Air Marshal William Avery "Billy" Bishop

Born: February 8, 1894
Died: September 11, 1956
Place of Birth: Owen Sound, Ontario

• Billy Bishop is said to be Canada's most famous pilot.

• Prior to becoming a pilot, Bishop was a reluctant member of the Canadian cavalry.

• He was inspired to learn to fly after seeing an airplane land and take off.

• Bishop was the top ace of the British Empire in World War I.

• Credited with shooting down 72 enemy airplanes in WWI.

• One of the most decorated Canadian pilots in WWI.

• His first award was the Military Cross in April, 1917.

• His awards also included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Victoria Cross.

• Bishop was instrumental in helping to form the Royal Canadian Air Force.

• Appointed the rank of "Honorary Air Marshall" just prior to WWII.

• He tried without success to re-enlist into the RCAF for the Korean War.

• Billy Bishop was a major role model for the enlistment of young pilots.

Last Updated: April 23, 2008
© Canada-Heros/Don Jones 2003