On 11 April 1945, 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade was making an assault crossing of the Ijssel River. The 4th Canadian Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers was responsible for the construction of a 3, 60-foot F.B.E bridge at this point. Acting Corporal Bayley was in charge of a raft construction site with one section of engineers under his command.
The raft construction site of which Corporal Bayley was in charge was in full view of the enemy. The enemy in an attempt to deny this important crossing to 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade had brought down heavy artillery fire on the immediate vicinity of the bridging site. Corporal Bayley, realizing the importance of his task, carried on with his duties despite the continuous shelling. Under these harassing conditions and at great risk to his own personal safety he organized and maintained the work on the construction site for which he was responsible. By his fine example of courage and leadership, he inspired his section to their maximum effort. At one time, the shelling became so intense that six of his section became casualties within a few minutes. Nevertheless he carried on and by his calmness and steady direction he so inspired his own section and the personnel of two other platoons working beside him that the bridging was completed in record time.
As a result of this rapid construction, 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade were abe to quickly continue their advance and to secure their objective on the far side of the river.