True, his being RNAS automatically put him at the back of the bus. But I believe it went further than that.
IMO
Ray Collishaw had much in common with
Mick Mannock. Both came from poorer backgrounds and weren't part of the elite officer class of the RFC - Collishaw getting an even shorter end of the stick because he joined the Navy.
As a Canadian I can identify with issues that may not be as obvious to others. Collishaw came from British Columbia, the west coast of Canada. His acceptance by his eastern peers would be less than overwhelming; especially if other aces were in anyway in competition with him. By this I imply that the home front - being far in the majority eastern Canada - was cheering for the homeboys. Ask anyone in Canada today...few can name a canadian ace. The ones that do know one invariably answer "
Billy Bishop". The government and the press of the day saw anything west of Winnipeg as a northern hinterland. Dont get me wrong. I'm sure Bishop did everything he said he did <tongue in cheek> (I wont even mention Collie should have had more confirmations and credit for his balloon victorys).
However. I feel this lack of recognition contributed to Collishaw's success as a leader. Pilots under him would have respected the admirable no-nonsense qualities of this man and felt confident flying for/as the underdog.
In one way its a good thing Collishaw didnt get the VC; Mick had die for his and I'm sure Collie would have had to too.