William Avery "Billy" Bishop 1894-1956

William Avery "Billy" Bishop and his Boyhood Home
(1894-1956)

and

William Avery Bishop, V.C., 1894-1956

There are three plaques about this gentleman in The City of Owen Sound.
All can be seen on this page.

Photos and transcription by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted October, 2011

Photo Source - Wikipedia

Plaque Location

The County of Grey
The City of Owen Sound
At the Billy Bishop Boyhood Home National Historic Site
948 3rd Avenue West between 9th Street West and 10th Street West

Coordinates: N 44 33.967 W 80 56.841

Plaque Text

Billy Bishop won renown as a pilot with the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force during World War I by shooting down at least 72 enemy aircraft and leading other daring missions against the enemy. For these exploits he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the D.S.O. and other medals for bravery, becoming Canada's most decorated serviceman. Born in Owen Sound, he was educated here and at Royal Military College, Kingston. His later life was spent largely in England and Montreal. During part of World War II he served with the Royal Canadian Air Force in Ottawa as an honorary Air Marshal.

Photos and transcription by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted October, 2011

Plaque Text

This house is the birthplace and childhood home of Billy Bishop, the legendary flying ace who won renown with the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force during the First World War. In 1917 and 1918, Bishop flew daring missions in his Nieuport and SE5 scout aircraft, and was credited with shooting down 72 enemy aircraft. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, and other medals for valour, becoming one of Canada's most decorated servicemen. Today, the house stands as a memorial to the small-town boy who became a celebrated aviation idol and remains today one of Canada's most recognized national heroes.

Photo by contributor Kim Allerton - Posted June, 2005

Photo by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted October, 2011

Plaque Location

The County of Grey
The City of Owen Sound
In a park on the northeast corner of
1st Avenue West and 8th Street West

Coordinates: N 44 33.829 W 80 56.661

Plaque Text

Born in Owen Sound, "Billy" Bishop was attending the Royal Military College when war was declared in 1914. He first joined a cavalry unit, but in 1915 transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. Courage and marksmanship made him one of the war's greatest fighting pilots, credited officially with the destruction of 72 enemy aircraft. When hostilities ended he was the youngest lieutenant-colonel of the air force and had won the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross. During World War II he became a director of recruiting for the R.C.A.F. with the rank of air marshal.

More
Information

More
Military People and Victoria Cross Recipients

Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

Posted February 2, 2011
What a great man. One of many Canada can be justifiably proud.

Posted October 25, 2009
Billy Bishop is truely a hero

Here's where you can write a comment for this page.

Note: If you wish to ask me a question, please use the email link in the menu.

Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours
(usually much sooner).