Billy Bishop Flying Ace and war hero
On My Walk: Discovering Canada’s Greatest Flying Ace — Billy Bishop
Last summer, on my way back from Tobermory, I made a stop in Owen Sound, Ontario, and wandered through Greenwood Cemetery. There, I came across the final resting place of one of Canada’s greatest war heroes—Air Marshal William Avery “Billy” Bishop, VC.
Born in Owen Sound in 1894 to a lawyer and his wife, Bishop grew up in what was once called “the next Liverpool” for its port-city charm. He wasn’t particularly drawn to team sports as a boy, but he had a knack for marksmanship and an independent spirit—traits that would define his legacy.
When World War I broke out, Bishop joined the Mississauga Horse cavalry regiment, but quickly grew tired of the trenches and mud. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, reasoning—correctly—that war might be cleaner (and perhaps more thrilling) in the air. It turned out to be a life-changing move, both for him and the course of military aviation.
Bishop was fearless and preferred flying solo, where he quickly earned a reputation as a master tactician and marksman. By war’s end, he had been officially credited with 72 aerial victories, making him the top ace of the British Empire during WWI. The Germans came to know and fear him, calling him “Hell’s Handmaiden” and “the Greatest English Scouting Ace.”
After the war, Bishop married Margaret Eaton Burden, granddaughter of Timothy Eaton, founder of Eaton’s department stores. They wed at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Toronto.
He later went on to play a key role in the formation of the Royal Canadian Air Force and was promoted to the rank of Air Marshal during World War II, helping to inspire and train a new generation of Canadian airmen.
Billy Bishop passed away in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 11, 1956, at the age of just 62.
Next time you fly through Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, take a moment to remember the man behind the name—a recipient of the Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order & Bar, Military Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Légion d’honneur, and the Croix de Guerre with Palm.
What a Canadian hero.
1894-1956
As I was visiting Billy’s grave a vintage fighter plane flew above the cemetery.
See my related site of another Canadian flying ace, William Barker.
