(part 2 of 2)
Now, how many do we have that we KNOW of, who HAD problems with Bishop. *We have
Willy Fry, we have Grid Caldwell. *Some would say we have Spencer Horn, but until I see something that came directly from him, I think we should count him out. *Does anyone know of ANYONE else, who flew with Bishop that had doubts about him either during the war, or anytime thereafter?
To be fair this should be from some writing or such that can be attributed directly to the person who is questioned.
As to those who did not question Bishop, we have, Jack Scott, his CO in 60 Squadron, we have W. E. Molesworth, MC, who wrote a post-war story of his experiences for Popular Flying. *And even those who doubted Bishop "say" they liked him, that he was an outgoing and friendly fellow. *
Some would also add Spencer Horn. *But again, while we have more than enough evidence that shows Horn liked Bishop, there's still the nay-sayers who would insiste he belongs on the opposite list. *I say, let them cancel each other out. *In other Words, Horn is in the middle.
And, just as there are those who didn't fly with him that said they have their doubts, there are also those who didn't fly with him, who did NOT have any doubts. *Mr. Cowan even got one of them, Cecil Knight on film. *
What I think we REALLY have here, is a personality war. *But, and I have emphasize the "BUT," this is ONLY my opinion. *I have no proof either way.
I have emails that I have saved from when I first published my
Billy Bishop web site. *All of them talk about Bishop. *Some are from people who claim their relatives knew Bishop, some claim descendency from Bishop. *And at least 99% of them extoll his virtues and forget his vices. *Of all the emails and posts to a guest book I have there, MAYBE 1% tell about how this relative or that one disparaged (generally) him. *And they sometimes try to convince me, based on the disparaging remarks their long dead relative made, that I should give up my quest.
From all I have, all that I've read, and what I've been told, there is not enough against Bishop right now to convince me that he lied. *
You know, if some people were not so hot to tear him down. *And by "some" I am mostly referring to Brereton Greenhous now, I would probably see my site slowly vanish from the web. *But with this latest book, I've gotten the virtual shot in the arm that I needed to carry one. * *
I have made a concious decison to NOT attack any WWI pilot or airmen that might have attacked Bishop later in their lives. *And I will be going through my pages and making corrections to that effect. *However, I will have to point out that in EVERY case, the idea of jealousy HAS to be considered. *I'm not saying that is the case. *I don't know. *But I believe we must consider it as a possiblity.
Now, I have been (reliably I think) informed that jealousy was not the case with Willy Fry. *I'm willing to accept that as it comes from a person who knew him.
So, maybe Fry had legitimate doubts about Bishop. *I know he tells his story in a article published in C&C for him by Alex Revell. *Still, that is his opinion. *
In a court of law, I don't think that would be enough. *Now, if he had video tape, then maybe he'd have proof. *But it's too late for that now. *
I really wish I could have talked to him. *I might have gotten a better understanding. *But it's too late now.
I guess we'll just have to wait until someone invents the time machine.
VBR,
Al Lowe