KINGSTON, Ont. ─ After years of impersonating a Canadian military officer at events in and around Kingston, Ont., Carl Dale turned in his uniform to military officials on Wednesday.

Dale met with Lt.-Col. Ron Bell of the Royal Canadian Regiment and was said to be remorseful for his actions and joining several veteran motorcycle groups under false pretences.

His actions were first brought to the attention of QMI Agency by several former military members, including Dave Banks, president of the Kingston Branch of Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry Association (PPCLI) and retired lieutenant-colonel.

Calls to Dale’s home on Wednesday went unanswered and messages were not returned.

Dale is the second fake soldier exposed in recent weeks. David Dodd, of Peterborough, apologized Jan. 22 for pretending to be a combat veteran. He was found out after making false claims on a Facebook page.

Last week, Dale was in contact with QMI Agency saying he was being harassed, bullied and threatened by someone in Ottawa over the issue and said that he was planning to consult a lawyer.

Dale admitted he was never a captain in the PPCLI, but claimed he had served in the reserves for five years.

“It was years ago, I'm not any longer. That was not my career,” said Dale, who said he is a contractor.

A search of the PPCLI's global database did not turn up anyone named Carl Dale.

He also denied wearing medals on his uniform despite a widely-distributed photograph showing him wearing one under his name tag.

But by Tuesday it appeared Dale had a change of heart and by noon on Wednesday Banks had received Dale's uniform.

Banks said he became aware of Dale's actions a few months ago, but couldn't understand how Dale blended in during military events without being noticed as a 'poser,’ pointing out numerous ways Dale wore the uniform and medals incorrectly.

Banks provided a variety of photos of Dale, most at military events. One photo shows him in a full Canadian army captain's uniform sitting next to and holding hands with a woman in a wedding dress.

Banks said Dale's tried the same tactics with other organizations for retired military members.

“He's got a long history of being kicked out of other organizations for the same problem,” he said, pointing to the Canadian Army Veterans, also known as CAV, a motorcycle organization of retired military personnel. He was also asked to leave the Canadian Veterans Freedom Riders.

Impersonating a military member could lead to a charge of unlawful use of military uniforms or certificates. Banks said he doesn't plan to press charges, because Dale’s given up his impersonation and apologized.

However, Bill Finlayson, co-founder of Stolen Valour, which exposes military imposters, said his group still intends to file charges against Dale with the Kingston Police.

“After speaking with other members of Stolen Valour Canada we have decided to go against the recommendation of the PPCLI Association's decision not to have Mr. Dale charged, and instead will be making an application to Crown (counsel in Kingston) to indeed try and have Mr. Dale charged,” wrote Finlayson, retired from PPCLI, in an email to QMI Agency

-With files from QMI Agency

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