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.

• Billy Bishop was 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.

• Just prior to WWII, Billy Bishop was appointed to the rank of "Honorary Air Marshall" .

• 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.

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Last Updated: February 18, 2011
© Canada-Heros/Don Jones 2003-2011