Desmond Piers

Who was Desmond Piers?

Rear Admiral Desmond William Piers, CM DSC CD 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 to join the RCN. He became agent general of Nova Scotia in the United Kingdom in 1977.

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.