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Lots of pilots did aerodrome raids...but not very often did they do it alone. *They didn't get VCs for it.
By this token, Bishop is to be awarded the VC because he did it alone? *Yes i know, mostly because of prior deeds, however had he done this thing with a partner(fry?) he would not have been given a VC. *I find that ironic. *By doing it alone, it's worthy of a VC, but by doing it alone it is very difficult to prove.
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The criteria for what would get you a VC in the air changed from moment to moment. Some of the first VC's were awarded just for bringing down an enemy machine.
What would get you a VC in 1915, MIGHT get you a DSO in 1916.
Bishop was recommended for the VC because so far as is known, he was the FIRST to attempt a raid on an enemy aerodrome. As to his being alone, he flew alone most of the time.
He DID invite Fry, and supposedly one other. But they declined, most likely because they were up partying the night before.
Would he have received the VC if Fry had gone along with? I don't know. It's still possible he might have been recommended for it. At least it would have given him a solid eye-witness.
Then again, maybe Bishop had already picked up on the animosity that Fry harboured toward Bishop. Maybe he "knew" that Fry would turn him down.
But, what was his plan if Fry did not? Engine trouble? Shoot his own wingman down? Or maybe, go ahead with the raid as planned???
I don't know. I do know that his medal was approved, and that leads me to believe that those in charge found some evidence they believed that let them approve his VC.
VBR,
Al Lowe