Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Thomson
Hmmm...8 Sqn RNAS...
Wasn't that Collishaws outfit?
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Canadian Air Vice Marshal Raymond Collishaw CB, DSO & Bar, OBE, DSC, DFC was part of or commanded many of the RNAS but I don't believe he flew with No. 8. During this period, late 1916, he qualified as a pilot joined 3rd Wing in Ochey, France, flying Sopwith 1½ Strutters.
His first victory came on October 12th, 1916. He is unofficially credited with 81 kills. This would have put him ahead of the "Red Baron" and top British Empire ace Billy Bishop. The reason for the descrepancy is that he had a habit of giving credit to junior pilots for his kills as a confidence builder. Many who served with him recalled being taken out by him to "bag one". As it is he is rated as second only to Billy Bishop within the British Empire. Two Canadian boys do good.