William Avery Bishop, recognized as Canadian hero Billy Bishop, was born February 8, 1894, in Owen Sound, Ontario. His parents, William A. Bishop, and Margret Bishop had built a substantial living for their children, with William a lawyer and graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, Ontario. Bishop earned the position of a vigorous fighter, defending himself against those who were intractable. He preferred solitary activities, which coerced his expertise in swimming, horseback riding, and shooting. As involved as Bishop was with his extra curricular activities, he was ineffective with his studies, and would abandon any subject or tactic he found inconsequential or elaborate. At the age of 15, Billy Bishop occupied his first actuality
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He wanted to experience life in the skies. Pilots fought in leading edge war machines, received higher pay, and slept in a warm bed at night. Bishop transferred to 60 Squadron at Filescamp Farm, where he trained alongside experienced fighter aces. The life expectancy for an untrained pilot at this time was approximately 11 days, as the German Luftwaffe bombarded Britain’s airfields. Countless casualties were the result of mechanical failures, as many skilled pilots risked their lives excelling at this deadly form of warfare. Billy Bishop did not acquire a successful start to his career. With no prior aviation expertise, he had difficulty controlling his aircraft, which ultimately led to Bishop’s separation from his group. He was almost adjourned from his division, but was asked to stay until a replacement was established. This influenced Bishop to work harder in order to retrieve his post in the division. Just days later he declared his first victory, mortally wounding a decorated enemy pilot. He was personally congratulated for his success, and later re-received into the division. On March 30, 1917, Billy Bishop was specified a flight commander. Returning to his post, Bishop substantially improved, leading his pilots in battle over contentious land. He used the element of surprise as a strategic tactic, winning the Military cross, and was promoted to captain for his heroic and courageous efforts at the Battle of Vimy
He wanted to experience life in the skies. Pilots fought in leading edge war machines, received higher pay, and slept in a warm bed at night. Bishop transferred to 60 Squadron at Filescamp Farm, where he trained alongside experienced fighter aces. The life expectancy for an untrained pilot at this time was approximately 11 days, as the German Luftwaffe bombarded Britain’s airfields. Countless casualties were the result of mechanical failures, as many skilled pilots risked their lives excelling at this deadly form of warfare. Billy Bishop did not acquire a successful start to his career. With no prior aviation expertise, he had difficulty controlling his aircraft, which ultimately led to Bishop’s separation from his group. He was almost adjourned from his division, but was asked to stay until a replacement was established. This influenced Bishop to work harder in order to retrieve his post in the division. Just days later he declared his first victory, mortally wounding a decorated enemy pilot. He was personally congratulated for his success, and later re-received into the division. On March 30, 1917, Billy Bishop was specified a flight commander. Returning to his post, Bishop substantially improved, leading his pilots in battle over contentious land. He used the element of surprise as a strategic tactic, winning the Military cross, and was promoted to captain for his heroic and courageous efforts at the Battle of Vimy