Air Marshal William Avery Bishop (1894–1956) was a highly distinguished Canadian flying ace who achieved historic prominence during the First World War. Officially credited with an extraordinary total of 72 victories, Bishop secured his legacy as the top-scoring ace of both Canada and the entire British Empire during the global conflict. His outstanding service and bravery in aerial combat earned him the Victoria Cross, one of the highest military decorations.
In his later career, Bishop continued to serve his country during the Second World War. Holding the rank of Air Marshal, he played an instrumental role in the development, establishment, and promotion of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Through this vital initiative, Bishop helped shape military aviation training, cementing his enduring legacy in Canadian military history.
