Robert Bissett was born in Edmonton, Alberta and joined the RAF during April 1937. He graduated as a Pilot Officer in 1938 and was posted to 102 Squadron flying Whitleys. When the war began, he dropped propaganda leaflets over the Ruhr on the second day of the war. Robert then completed two full tours of operations with 51 and 97 Squadrons, again flying Whitleys. He then returned to Canada, spending time as an instructor.

S/L Bisset was posted to 405 Squadron as a Flight Commander when it was formed on 23 April 1941 as the first RCAF bomber squadron. Together with others, he was selected to provide a nucleus of trained Canadian personnel who had served in RAF units. The squadron was initially equipped with Wellingtons.

As well as an extremely experienced bomber pilot, S/L Bissett was also a nose artist. He painted his Wellington Mk. II with the Indian Head, named 'Thunder-Cloud'. This aircraft is believed to be W5497, which flew 31 operations from 22 June 1941 to 17 April 1942.

Robert also painted 'The Spirit of Marnie Cromer (It is not known who Marnie Cromer was) and 'Stop Me and Buy One'.

Like Robert Bisset, P/O D. Stewart Robertson of Calgary joined the Royal Air Force prior to the war and both flew Whitleys with 51 Squadron during 1940. The squadron's Operation Record Book shows that they operated on many of same operations. As both were from Alberta, they would certainly have know each other and likely became friends.

The nose at right was painted on P/O Robertson's Whitley and was likely painted by Robert Bisset.