Canadian Winners of the Victoria Cross

John410 · 14 October 2009, 11:24 PM

Just a note of information for those interested in VC winners. I had the opportunity to meet Arthur Bishop (

Billy Bishop's son) twice and the last time was at the publication of his book "Our Bravest & Our Best: Canadian Victoria Cross Winners: Their True Stories" Arthur Bishop, Published by McGraw-Hill Ryerson.
For interest, he was a Spitfire pilot in WW2 and I first met him when he was flying in the Reserve at RCAF Stn Toronto (Avenue Rd). Also I remember the seat from one of Billy Bishop's aircrafts was on display at the Empire Club on University Avenue in Toronto. Also, if one wishes to see what the real Billy Bishop looked like you may see him presenting Wings at the wartime RCAF Stn Trenton, Ontario, in the very colourful (but lots of artistic license!) Motion Picture "Captains of The Clouds" ....Jack

VtwinVince · 16 October 2009, 02:39 PM

Jack, you're right, Bishop has written many good books over the years. I've corresponded with him in the past, and he's always a most helpful person. He flew ops with 401 RCAF, whose CO was my old friend, Rod Smith (RIP).

John410 · 16 October 2009, 07:14 PM

Good to hear my note twigged a nice memory for you. I was stationed at the Institute of Aviation Medicine 54 to 49 when I met Arthur Bishop at a Reserve Sqn Party. The second time was at Trenton, Ontario, at the Local Library Club Book Introduction evening. Very approachable gent. I am unaware whether he has written any books since.
Cheers....Jack