 Although Piers received criticism for his group's performance, he had been aggressive in the convoy's defence.This was recognised by the award of the Distinguished Service Cross, some months later

On September 26, 1943, Piers played a key role in an attempt by the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Army to trap a German submarine sent to pick up escaping prisoners of war at Pointe de Maisonnette, New Brunswick.The attempted escape was codenamed Operation Kiebitz by the German authorities.