DENOMY, F/O Bernard Charles (J11265) - Distinguished Service Order - No.162 (BR) Squadron - Award effective 28 July 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1729/44 dated 11 August 1944. Born 26 January 1920 in Chatham, Ontario; home there or Temiskaming, Quebec; enlisted in Port Arthur, Ontario, 5 May 1941. At No.2 Manning Depot, Brandon, 12 July to 15 August 1941; at No.10 SFTS, Dauphin (non-flying duties), 16 August to 13 September 1941. Trained at No.2 ITS, Regina (graduated 8 November 1941), No.8 EFTS, Vancouver (graduated 2 January 1942), and No.11 SFTS (graduated and commissioned on 24 April 1942). Atended No.31 GRS, Charlottetown, 23 May to 22 August 1942; attended No.1 GRS, Summerside, 23 August 1942 to 15 February 1943; attended No.3 OTU, Patricia Bay, 16 February to 29 May 1943; to Eastern Air Command, 30 May 1943; to No.162 (BR) Squadron, 1 June 1943; to Eastern Air Command Headquarters, 14 September 1944. To AFHQ, Ottawa, 8 July 1945. Joined postwar Permanent Force, 1 October 1946 in rank of Flight Lieutenant; to Staff College, Toronto, 10 October 1947; to No.426 Squadron, Dorval, 28 July 1947; to Canadian Joint Staff, Washington, 7 July 1950; promoted Squadron Leader, 1 January 1951; to AFHQ, Ottawa, 3 August 1953; to Staff College, 8 July 1957; to No.3 Wing, Zweibrucken, 15 July 1960; promoted Wing Commander, 14 August 1961; to Station Uplands, 6 July 1963. Retired 23 February 1966. Died in London, Ontario, 28 March 1966. At the time of the action he had flown 877 hours solo (524 on Canso aircraft) and 101 hours dual (eight on Canso aircraft). He had logged 34 hours on instruments and 101 hours at night. Cited with F/Os Graham Campbell and Sidney E. Matheson (DFCs) and Flight Sergeants Israel J. Bodnoff and Sydney R. Cole (DFMs). These officers and airmen were members of the crew of the aircraft captained by Flight Lieutenant Hornell, who successfully engaged a U-Boat in northern waters. In the engagement they displayed a high degree of courage, discipline and devotion to duty, co-operating splendidly with their captain in his determination to destroy the enemy submarine. Subsequently they suffered great hardships whilst adrift on the sea. During this long period each member of the crew assisted the others to the utmost extent, unmindful of his own distress. NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/9158 has recommendation raised 1 July 1944 by the Officer Commanding, RAF Station Wick. It noted that Denomy had flown approximately 40 sorties (450 operational hours): Flying Officer Denomy was second pilot of Canso \"P\" of 162 Squadron which carried out a successful attack on 24th June against a U=Boat. This officer in the face of devastating anti-aircraft fire from the U-Boat showed exceptional courage and devotion to duty in assisting the captain to retain control of the severely damaged aircraft, which, during the run in to the attack, was being hit repeatedly. The aircraft was almost out of control due to the starboard engine being out of action and on fire. It was undoubtedly due to his assistance and exertions that the crippled aircraft was enabled to achieve the sinking of the U-Boat immediately before the starboard engine fell out, and the aircraft was forced to ditch. During the 21 hours which the survivors spent in the water before being rescued, he maintained their morale on the highest level and did all in his power to assist those in distress. There is little doubt that Flying Officer Campbell would have died but for his efforts. I have no hesitation in strongly recommending him for the award of the Distinguished Service Order which he so richly deserves. To this the Air Officer Commanding, No.18 Group, added (2 July 1944): There is little doubt that Flying Officer Denomy did much to assist Flight Lieutenant Hornell during this gallant attack. His behaviour throughout the action and subsequently is deserving of the highest praise. Strongly recommended for the immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order.