Desmond Piers
Royal Canadian Navy officer / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Desmond Piers?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Rear Admiral Desmond William Piers, CM DSC CD (June 12, 1913 – November 1, 2005) was a rear-admiral in the Royal Canadian Navy. Born in Halifax and long-time resident of Chester, Nova Scotia, Piers served in the RCN from 1932 to 1967. In 1930, he was the first graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada (student # 2184) to join the RCN. He became agent general of Nova Scotia in the United Kingdom in 1977.
Desmond William Piers | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | Debby |
Born | (1913-06-12)June 12, 1913 Halifax, Nova Scotia |
Died | November 1, 2005(2005-11-01) (aged 92) Halifax, Nova Scotia |
Allegiance | Canada |
Service/ | Royal Canadian Navy |
Years of service | 1932–1967 |
Rank | Rear Admiral |
Commands held | HMCS Restigouche & 4th Canadian Escort Group (1941–1943); HMCS Algonquin (1944–1945 & 1956–1957); 1st Canadian Destroyer Squadron (1956–1957); Royal Military College (1957) |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Awards | DSC; CM; CD and bar; Hon D.sc.Mil (1978); Klj[1]Freeman of the City of London (1978) |
Other work | Agent-General for Nova Scotia in the UK and Europe (1977–1979); Chairman Canadian Corps of Commissionaires (Nova Scotia Division) |
Rear Admiral Piers is best known for his courageous actions in 1944 when, as the 30-year-old Commanding Officer of HMCS Algonquin, he directly participated in the invasion in France where he guided his ship and her crew through the conflagration of D-Day. In recognition of his actions he received the Légion d'Honneur, France's highest recognition for bravery in military action and service. He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his vigorous and invaluable service at sea during the Battle of the Atlantic.