Airport renamed for WW I flying ace

TORONTO, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- A day before Remembrance Day, the Toronto Port Authority said its downtown commuter airport would be renamed for World War I flying ace Billy Bishop.

The federal Transport Canada approved the name change to the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport from Toronto City Center Airport, and the formal switch is expected in mid-February, the authority said in a release Tuesday.

Bishop was credited with downing 72 German planes over Europe and was given Britain's highest military honor in 1917 after he single-handedly strafed and bombed a German base, the Toronto Star reported.

He re-enlisted for World War II and flew Spitfires over Europe and was active in recruiting efforts, the release said.

Meanwhile, officials in Bishop's hometown of Owen Sound, northwest of Toronto, were annoyed with Toronto's move, as their airport already carries the name Owen Sound Billy Bishop Regional Airport, the Star said.