9. William Avery Bishop
William Avery Bishop served the British Empire but also had allegiance with the Dominion of Canada. Following Richthofen, William Bishop has the second highest number of aerial victories during the First World War. Bishop is credited with a total of 72 kills which earned him the Victorian cross.
He was introduced to the art of aviation at the age of 15 and had an enthusiasm for guns. His eyesight in aviation had often been compared to that of an eagle as he was able to shoot targets at distances which the others couldn’t see or perceive.
Bishop was born a leader, and this quality helped him to lead his pack superbly through hostile territories without sustaining any hits. His success as a fighter pilot spread throughout the world in no time and when it came to the notice of the German Government, they named him “Hell’s Handmaiden”. In 1936, William Bishop was appointed the first Canadian Vice-Air Marshal. Then, shortly after the war, he was promoted to the honorary degree of Air Marshal.
There have been several controversies regarding the validity of his records since the number of witnesses were limited and in some cases, there wasn’t one. However, people still acknowledge him as one of the greatest air aces of the First World War and several tributes have been made over the years to honor his heroic deeds.
Because of his failing health, William Avery Bishop was politely refused by the RCAF during the outbreak of the Korean War. He died in his sleep on 11 September 1956, while wintering in Palm Beach, Florida.