Billy Bishop's Son

15 May 2002, 09:37 AM

W.A.Bishop has become known here in Canada as a writer. I know he served as a pilot in WW2, flying Spitfires with 401 Sqn.,and apparently on June 7, 1944 he and another pilot destroyed a Ju.88 bomber.
Does anyone have any information on other claims he may have made?

Barrett · 15 May 2002, 04:16 PM

According to an item I cannot find anymore (situation normal) Junior Bishop said, "Father and I did quite well, between us we shot down 73 German airplanes."

Frank_Olynyk · 15 May 2002, 07:02 PM

F/O William Arthur Bishop was credited with a half share in a Ju-88 on June 7, 1944 at 0920 hours in the Caen area. *He was in 401 Squadron, flying a Spitfire IXb MX774. * He shared it with F/Lt George Bremner Murray (RCAF, serial J15476), flying Spitfire IXb MJ246. *I would assume that Bishop was also RCAF, but I have been unable to determine his serial number.

The combat reports are in Air 50/136, frames 135 and 155 on the microfilm copy. *Confirmation is in 2nd TAF Combats and Casualties Report (Part 2), page 17. *Bishop has no other claims. *Bremner has three destroyed, all half-shares, two probables, and five damaged.

Frank.

16 May 2002, 03:00 AM

Many thanks,guys.

17 May 2002, 05:26 AM

Quote:

F/O William Arthur Bishop was credited with a half share in a Ju-88 on June 7, 1844 at 0920 hours in the Caen area.

I didn't realize Arthur was that old. He looks good for his age, to be flying combat in 1844.

I first met Arthur back in 1990, and over the years have met all of Arthur's family. The National Post ran an interview with Arthur last month regarding the new book on his dad.