended by this caption perhaps, you should direct your ire towards Mr Cooper, an individual who portrays himself as a combat wounded vet!
Franck GERVAIS
Cantley, Quebec.
Gervais pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful use of military uniforms and unlawful use of military decoration while dressed as a sergeant while attending Remembrance Day services at the National War Memorial in 2014.
Two charges of impersonating a public officer were withdrawn.
He received one year of probation and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service through a restorative justice program.
Of course, he has nice wedding pictures too…
