Military Cross

Mentioned  in Dispatches (2)

USA Purple Heart

1939/1945 Star

Africa Star

Defence Medal

1939/1945 War Medal

Cadet Forces Medal

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal

Royal Horse Artillery Badge

Long Range Desert Group Badge

and as can be seen by his photograph, two awards which resemble knighthoods of the realm. medals here

 A request for assistance with British Naval and Military Research shows that an extensive check was completed to verify the bona fides of Capt PONTING MC and it was verified that he served in the Royal Artillery from 1946 to 1948.  The only overseas service recorded shows he served in Palestine in the rank of Lance Bombardier - and for such service was awarded the British General Service Medal (GSM) with clasp Palestine.  This man has been issued with one official medal only.  Why is it then he wears a Military Cross which can only be awarded to a Commissioned Officer??

 Step back in time to ANZAC Day 1982, when "Tony" was charged at the City Watch House Melbourne for wearing medals he had no entitlement to, and impersonating a returned serviceman.  Appearing in court on 27 January 1983 Tony was found guilty of the the first charge and fined $100.

 Step forward to ANZAC Day this year (2003) and two reliable witnesses attest to the fact PONTING attended the dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance and the "Gunfire Breakfast" which follows at Victoria Barracks, fully resplendent in his Military Cross and full rack of medals and assorted scrap metal.  A current financial member of the Healeseville (Vic) RSL, Tony has also been seen in the immediate past wearing a chest full of medals at their commemorative services - and yes - he still wears his Military Cross.

 PONTING was sent correspondence from CPMH and given the opportunity to explain his actions - a deadline was given and of course no answer was forthcoming. Naturally if one can lie about ones service then one can also lie about receiving mail.  Proof of the letter is here   A physical letter drop was also conducted to his home by CPMH members and still no reaction was received.  Telephoned by a Victorian CPMH rep PONTING denied he had  received any mail and defended his right to wear  the bogus medals he portrays, stating: "Every medal I wear I earned"!

 Tony - this is your life - having already been found guilty of wearing medals of no entitlement back in1983 - guess what??  No more $100 fines.....have a long read of the new penalties for pretenders and stealers of real Veterans feats.

You are a disgrace to the Veteran title, whatever happens to you in the near future, you more than deserve.