Fake Falklands veteran exposed as ‘Walter Mitty’
A COUNCILLOR who claimed he was shot 21 times by the IRA has quit after being exposed as aWalter Mitty.
Josh King pretended he had served in 2 Para in the Falklands War and in Northern Ireland but was outed by a group which unmasks fake soldiers.
King, 62, had been honoured on military parades, wearing medals and a Parachute Regiment beret – but has since admitted they were not his and has confessed to falsifying his record.
He apologised online for lying, claiming three strokes had left him with brain damage: “My cousin was the one who served, I never got to do that.
“I used his life as my own, maybe out of jealousy or anger to what happened to me. I was involved in a car accident that put me in the [wheelchair]. I’m kind of relieved it’s out now, but I can only beg your forgiveness.”
King of Wroughton, Wilts, had claimed six years ago an IRA attack put him in a wheelchair, as one of four survivors of an 11-man Army patrol.
Wroughton Parish Council gave him the honour of leading a wreath-laying on June 14 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict.
The Walter Mitty Hunters Club, which exposed King, claim he even cast doubt on the service of genuine veterans, to mask his own lies.
Council chairman John Hewer said King had let down the community: “Wroughton Parish Council is deeply disappointed by the actions of former councillor Mr Josh King who resigned on June 21. Mr King has misled the parish council and the community.
“Mr King has since apologised and is no longer associated with Wroughton Parish Council.”
The online club said King was brought to their attention by villagers at the Falklands parade. A spokesman said: “When asked his platoon and Army number he claimed he could not remember due to his PTSD.
“He was also heard questioning the authenticity of veterans at the parade who asked which naturally angered genuine veterans.
“King’s mugshot and claims were seen amongst members of the Parachute Regiment. Not one individual knew him.”