A “WAR hero” who laid a wreath on Remembrance Sunday has been unmasked as a fantasist.

The man calling himself David Stocks wore a George Cross, the second highest award for valour, plus an SAS beret and badge.

2 The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association are convinced the man, who identified himself as David Stocks, is not one of the 19 living recipients Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

There are 19 living recipients of the GC and he is not one. Veterans at the Chester Cathedral service told the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association of the man who is believed to be from Barnsley or Manchester.

He claimed to have been in the Paras at the Falklands, and in Iraq and Afghanistan during a 40-year career.

The Walter Mitty Hunters Club, set up to unmask people who pose as ex-service personnel, said: “We present another bluffing w***spangle in the form of David Stocks. His full rack (of medals) would make Idi Amin blush.”

2 Veterans became suspicious after seeing the man wearing the medals at Chester Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday

Do you know the man? Call 02077824351 or email abe.hawken@thesun.co.uk

Members said he was wearing the beret wrongly and the medals were too low on his chest. A Facebook follower added: “Why is it always Special Forces or Para?

“Don’t these ‘individuals’ realise the real gentlemen belonging to these Regiments all know each other!”

The Victoria Cross and George Cross (VCGC) Association is now convinced the man is not one of 19 living recipients of the George Cross medal.

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A spokesman said: "Sadly, this individual felt the need to imply, by the wearing of the medal along with others that spanned over forty years of supposed service to the Nation, that he had been awarded the George Cross.

"For the removal of any doubt, he has not. The Association is not in a position to comment on the veracity of his other medals."

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