Percy Bishop was born in Berkshire and gained his aeronautical skills in the automobile engineering industry. Such was his technical knowledge that at the outbreak of WW1 he was placed in charge of the Inspection Department of The Royal Aircraft Factory at Farnborough. He invented many scientific instruments for gauging aeroplane parts. He was widely respected throughout the aviation world. He was also a keen sportsman, having played for the Wasps Rugby Club (later Vice Chairman) was Chairman of the Air Ministry Football Club and had close connections to the Air Ministry Athletic Association.
Tragically, lost his life in the loss of the R101 on 5th October 1930.
In his obituary, his friend Dr A P Thurston remembers him thu:s “His chief characteristics were an intense and unfailing kindness and an understanding of men, coupled with loyalty and highly efficient practical knowledge of automobile and aeronautical engineering”.