Bishop's Grit Gave Him Wings Be Bold: World War I fighter ace was short on natural skill, but long on passion.(A)

Byline: PETER BENESH

William Avery Bishop's first flight in 1906 was a flop. He and his orange-crate flying machine took off from the veranda roof of his house and landed in a lilac bush.

But 12-year-old Bishop refused to let it be his last. He would simply learn how to do better.

His willpower to achieve proved formidable. He went on to become Canada's top World War I fighter ace -- and one of the best in the world -- with 72 victories. He also won the Victoria Cross, the British Empire's highest award for valor. A living legend, he led Canada's pre-World War II campaign to recruit pilots -- especially from the U.S.

Bishop's first crash left him unscathed, says retired Royal Canadian Air Force Group Capt. A.J. Bauer. "But the orange crate was a write-off."

Bishop (1894-1956) grew up in Owen Sound, Ontario, then a bustling port for Great Lakes shipping. Canada in those days was a staunch member of the British Empire. The Union Jack was the national flag.

Bishop also had ties to the U.S. His mother came from Pennsylvania Dutch stock. His father was a lawyer and county registrar who encouraged his children to read. Young Billy eagerly complied.