Air Marshal William Avery "Billy" Bishop
Born: February 8, 1894
Died: September 11, 1956
Place of Birth: Owen Sound, Ontario
Major Notes:
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.
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.
For detailed research and more information, check out any of the following:
Billy Bishop Zone
Wikipedia
Canadian Air Aces and Heroes
Billy Bishop Heritage Museum
Canada-Heros Database
First World War.com
Last Updated: April 23, 2008
© Canada-Heros/Don Jones 2003