I was very interested to scrutinise the medals, blazer badge and lapel pins in the photo of the ‘veteran’ published by this newspaper on November 11.

Medals similar to the ones that are displayed upon his left breast can be purchased. They are commemorative. The only exception is the Queens Golden Jubilee medal, which a ‘veteran’ who had been a serving man would have received by right.

The other interesting point in the picture is the blazer badge: Malta Defence WWII.

Above all the medals is a veteran’s pin on the lapel and which appears to be a Gurkha badge: Crossed Khukris. I know of this because I served with them in Borneo in 1962 and received a tie from their major.

Unless criteria have changed, all purchased medals should be worn on the right breast, underneath deceased family decorations. The point I am making is that the showing of any medals without entitlement (unless paid for) really cheapens those who have died in conflicts.

I would like to meet the man featured in the picturer and discuss this issue with him.