Lives of the First World War

The Nieuport aircraft with its 110 horse-power engine and Lewis Gun was a formidable aerial fighting machine. In this staged photograph, Bishop is displaying his ability with the twenty-nine pound Lewis Gun which fired a .303 calibre projectile at a muzzle velocity of over 2,800 feet per second.

When this photograph was taken, Billy Bishop, aged 21, had downed 17 German aircraft. By the end of the War, he was reported to have had 72 “kills.” His youth, charm and prowess as an aerial warrior made him an instant hero with the Canadian public.

William Avery Bishop 60 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps William Avery Bishop, better known as Billy Bishop, Royal Flying Corps was awarded the VC

Billy Bishop VC. Nice signed 10" x 7" (approx.) magazine type photo with genuine ink signed signature. Good condition other than small pinhole on dark background top right corner. This item is now getting quite Air Marshal William Avery "Billy" Bishop, VC, CB, DSO & Bar, MC, DFC, ED, LL.D. (8 February 1894 ? 11 September 1956) was a Canadian First World War flying ace, officially credited with 72 victories, making him the top Canadian ace of the war.

Ranks and associated appointments of the RFC 1912. Army ranks were in use until 1 August 1919, when Air Ministry Weekly Order 973 introduced new rank titles for RAF officers.