Born in British Columbia in 1893, Collishaw transferred to the Royal Naval Air Service from the merchant service in 1916, first flying Sopwith 1 1/2-Strutters; by the end of that year he had destroyed three enemy aircraft. After a short spell flying Pups with No. 3 (Naval) Squadron, was appointed ‘B’ Flight commander on No.10 (Naval) Squadron, flying Sopwith Triplanes.
Under his leadership ‘Black Flight’ of ‘Naval Ten’ became one of the most successful of all Allied units in France, all its pilots being Canadians. Although his own score reached 40 by the end of 1917, it was for his leadership that he was most respected. He subsequently took his victory tally to 60 while commanding Nos 3 and 13 (Naval) Squadrons in 1918.
Collishaw was awarded the CB, DSO and Bar, OBE, DSC, and DFC.
After the war he rose to become an Air Marshal in the RAF and pursued a distinguished career during World War II.
All Aero 