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What planes did Billy Bishop fly?
During the Second World War, he played an important role in recruiting for the Royal Canadian Air Force and in promoting the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. William A. “Billy” Bishop is in the cockpit of his Nieuport 17 fighter, 60th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps.
How many planes did Billy Bishop shoot down in total?
72 enemy aircraft
In 1915 he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, joining the 60th Squadron in France in 1917. He soon became highly skilled in aerial combat and shot down a total of 72 enemy aircraft, including 25 in one 10-day period.
Which Canadian pilot is responsible for 72 kills in ww1?
Air Marshal William Avery Bishop, VC, CB, DSO & Bar, MC, DFC, ED (8 February 1894 – 11 September 1956) was a Canadian flying ace of the First World War. He was officially credited with 72 victories, making him the top Canadian and British Empire ace of the war, and also received a Victoria Cross.
Who won the Victoria Cross after having shot down over 72 enemy aircraft?
Bishop became the first Canadian airman to win the coveted Victoria Cross. He had an amazing total of 72 confirmed enemy aircraft destroyed, making him the highest-scoring ‘ace’ of the British Empire in World War I.
How many planes did the Red Baron shot down?
80 planes
He suffered headaches and a distinct change in his personality which persisted until his death. Against medical advice he returned to regular flying with his group in October of 1917 downing 18 planes until his death six months later. At the time of his death he had downed 80 planes in all.
Did Billy Bishop get the Victoria Cross?
As one of the pilots providing aerial support during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Bishop shot down 12 planes in April 1917 alone, winning the Military Cross and earning a promotion to Captain. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his single-handed attack on a German airfield near Cambrai, France, on June 2, 1917.
What was the life expectancy of British pilots in ww1?
Aerial Combat In such combat, fighter pilots became “knights of the air” and many were celebrated as heroes. In April 1917, the average life expectancy for new British pilots was eleven days. But some survived and became more experienced, both in fighting and in surviving.
Who was Canada’s famous air ace of ww1?
Billy Bishop
Introduction. Billy Bishop is widely known as the top Canadian Flying ace of the First World War, boasting 72 victories and numerous accolades. He was an Air Marshal and the recipient of many medals. During the Second World War, he was a key player in the implementation of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.
Who was the best Canadian pilot?
George Frederick “Buzz” Beurling, DSO, DFC, DFM & Bar (6 December 1921 – 20 May 1948) was the most successful Canadian fighter pilot and flying ace of the Second World War.
What gun killed the Red Baron?
The best scenario for the death of von Richthofen gives credit to Sergeant Cedric Popkin of the 24th Machine Gun Company of the First Australian Imperial Force who fired his Vickers machine gun at the red Fokker DR1 triplane as it banked to the left and fled to avoid fire from Lewis guns manned by Robert Buie and Snowy …
Who is the most decorated Canadian war hero?
William George Barker
William Barker, in full William George Barker, (born November 3, 1894, Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada—died March 12, 1930, Rockcliffe, Ottawa, Ontario), Canadian World War I fighter pilot who was the most-decorated war hero in Canadian history.
What was the name of Canada’s leading ace in ww1?
William ‘Billy’ Bishop (1894-1956) was Canada’s highest-scoring fighter pilot and one of the war’s top flying aces. Bishop served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps in December 1915.