By March 1942 Bernays had achieved the rank of Acting Chief Petty Officer and was the Coxswain aboard HMCS Assiniboine, a River-class destroyer.

Bernays manned the helm and did the work of the two telegraph operators while Stubbs gave orders to ram U-210.

[2] As the gun battle grew in intensity, Assiniboine rammed U-210 abaft of her conning tower, crippling the submarine.

His actions displayed such a degree of courage that a prominent flag officer in the RCN recommended him for the Victoria Cross.

Murray believed that "the manner in which this comparatively young rating remained at his post, alone, and carried out the 133 telegraph orders as well as the many helm orders necessary to accomplish the destruction of this submarine, whilst the wheelhouse was being pierced by explosive shell from the enemy's Oerlikon gun and his only exit was cut off by fire, is not only in keeping with the highest traditions of the Service but adds considerably to those traditions.