Canadian Naval Hero...

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Naval War Hero Dies at 92
HALIFAX, Nov. 2 /CNW Telbec/ - Rear Admiral Desmond William "Debby"
Piers, DSC, CD, RCN (Ret'd), a Canadian naval legend and a celebrated wartime
hero, died peacefully yesterday in Halifax, N.S. at the age of 92.
Rear Admiral Piers was born in Halifax in 1913. In 1932 he joined the
Royal Canadian Navy, the first graduate of the Royal Military College to do
so, and began what would prove to be a highly distinguished naval career
spanning over three decades.
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
L'Ordre National de la 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.
Following the Second World War, Rear Admiral Piers went on to serve in a
number of key positions including Command of the cruiser HMCS Quebec,
Assistant Chief for Personnel and Administration at NATO Supreme Allied
Commander Atlantic, Senior Canadian Officer Afloat (Atlantic), Commandant of
the Royal Military College, Honorary Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General,
Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, Chairman of the Canadian Joint Staff and
Commander Canadian Defence Liaison Staff in Washington, D.C.
The loss of Rear Admiral Piers will be felt by many in the Navy.
According to Vice-Admiral Bruce MacLean, Chief of the Maritime Staff and
Commander of Canada's Navy, his death marks the end of an era for the Canadian
Navy. "It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Rear Admiral
Piers, an inspirational leader and an enduring symbol of all that is the best
of the naval service. He was a heroic man whose contributions to the Navy are
unparalleled. He will forever be remembered as one of our finest."
Rear Admiral Piers is survived by Janet Piers, his wife and cherished
companion of 64 years.
Funeral arrangements are being coordinated at this time and will be
published as they become available. Questions should be directed to Maritime
Forces Atlantic Public Affairs at (902) 427-6688.



For further information: Maritime Forces Atlantic Public Affairs,
(902) 427-6688; Note to editors: Archival photos of Rear Admiral Piers are
available upon request

Check out some Algonquin stories here...
http://www.jproc.ca/r17/stories.html