Police chief faces ‘Walter Mitty’ probe after being pictured wearing Falklands medal despite being 15 at time of war
A POLICE chief constable is under investigation for wearing a Falklands combat medal — even though he was 15 during the war.
Nick Adderley, 57, faces allegations he is a fantasist after repeatedly sporting the South Atlantic Medal.
It is understood that Northamptonshire Police’s top cop enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1984, two years after the Argentina conflict.
The police watchdog is investigating following a complaint. Mr Adderley could face a gross misconduct board and dismissal.
Former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West, awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for bravery in the Falklands, said: “It’s very unfortunate when someone wears a medal they are not entitled to.
“They are misleading themselves and misleading people around them, especially if they are in a position of authority.”
Rear Admiral Doctor Chris Parry, who helped sink an enemy sub and rescued an SAS unit during the Falklands War, added: “If a person lies about medals what else would they lie about?”
The cop, praised for supporting military veterans, has proudly worn five mounted medals at a string of events, including in July at the Police Bravery Awards.
His South Atlantic Medal and rosette was awarded to anyone who served at least one day in the Falklands combat zone.
Records show that Mr Adderley joined the Royal Navy at 18 after a spell in the cadets from 15.
A Navy source said: “We didn’t send cadets to the Falklands.
“The last time that happened was Gallipoli in World War One.”
A Northamptonshire Police press release in July said he served “in the Navy for ten years including the Falklands”. However it was later removed from its website.
He has also worn a Campaign Service Medal, typically awarded for duties in Northern Ireland. The Independent Office for Police Conduct said an “initial assessment” was made after a referral from the local Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner.
It is now investigating allegations of potential misrepresentation of his military service as well as communications with the commissioner.
He said he has now changed the side of his chest he wears them.
Chief Constable Nick Adderley said: “I have been made aware of a complaint in general terms but have not had any notices served upon me by the IOPC.
“It is disappointing that someone has leaked such details about what I deem to be a very personal family issue, that I have yet to respond to formally.
“Consequently I am restricted in what I can say but I have always been keen to respond to such issues directly and openly. Hence it is important that I state for the public record that I am very proud of my Cadet, Royal Navy and Police Service.
“Coming from a military family, I wear all my medals with pride and have always worn the two medals my brothers gave me to wear when one became critically ill and one emigrated, alongside my own.
“Having been made aware of this complaint, which has a private family impact upon me personally, I immediately took advice last week regarding the protocol and have changed the side of my chest on which these medals are worn.
“I look forward to providing the IOPC with a fulsome response at the earliest opportunity and I fully appreciate that they have a job to do.”