‘Walter Mitty’ police chief accused of ‘stolen valour’ for wearing Falklands War medal is seen in his Royal Navy intake photo – taken two years after the conflict ended

A photo has been unearthed of a top cop, accused of being a ‘fraud’ for wearing a Falklands War medal, amongst the 1984 intake of the Royal Navy – two years after the conflict with Argentina ended. 

Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable, Nick Adderley, was spotted in a photo which is claimed to be proof that he had joined the Royal Navy two years after the Falklands War had ended in June 1982, when Adderley would have only been 15-years-old. 

The 57-year-old’s photo, discovered by The Sun, shows Adderley pictured amongst the 1984 intake of the Royal Navy at HMS Raleigh.

Adderley served two years with the Royal Navy, according to sources, before joining the police in February 1992 at the age of 25. 

He was also pictured with the medal and wearing what appears to be a Navy Officer hat on Armistice Day in 2019, as revealed exclusively by the MailOnline.

Adderley would have only been 15-years-old at the time of the conflict with Argentina in 1982

It comes as the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launches an investigation into the ‘Walter Mitty’ police chief, who was once tipped to take over the Met Police.

Last night, former detective chief inspector and soldier Mick Neville said: ‘He has insulted veterans with his lies and exaggerations and should resign immediately.’

Chief Constable Adderley said the medal had been given to him by his brother when he emigrated to Australia around 2013.

But last week further photos emerged which showed his brother Rick wearing the South Atlantic Medal in 2020, seven years after it was supposedly gifted to the policeman.

The £165,000-per-year police chief, initially defended himself saying he is ‘very proud of his Cadet, Royal Navy and Police Service’ and that he also wears medals awarded to his brothers.

‘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.’

Constable Adderley pinned the 1982 campaign medal to his chest – despite not joining the Royal Navy until two years later

Adderley has worn the medal to multiple events over the years since his brother’s emigration

Adderley has worn the medal to multiple events over the years since his brother’s emigration

The police watchdog is looking into allegations of potential misrepresentation of his military service, as well as communications with the commissioner. The probe could lead to him being hauled in front of a misconduct hearing.

The police chief has been previously described in press releases and an interview with online police magazine Police Oracle as a Falklands veteran with ten years of experience in the Navy.

In a letter seen by MailOnline, Adderley is described as having ‘over 10 years’ experience in the Navy, but it has since been claimed he actually spent just two years in the forces and was not, as previously claimed, an officer.

He has also been pictured wearing a General Service Medal with a Northern Ireland clasp, despite never serving in the country. It is thought the medal belongs to his other brother Dave, 53.

The IOPC reportedly launched its probe after receiving a tip-off from the local Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner.

Chief Constable Adderley was previously referred to the IOPC after the death of Harry Dunn, 19, who was struck while riding his motorcycle by a car driven by US citizen Anne Sacoolas, who then fled the country.

Adderley described the family’s spokesperson as a ‘problem’ and posted on Twitter describing their legal battles: ‘How sad but how predictable’.

Two months later he apologised to the family.

‘Stolen Valour’ is the term commonly applied to the act of wearing military medals or decorations that have not been earned with the intent to deceive.

It is not an offence in the UK for individuals to wear medals or decorations that they were not awarded – but it is an offence to wear a military medal without permission, according to the UK Parliament’s briefing on Stolen Valour.

The police watchdog is looking into allegations of misrepresentation of his military service. The probe could lead to him being hauled in front of a misconduct hearing.

A spokesman for the Office of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Stephen Mold, said: ‘A complaint from a member of the public concerning the conduct of Chief Constable Nick Adderley was received by the Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, which is responsible for Chief Constable complaints. 

‘A mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office of Police Conduct and the IOPC has confirmed that it is now formally investigating the matter. While that independent investigation is taking place it is not appropriate to comment further.’

Chief Constable Nick Adderley has been contacted for comment.