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Portrait of Honorary Air Marshal Bishop by Alphone Jongers, oil on canvas, CWM 19680068-001
"Billy" Bishop is Canada's most famous military figure.
He went overseas as an officer with the Canadian Mounted Rifles,
transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, and served as an observer
in reconnaissance aircraft before training as a pilot. He gained
fame in 1917 flying the Nieuport 17 with No. 60 Squadron; in 1918
he commanded No. 85 Squadron, RAF, flying SE.5A aircraft.
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Bishop's medal set, CWM 19760521-001
William Avery Bishop was an international hero honoured with
many decorations, notably the Victoria Cross, for his daring
exploits and coolness in combat. The citation for his
Distinguished Flying Cross credited him with 72 aerial victories.
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