![Billy Bishop was a Canadian pilot who served in the Royal Flying Corps units 21, 60, and 85 during WWI. His first aviation experience was at 15 when he flew a homemade plane off the roof of his house.Bishop was called the "Lone Hawk," because he flew alone. Billy had extraordinary eyesight and his consistent practice helped him become a crack shot and a top ace of WWI.He scored 25 victories in just 12 days and was the first Canadian pilot to receive the Victoria Cross. During his last flight in just 15 minutes of combat, he shot down five aircraft. Bishop had a no-hold-barred way of flying and this always had him"at the front of the pack," as he led his pilots into enemy territory. It wasn't very long before Billy realized this style of flying could be his downfall. After one particular patrol a mechanic who worked on his plane counted 210 bullet holes in his aircraft.He soon adapted to a new flying method of using surprise to attack his enemy. This tactic proved very successful as he claimed 12 aircraft in April alone. He was a very adept ace and his skills won him the Military Cross and a promotion to captain for his participation at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Note: All of his 72 kills were never witnessed by anyone that is why they are only claimed and not confirmed.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/hash/7e/38/7e38b97a3bd9309602f40f39bce1faa8.jpg?itok=9Amw60YH "Billy Bishop was a Canadian pilot who served in the Royal Flying Corps units 21, 60, and 85 during WWI. His first aviation experience was at 15 when he flew a homemade plane off the roof of his house.Bishop was called the "Lone Hawk," because he flew alone. Billy had extraordinary eyesight and his consistent practice helped him become a crack shot and a top ace of WWI.He scored 25 victories in just 12 days and was the first Canadian pilot to receive the Victoria Cross. During his last flight in just 15 minutes of combat, he shot down five aircraft. Bishop had a no-hold-barred way of flying and this always had him"at the front of the pack," as he led his pilots into enemy territory. It wasn't very long before Billy realized this style of flying could be his downfall. After one particular patrol a mechanic who worked on his plane counted 210 bullet holes in his aircraft.He soon adapted to a new flying method of using surprise to attack his enemy. This tactic proved very successful as he claimed 12 aircraft in April alone. He was a very adept ace and his skills won him the Military Cross and a promotion to captain for his participation at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Note: All of his 72 kills were never witnessed by anyone that is why they are only claimed and not confirmed.")
![René Paul Fonck was a French ace and the highest scoring ace for the Allies in WWI. He used mathematical principles when he flew.It's said when you consider all succeeding aerial conflicts of the last two centuries, Fonck still holds the title of "all-time Allied Ace of Aces".René used his engineering knowledge when it came to the capabilities of the aircraft he flew. Fonck never took chances but was said to stalk his enemy waiting patiently, at higher altitudes, for his opportunity to make the kill.It was reported that he could take down an enemy aircraft with less then five bullets from his Vickers machine gun. Fonck didn't get into dogfights, the method he preferred was to surgically carry out merciless executions. René was quoted as saying, "I put my bullets into the target as if I placed them there by hand."History tells us he was a pilot with remarkable bravery and skill who engaged in a large number of aerial combats. It's reported that on August 6, 1916, he "resolutely attacked two strongly armed enemy planes, took on one in pursuit, and by a series of bold and skillful maneuvers, forced it to land uninjured within our lines." ](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/hash/c5/d0/c5d0a8710aa021cb21159f501f3bfbd2.jpg?itok=IgKkwq2f "René Paul Fonck was a French ace and the highest scoring ace for the Allies in WWI. He used mathematical principles when he flew.It's said when you consider all succeeding aerial conflicts of the last two centuries, Fonck still holds the title of "all-time Allied Ace of Aces".René used his engineering knowledge when it came to the capabilities of the aircraft he flew. Fonck never took chances but was said to stalk his enemy waiting patiently, at higher altitudes, for his opportunity to make the kill.It was reported that he could take down an enemy aircraft with less then five bullets from his Vickers machine gun. Fonck didn't get into dogfights, the method he preferred was to surgically carry out merciless executions. René was quoted as saying, "I put my bullets into the target as if I placed them there by hand."History tells us he was a pilot with remarkable bravery and skill who engaged in a large number of aerial combats. It's reported that on August 6, 1916, he "resolutely attacked two strongly armed enemy planes, took on one in pursuit, and by a series of bold and skillful maneuvers, forced it to land uninjured within our lines." ")
![Otherwise known as the Red Baron, Richthofen was the best pilot of WWI. A very little known fact about him was that he served in the trenches for a short time before becoming a pilot.When he started flying instructors considered him a below average aviator, he crashed during his first flight. However he quickly adapted and his legend grew. He was also known as the Red Knight of Germany.The British called him the Jolly Red Baron, and to the French he was known as the Red Devil. He was not a remarkable or acrobatic pilot, but he was rather a notable tactician, squadron leader and a fine marksman.Typically, during his attacks the Red Baron would dive from above to attack with the advantage of the sun behind him. He also had the advantage of Jasta pilots covering his rear and flanks. Richthofen had 22 kills in a month that became known as "Bloody April." During that month he downed 22 British aircraft, that tally included four in a single day.Oddly enough it was in the month of April (1918) that the Red Baron was shot down while chasing a novice pilot. It's said he was struck by a bullet fired from the ground. He managed to land his plane without much damage and his last words were said to have been "kaputt." ](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/76/57/76577ef888e8fc241d41583e1e13480d.jpg?itok=Yeyrnsb9 "Otherwise known as the Red Baron, Richthofen was the best pilot of WWI. A very little known fact about him was that he served in the trenches for a short time before becoming a pilot.When he started flying instructors considered him a below average aviator, he crashed during his first flight. However he quickly adapted and his legend grew. He was also known as the Red Knight of Germany.The British called him the Jolly Red Baron, and to the French he was known as the Red Devil. He was not a remarkable or acrobatic pilot, but he was rather a notable tactician, squadron leader and a fine marksman.Typically, during his attacks the Red Baron would dive from above to attack with the advantage of the sun behind him. He also had the advantage of Jasta pilots covering his rear and flanks. Richthofen had 22 kills in a month that became known as "Bloody April." During that month he downed 22 British aircraft, that tally included four in a single day.Oddly enough it was in the month of April (1918) that the Red Baron was shot down while chasing a novice pilot. It's said he was struck by a bullet fired from the ground. He managed to land his plane without much damage and his last words were said to have been "kaputt." ")
When WW I broke out a whole new type of warfare emerged, aerial combat. This new warfare brought on a new breed of fighting-man, one who had extreme courage and gallantry in the face of death.
WW I, was a dangerous time for pilots because aerial combat was something new, exciting and very dangerous. Many pilots crashed and were killed as a result of inexperience, and the aircraft of the time were hard to maneuver.
As a result of aerial combat, or dog fighting a new term was coined, the flying ace. An ace is a military aviator or airman who has at least five confirmed kills. French newspapers termed the phrase "ace" during WW I, when Adolphe Pegoud was described as l'as (French for ace) after he shot down five German aircraft.
The German government set the bar even higher for one to be considered an ace. A German pilot had to acquire 15 kills before they could be considered an ace. Upon achieving 15 kills a German pilot became eligible for the prestigious Pour le Merite award.
Britain and the U.S. followed the French example, for their pilots to become an ace they only had to have five kills in aerial combat. Both countries were more lenient in allowing probable victories to count. The British Distinguished Flying Cross was available to those pilots who had scored at least eight victories.
Their were requirements for aces there had to be independent confirmation of a kill. This often proved to be difficult in a sky full of enemy aircraft when dog fighting broke out. The following list is the best of the best during WW I.
![Otherwise known as the Red Baron, Richthofen was the best pilot of WWI. A very little known fact about him was that he served in the trenches for a short time before becoming a pilot.When he started flying instructors considered him a below average aviator, he crashed during his first flight. However he quickly adapted and his legend grew. He was also known as the Red Knight of Germany.The British called him the Jolly Red Baron, and to the French he was known as the Red Devil. He was not a remarkable or acrobatic pilot, but he was rather a notable tactician, squadron leader and a fine marksman.Typically, during his attacks the Red Baron would dive from above to attack with the advantage of the sun behind him. He also had the advantage of Jasta pilots covering his rear and flanks. Richthofen had 22 kills in a month that became known as "Bloody April." During that month he downed 22 British aircraft, that tally included four in a single day.Oddly enough it was in the month of April (1918) that the Red Baron was shot down while chasing a novice pilot. It's said he was struck by a bullet fired from the ground. He managed to land his plane without much damage and his last words were said to have been "kaputt." ](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/16/d1/16d1ebd3e4bdf8a692a2d96611975cf7.jpg?itok=LlENNHTM "Otherwise known as the Red Baron, Richthofen was the best pilot of WWI. A very little known fact about him was that he served in the trenches for a short time before becoming a pilot.When he started flying instructors considered him a below average aviator, he crashed during his first flight. However he quickly adapted and his legend grew. He was also known as the Red Knight of Germany.The British called him the Jolly Red Baron, and to the French he was known as the Red Devil. He was not a remarkable or acrobatic pilot, but he was rather a notable tactician, squadron leader and a fine marksman.Typically, during his attacks the Red Baron would dive from above to attack with the advantage of the sun behind him. He also had the advantage of Jasta pilots covering his rear and flanks. Richthofen had 22 kills in a month that became known as "Bloody April." During that month he downed 22 British aircraft, that tally included four in a single day.Oddly enough it was in the month of April (1918) that the Red Baron was shot down while chasing a novice pilot. It's said he was struck by a bullet fired from the ground. He managed to land his plane without much damage and his last words were said to have been "kaputt." ")
![René Paul Fonck was a French ace and the highest scoring ace for the Allies in WWI. He used mathematical principles when he flew.It's said when you consider all succeeding aerial conflicts of the last two centuries, Fonck still holds the title of "all-time Allied Ace of Aces".René used his engineering knowledge when it came to the capabilities of the aircraft he flew. Fonck never took chances but was said to stalk his enemy waiting patiently, at higher altitudes, for his opportunity to make the kill.It was reported that he could take down an enemy aircraft with less then five bullets from his Vickers machine gun. Fonck didn't get into dogfights, the method he preferred was to surgically carry out merciless executions. René was quoted as saying, "I put my bullets into the target as if I placed them there by hand."History tells us he was a pilot with remarkable bravery and skill who engaged in a large number of aerial combats. It's reported that on August 6, 1916, he "resolutely attacked two strongly armed enemy planes, took on one in pursuit, and by a series of bold and skillful maneuvers, forced it to land uninjured within our lines." ](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/3f/7b/3f7b2ea8cfdbf14b81727de1ef1587f9.jpg?itok=KqfA-5jc "René Paul Fonck was a French ace and the highest scoring ace for the Allies in WWI. He used mathematical principles when he flew.It's said when you consider all succeeding aerial conflicts of the last two centuries, Fonck still holds the title of "all-time Allied Ace of Aces".René used his engineering knowledge when it came to the capabilities of the aircraft he flew. Fonck never took chances but was said to stalk his enemy waiting patiently, at higher altitudes, for his opportunity to make the kill.It was reported that he could take down an enemy aircraft with less then five bullets from his Vickers machine gun. Fonck didn't get into dogfights, the method he preferred was to surgically carry out merciless executions. René was quoted as saying, "I put my bullets into the target as if I placed them there by hand."History tells us he was a pilot with remarkable bravery and skill who engaged in a large number of aerial combats. It's reported that on August 6, 1916, he "resolutely attacked two strongly armed enemy planes, took on one in pursuit, and by a series of bold and skillful maneuvers, forced it to land uninjured within our lines." ")
![Billy Bishop was a Canadian pilot who served in the Royal Flying Corps units 21, 60, and 85 during WWI. His first aviation experience was at 15 when he flew a homemade plane off the roof of his house.Bishop was called the "Lone Hawk," because he flew alone. Billy had extraordinary eyesight and his consistent practice helped him become a crack shot and a top ace of WWI.He scored 25 victories in just 12 days and was the first Canadian pilot to receive the Victoria Cross. During his last flight in just 15 minutes of combat, he shot down five aircraft. Bishop had a no-hold-barred way of flying and this always had him"at the front of the pack," as he led his pilots into enemy territory. It wasn't very long before Billy realized this style of flying could be his downfall. After one particular patrol a mechanic who worked on his plane counted 210 bullet holes in his aircraft.He soon adapted to a new flying method of using surprise to attack his enemy. This tactic proved very successful as he claimed 12 aircraft in April alone. He was a very adept ace and his skills won him the Military Cross and a promotion to captain for his participation at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Note: All of his 72 kills were never witnessed by anyone that is why they are only claimed and not confirmed.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/0a/f0/0af0cf6cf357a36031f1bdfe7434960c.jpg?itok=GkcLE0KD "Billy Bishop was a Canadian pilot who served in the Royal Flying Corps units 21, 60, and 85 during WWI. His first aviation experience was at 15 when he flew a homemade plane off the roof of his house.Bishop was called the "Lone Hawk," because he flew alone. Billy had extraordinary eyesight and his consistent practice helped him become a crack shot and a top ace of WWI.He scored 25 victories in just 12 days and was the first Canadian pilot to receive the Victoria Cross. During his last flight in just 15 minutes of combat, he shot down five aircraft. Bishop had a no-hold-barred way of flying and this always had him"at the front of the pack," as he led his pilots into enemy territory. It wasn't very long before Billy realized this style of flying could be his downfall. After one particular patrol a mechanic who worked on his plane counted 210 bullet holes in his aircraft.He soon adapted to a new flying method of using surprise to attack his enemy. This tactic proved very successful as he claimed 12 aircraft in April alone. He was a very adept ace and his skills won him the Military Cross and a promotion to captain for his participation at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Note: All of his 72 kills were never witnessed by anyone that is why they are only claimed and not confirmed.")
![Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor was a signaler in the Duke of Edinburgh's Own Rifles seeing action in German South-West Africa during WWI.Andrew was discharged from the Army in 1915, then finished his education. He was commissioned in 1917, in the British Army. He served in the Royal Flying Corps, and the Royal Air Force in unit 84, during WWI.The seat of his S.E. 5a had to be raised due to his stature of 5' 2" so he could reach the controls. He became the British Empire's champion "balloon-buster" by destroying 16 of them.Beauchamp-Proctor was the recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Andrew was South Africa's leading ace of WWI.Beauchamp-Proctor was killed on June 21, 1921, in a training accident while flying a Sopwith Snipe. He was preparing for an air show RAF Hendon. Witnesses say his aircraft went into a vicious spin after he performed a slow loop he was killed when his aircraft crashed into the ground.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/9b/68/9b687f72ef7cf2dcbd1821b807a61d17.jpg?itok=cPe-hufg "Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor was a signaler in the Duke of Edinburgh's Own Rifles seeing action in German South-West Africa during WWI.Andrew was discharged from the Army in 1915, then finished his education. He was commissioned in 1917, in the British Army. He served in the Royal Flying Corps, and the Royal Air Force in unit 84, during WWI.The seat of his S.E. 5a had to be raised due to his stature of 5' 2" so he could reach the controls. He became the British Empire's champion "balloon-buster" by destroying 16 of them.Beauchamp-Proctor was the recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Andrew was South Africa's leading ace of WWI.Beauchamp-Proctor was killed on June 21, 1921, in a training accident while flying a Sopwith Snipe. He was preparing for an air show RAF Hendon. Witnesses say his aircraft went into a vicious spin after he performed a slow loop he was killed when his aircraft crashed into the ground.")
![Donald Roderick MacLaren was a Canadian ace during WWI, and served in the Royal Flying Corps, unit 46. He joined the Corps in 1917.MacLaren was described as "bold in attack and skilful in maneuver," he scored the most victories of any pilot who flew the Sopwith Camel.MacLaren claimed 1 aircraft shared captured, 5 (and 1 shared) balloons destroyed, 15 (and 6 shared) aircraft destroyed, and 18 (and 8 shared) aircraft down out of control. This was despite the fact that Donald wasn't in his first dogfight wasn't until February 1918. He scored all his victories in only nine monthsDonald won the Military Cross in 1918, for destroying a railway gun with the bombs he carried, then shot down a balloon and two German LVG two-seaters. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Distinguished Service Order, the French Legion of Honour, and Croix de guerre. After the war he helped to establish the Royal Canadian Air Force. ](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/6b/07/6b07e45f9bd761226c3d98fc3a3b601f.jpg?itok=qIJv0yxP "Donald Roderick MacLaren was a Canadian ace during WWI, and served in the Royal Flying Corps, unit 46. He joined the Corps in 1917.MacLaren was described as "bold in attack and skilful in maneuver," he scored the most victories of any pilot who flew the Sopwith Camel.MacLaren claimed 1 aircraft shared captured, 5 (and 1 shared) balloons destroyed, 15 (and 6 shared) aircraft destroyed, and 18 (and 8 shared) aircraft down out of control. This was despite the fact that Donald wasn't in his first dogfight wasn't until February 1918. He scored all his victories in only nine monthsDonald won the Military Cross in 1918, for destroying a railway gun with the bombs he carried, then shot down a balloon and two German LVG two-seaters. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Distinguished Service Order, the French Legion of Honour, and Croix de guerre. After the war he helped to establish the Royal Canadian Air Force. ")
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