Billy Bishop Again

I only recently discovered this website and for the past few weeks I have been working my way through the mass of information contained herein. It was with great interest that I read Mr. David Johnson's remarks concerning the Billy Bishop controversy. I am Canadian and an aviation enthusiast, which means that I have followed with great interest the seemingly endless controversy about Bishop's record.

While I have no desire to reopen the debate, I would like to make a few observations about Mr. Johnson's statements.

For one, I find it amazing that someone passing judgement on a topic relating to WW I aviation would not be familiar with the operating principal of the rotary engine. Perhaps Mr. Johnson should do a little more research in that area.

Secondly, Mr. Johnson's suggestion that Bishop was awarded the Victoria Cross in order to provide a war-weary population with a hero is questionable to say the least. Perhaps he should read the introductory chapter of Above the Trenches, which summarizes the British position on decorations and publicity very well. Moreover, if the British wanted to produce a hero, I very much doubt they would have selected an anonymous Canadian.

Third, I am always struck by the virulence of the attacks on Bishop's record. Whatever one may say about him, Bishop certainly evokes strong feelings, whether for him or against him. It would indeed be interesting to see how well the records of some of Bishop's contemporaries could stand up to a similar level of scrutiny.

David Johnston

This is one of many topics where trying to convince another forumite of your position is more difficult than getting water from rocks.

Other topics that are an apparent waste of time include(but are not limited to):

MvR's death.
British Empire and commonwealth claims
Frank Luke
2 VS 20
anything off topic - not in off topic section(this is good i guess)
The color of Voss' dr1
The merits of Fat Hermann Göring (as JG1 leader or otherwise)

Unless you have some forgotten piece of evidence or some insight from a new source, there is no point. Opinions hold little value on these boards, I suppose it's good in finding info on the forums is faster...even though perhaps more "dry".

[RLWP]

Anything to do with applying protective finishes or camouflages to fabric covered aircraft seems fairly emotive too.....

Richard

[Lufbery]

I only recently discovered this website and for the past few weeks I have been working my way through the mass of information contained herein

Welcome! Hang around for a while. I've learned more than I thught was possible by posting and reading posts here.

By the way, for a moment I thought you were critisizing yourself 'till I noticed the "t" in your last name. :P

Regards,

Anything to do with applying protective finishes or camouflages to fabric covered aircraft seems fairly emotive too.....

*

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Any thread which goes beyond 7 replies

[Barrett]

When a BB thread appears without an immediate response from Al Lowe, you just KNOW there's room for genuine concern.
Anybody have a sighting on Al?

[Craig]

Where's Al?
Here - this should work:

Billy Bishop was a liar, a drunk, and had halitosis!

Shouldn't be long now . . . .

[Craig]

That usually works. I'm worried, too.
Shall we set forth the hounds?

[Barker]

Hello Everybody!!!!!

How does one lay off an entry with a handle like....

(Barker, another gent who no doubt fabricated the lot)

Qn: Does anyone who flew in The Great War have a record that stands time's test?

Cheers-
Barker

Hello Everybody!!!!!

How does one lay off an entry with a handle like....

(Barker, another gent who no doubt fabricated the lot)

Qn: Does anyone who flew in The Great War have a record that stands time's test?

Cheers-
Barker

heh, this is new...and just how do you come to the conclusion that Barker "Fabricated the lot?"