John Connell Freeborn

John Connell Freeborn was born on 1 December 1919 in Middleton, Yorkshire, and educated at Leeds Grammar School. He joined the RAF on a short service commission in early 1938 and was posted to No. 74 Squadron at Hornchurch that October, flying Gloster Gauntlets and then Supermarine Spitfires. On 6 September 1939, days into the war, he was involved in the “Battle of Barking Creek,” a tragic friendly-fire incident in which two Hurricanes were shot down; Freeborn was cleared by court martial. He flew intensively through the Dunkirk evacuation and the Battle of Britain, becoming one of 74 Squadron’s leading pilots. His Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted on 13 August 1940, recognised his part in nearly every offensive patrol and four confirmed victories; a Bar followed in February 1941. He later instructed, served as a liaison officer with the USAAF, and commanded No. 118 Squadron and a wing in Italy. Released as a wing commander in 1946, he died on 28 August 2010.