The Hero: The Story of Chief Petty Officer Max Bernays

In the realm of naval history, the legacy of a Chief Petty Officer from the Royal Canadian Navy named Max Bernays is a story worth exploring. The website dedicated to his life, achievements, and the warship named in his honour provides a deep dive into the maritime world of the early 20th century. This first post outlines the life of Max Bernays, from his achievements in The Second World War to the announcement of his ship.

Chief Petty Officer Max Leopold Bernays' biography is a testament to dedication and bravery. His contributions to the Navy are highlighted through a comprehensive timeline on the website, complete with captivating images and brief yet informative descriptions. From his early days in Victoria, British Columbia, to his service on the seas, each milestone is carefully documented to offer a glimpse into his remarkable journey.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1910, Bernays would begin a multi-generational connection to the Royal Canadian Navy. In 1929, he joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, eventually working on National Steamships in the 1930s. In 1939, Bernays was mobilized to the Atlantic to aid the Canadian war effort.

Bernays' naval story began on small corvette ships such as HMCS Matapedia from 1941-1942. The majority of his time was spent conducting convoy escort duties in the Atlantic alongside the British and American Navies. These dangerous escort duties emphasized the protection of larger material vessels and River-class destroyers as the Allied Powers prepared for an invasion of continental Europe (and the recovery of Britain). Given the volatility of these missions - at the mercy of stealthy German U-boats - lower-level officers such as Bernays were quickly moved through the naval ranks. In March 1942, he was promoted to Acting Chief Petty Officer and Coxswain (senior non-commissioned officer and CPO) to the River-class destroyer HMCS Assiniboine under Lieutenant-Commander John Stubbs RCN. Max's swift promotions and relative lack of experience in this field is critical in further understanding his heroic actions to come.

HMCS Assiniboine as documented by Max Bernays

The crown achievement of Max Bernays' naval career would come aboard the Assiniboine on August 6th, 1942, one that would cement him among Canada's best. Amid a great fog, an intense surface-gun exchange began with the German U-boat U-210. As depicted in the images below, both vessels fired explosive shells at close range, benefiting the nimble U-boat. After taking several explosive hits at close range, the bridge and wheelhouse of the Assiniboine became engulfed in flames and a thick, toxic smoke. In a moment of unrivaled selflessness, Bernays ordered the two remaining junior sailors to leave the bridge, locking himself alone at the helm surrounded by a growing blaze.

Newspaper clipping from the Halifax Herald from 1942 of Assiniboine ramming the U-210 alongside what we believe to be the ship's original badge

Operating alone, Bernays did the job of two telegraphmen, giving over 130 orders to the engine room as stray bullets pierced the bridge. Given the proximity and range of the Assiniboine's weapons, Bernays immediately recognized that the best course of action would be to ram into the U-210. Working in conjunction with the engine room operators, Bernays would maneuver the Assiniboine through the thick Atlantic fog head-on into the U-210. The blow would eventually sink the German U-boat, leaving 13 Canadians wounded, with one casualty. Miraculously, Max Bernays would emerge from the bridge, undaunted by fire.

As documented below, the crew of the Assiniboine would pick up over 10 German survivors before returning to port. During the exchange, depth charges were set too shallow in an attempt to sink the U-210, causing extensive damage to her stern. After lengthy repairs, HMCS Assiniboine returned to escort duties until 1945. She would serve briefly as a troop transport at the end of the Second World War. Immediately after the war, however, she was sent to Baltimore en route to being scrapped - not before sinking off the coast of East Point, Prince Edward Island. The second HMCS Assiniboine (named in honour of the first) was commissioned in August 1956.

Given his unwavering dedication to his country amid the direst of circumstances, Bernays was awarded the second-highest honour for his position: The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM). Bernays was understandably recommended for the Victoria Cross as well, the highest possible honour for any serviceman. Here, however, there is a degree of controversy regarding his awards, as Bernays was ultimately denied the Victoria Cross (VC). Bernays supposedly did not meet the criteria of the VC, which was not known at the time. Many speculate the Crown did not want to award a Canadian with the VC, viewing the award purely as an English merit. The announcement of the HMCS Max Bernays in 2014 only resurfaced the belief that Bernays was robbed of proper recognition for political reasons.

In 2014, the federal government announced a new wave of Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessels (APOVs) to be built and commissioned in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in partnership with Irving Shipyards. Critically, all 6 of these ships would be named after Canadian service heroes, breaking a tradition of naming HMCS vessels solely after locations. This change matched a larger initiative from the RCN to connect Canadians with the navy through "prominent Canadian Heroes."

Additional Images

Newspaper Clipping outlining the victory in the Atlantic