William Avery `` Billy '' Bishop ( 8 February 1894 â `` 11 September 1956 ) was a Canadian flying ace from World War I. He won 72 fights , making him the top Canadian flying ace . Air Marshal William Avery `` Billy '' Bishop VC , CB , DSO & Bar , MC , DFC , ED ( 8 February 1894 -- 11 September 1956 ) was a Canadian First World War flying ace , officially credited with 72 victories , making him the top Canadian ace , and according to some sources , the top ace of the British Empire .