The Courage of the Early Morning: A Son's Biography of a Famous Father

Description

211 pages
Contains Index
$9.95
ISBN 0-7710-1524-0

Year

1985

Contributor

Vernon V. Kakoschke was a lawyer in the law department of Canadian Pacific.

Review

This biography of one of Canada’s most famous fighter pilots, Billy Bishop, is an intimate account of the man behind the legend. Written by the war hero’s son, it claims to be the only true story of Bishop’s life. As a result, it provides a somewhat one-sided view of the exploits of the author’s father and fails to mention any possible failings that he may have had. It stands in stark contrast to the recent controversial CBC film, which attempted to shatter certain myths concerning Bishop’s war record.

Nevertheless, the book is well written and enjoyable to read. It traces Bishop’s life from his boyhood days in Owen Sound to his difficulties at the Royal Military College in Kingston, where he was studying when World War I broke out. Following some brief training as a pilot, Bishop found himself on the front lines protecting the English Channel from the air. The many dramatic dogfights that he became involved in are set out in fascinating detail. Facts and figures are recited as further evidence of Bishop’s record of having shot down 72 enemy planes. Much of the research is based on letters that Bishop wrote home, on his personal diary, on RCAF war records, and on discussions with many war veterans who knew Bishop.

The title of the book is derived from a tribute that was published by the Montreal Gazette after his death: “For he had that courage which Napoleon once said was the rarest — the courage of the early morning.” In light of the many successful missions that Bishop flew at dawn, this is an appropriate description of a great Canadian flying ace. The book offers a well-documented rebuttal to any suggestion that Bishop was not, in fact, a legendary figure who has earned himself a spot in Canadian history.

Citation

Bishop, William Arthur, “The Courage of the Early Morning: A Son's Biography of a Famous Father,” Canadian Book Review Annual Online, accessed November 22, 2024, https://cbra.library.utoronto.ca/items/show/35560.